Fuse for dash lights

[Woofer]

I'm hoping someone can help me to figure out which fuse is used for the dash lights on my 2012. I'd like to disable the door ajar light. I assumed it was the "Panel" fuse at the #2 position on the driver's side fuse panel, but when I tried that it didn't disable the light. I tried a few others, and had a look in the engine compartment panel as well, but no luck with any of the ones I pulled.

I was in the field at the time so didn't want to mess around too much, especially as my confidence in electrical matters is rather limited.

I've got a hatch tent, so want to leave the hatch open for 15+ hours. My assumption is that the dash light doesn't draw enough current to drain the battery too much, and I do carry a booster pack, but as I am a good 40-50 miles from any assistance where I'm camping I'd prefer to just pull the appropriate fuse and not have to worry about backup plans.

I suppose I could just go out to my truck and pull fuses until I get the right one, but figure someone will know (and spare me the awkward reach under the dash to the terribly placed panel!). Thanks for any insights offered...

 

[J-Roc]

I’m no car electronic professional, but I don’t believe it’s as simple as that.
There wouldn’t be a fuse for just one single light on the dash, it would be for multiple lights/electronics.
I think the solution to your problem would be, to remove the light bulb that illuminates the symbol from behind the instrument cluster.
Not sure how easy/possible that is in our 5th gens.

 

[Woofer]

I’m no car electronic professional, but I don’t believe it’s as simple as that.
There wouldn’t be a fuse for just one single light on the dash, it would be for multiple lights/electronics.
I think the solution to your problem would be, to remove the light bulb that illuminates the symbol from behind the instrument cluster.
Not sure how easy/possible that is in our 5th gens.

Thanks. The fuse I thought was right was labeled something like “Instrument Gauges”, or similar. I assumed it would disable all the dash lights, which I was fine with. I just don’t want the one that stays on when the hatch is open to light up. The rest are immaterial when not driving. I agree that it won’t be setup to isolate a specific one, but that’s not a big deal. I may just go back to pulling fuses until I find the right one. I’m home now, so it’s not so dire if I break one or something.

 

[ElectroBoy]

The dash light (door open indicator) is probably controlled by a direct output from an ECU. You don’t want to unpower that.

Here’s what you do:
- Open rear hatch door.
- Take a chop stick or similar tool and close the hatch locking mechanism.
- It takes two separate clicks to do it.
- Put a big red sticker somewhere so you remember to open the latch before you slam the door. Otherwise you’ll F* up the mechanism.
- To open the latch mechanism push the spongy door release button on the outside of the hatch door.
- Now shut the hatch.

 

[Woofer]

The dash light (door open indicator) is probably controlled by a direct output from an ECU. You don’t want to unpower that.

Here’s what you do:
- Open rear hatch door.
- Take a chop stick or similar tool and close the hatch locking mechanism.
- It takes two separate clicks to do it.
- Put a big red sticker somewhere so you remember to open the latch before you slam the door. Otherwise you’ll F* up the mechanism.
- To open the latch mechanism push the spongy door release button on the outside of the hatch door.
- Now shut the hatch.

Thank you!! I figured the switch was somewhere in the locking mechanism (unlike on the other doors where it’s right on the frame) but didn’t know how to get it to trigger. I will have to go and find some chopsticks now... Appreciate the photos as well.