2002 Hyundai Accent - Dash Light problems
 

The 2002 Hyundai Accent's dash lights do not work properly. In the
evenings when the headlights are turned on the dash lights may turn on
too; however, after an unspecified amount of time the dashlights will
turn off. This only affects the instrument panel behind the steering
wheel, which houses the speedometer, gas gauge, etc.

After a while the dash lights might turn back on. There is no specific
manner or activity which may trigger it to turn back on. For instance,
on night, I was going on a trip to the neighboring city (about 60 miles
away), I started the vehicle and turned on the lights. As I was
starting to pull out of the garage the dash lights turned off. I
continued to drive and after about 5 minutes they turned back on for
about 30 seconds (if that). I got on the highway and continued my
trip...during this drive time (about 50 miles) the dash lights would
turn on and off intermittingly. I thought I would "test" the problem. I
would accelerate and most of the time there was no change, then I would
brake, and most of the time there was no change either. Even when drive
over rough patches in the road it still did not have an impact of the
problem. This dispelled my thoughts of a loose wire...am I wrong?

There is nothing wrong (does not affect) with the other lights in the
car, the headlights, brake lights, blinkers, and middle instrument
panel (clock, radio, a/c, etc.) when the dash lights go out.

I have taken the vehicle to dealer for service and they could not
duplicate the problem. I question their knowledge because I clearly
informed them the problem occurs at night and they were attempting to
duplicate in the daytime.

Are there others who have this similar type of problem? How can I get
this problem fixed? Am I talking "girl" to them in my explanation of
the problem, what might I say that can get this problem resolved?

By the way, their resolution to this is "...the car is 5 years old, you
should just get another one..."

Please help!!!!