Dashboard Dims?

[Larry Twitchell]

I've noticed the dashboard suddenly dimming a few (3) different times. Some time later it returns to normal brightness. Each occasion has been either early in the morning or a very cloudy day. Any ideas?

 

Thanks

[thavil]

Your dashboard lights will dim if your headlights automatically come on.

[Larry Twitchell]

Wondered if that was the reason but thought that using DRLs would offset that. Thanks for your response. I think you're correct.

[mwr]

When the headlights come on, "it" thinks it's dark outside so dims the dash lights. You can adjust the brightness of the dimmed lights with a pressure switch that's just to the right of the headlight switch (if you have fog lights) or on both sides of the headlight switch (if you don't have fog lights).

[Waldo]

The dash dimming isn't specifically tied to the headlights coming on, but it does use the same light sensor. For example if you turn on the wipers in the middle of a sunny day, it will turn the headlights on, but it will not dim the dash. Also if you have the headlights in the ON position, it will not dim the dash until the light sensor tells it that it is dark outside.

 

Also note that there are too different "dimming memories". One for daytime setting and one for night setting. You can have the day setting at full bright but the night setting at full dark, so when they switch it's very noticeable. Or you can have the day setting at full dark and the night setting at full bright and when they switch you would not even notice it.

 

DRLs do not change the way any of the auto lighting works.

Edited March 22, 2016 by Waldo