OK as a Dad I will just add this. Are you doing things to the car you should not be doing???
If it is your car then work on it and enjoy it. Or is it that if something breaks then HE has to fix it and gets upset. I know I've been there.

If you want to continue to work on it ASK FIRST, here at the forum, and we will help you thru it.

Bulbs. Check the rheostat and see if it Will working correctly. Dimming and brightening the lights. Second replace the bulbs with new ones, not brighter, newer. As bulbs wear out they deposit a film on the inside of the bulb causing it to produce less light. The illumination should be quite adequate with new bulbs.

Now check here before removing the various dashes and consoles to replace all the bulbs.

And ask you Dad before you do it.

Dave, a Dad

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car