can the illumination of the instument panel be improved ny way?

Renew the bulbs.

Picasso Instrument Display (Changing Bulbs)

The centre plastic oval has three small slots in its upper lip which are used to ease this bit carefully out, using an appropriate tool (use small flat screwdrivers or similar).
The complete module is retained by two Torx screws and two spring clips which pull away with the module. Then unclip the two module plugs, first releasing the retaining clips. the module can then be worked on, on your lap. The lamp holders are removed with a 1/4 anti-clockwise turn using pliers - 9 for the back lighting and millions for the warning lights. Good lamps should read about 13 ohms across the terminals.

Halfords sell the lamps (part No 286) at 99p each.

Reverse procedure to put back again, then reset clock, date etc...

I'd change all the display illuminating bulbs while you're at it as they'll all be getting old, even if they haven't all failed yet. Otherwise sod's law says you'll get it all back together, only to find that another one has failed.

ChicksFan
April 2012