Dash Lights too bright with lights on

[daveleeprius]

So I usually leave the headlight switch in the "on" position in my 07 Prius. That way when I start the car, the lights turn on, and when I turn the car off and open the door, the lights turn off. Easy. Yesterday when I started the car and drove down the road, I noticed the speedo display panel was really bright (it was a dark rainy day outside). So I tried to use the panel wheel to lower the intensity, and nothing happened. So then I turned the headlights off and on again, and the speedo panel illumination went down to normal. When you turn the lights off, the panel illumination will increase for daytime viewing, but since I always have the lights on, they are always dimmer.

Anyone else notice this? It's not a big deal, but notable.

Dave

[Tideland Prius]

Well we have AUTO headlights up here in Canada and the dash will automatically dim whenever the lights come on or, if they're already on, when the sensor deems that the ambient light is dim (e.g. going through a tree-lined road where the branches actually shade the road).

[seasalsa]

Dave,
Must be a change in the programing, my 04 dimmer switch works with the lights on. I too drive with the lights on all the time and can control the intensity of the dash lights and MFD with the dimmer.

[daveleeprius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Dec 11 2006, 01:40 PM) [snapback]360445[/snapback]</div>

Well we have AUTO headlights up here in Canada and the dash will automatically dim whenever the lights come on or, if they're already on, when the sensor deems that the ambient light is dim (e.g. going through a tree-lined road where the branches actually shade the road).
[/b]

I believe Auto headlights come in a package, I've got the base 07 model. While Auto would be nice, I prefer to drive with the headlights on all the time, even in sunshine during the day. If I can give that car ahead of me (or pedestrian) a fraction of a moment more warning that I am coming and avoid an accident, it's worth the extra battery usage.

Dave

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(seasalsa @ Dec 11 2006, 03:20 PM) [snapback]360529[/snapback]</div>

Dave,
Must be a change in the programing, my 04 dimmer switch works with the lights on. I too drive with the lights on all the time and can control the intensity of the dash lights and MFD with the dimmer.
[/b]

Yes, normally I can too, but this time there was no effect with the dimmer wheel. I'll see if it happens again, and maybe take a trip to the dealer to see if they have heard of it.

I think I've also noticed the MFD brighter at night than it should be, then when I turn it off and back on, it is better.

Dave

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveLeePrius @ Dec 11 2006, 12:42 PM) [snapback]360542[/snapback]</div>

I believe Auto headlights come in a package, I've got the base 07 model. While Auto would be nice, I prefer to drive with the headlights on all the time, even in sunshine during the day. If I can give that car ahead of me (or pedestrian) a fraction of a moment more warning that I am coming and avoid an accident, it's worth the extra battery usage.

Dave
Yes, normally I can too, but this time there was no effect with the dimmer wheel. I'll see if it happens again, and maybe take a trip to the dealer to see if they have heard of it.

I think I've also noticed the MFD brighter at night than it should be, then when I turn it off and back on, it is better.

Dave
[/b]

It's not a package. US cars don't come equipped with auto headlights (only auto-off).


Hmm, do get it check. It could be something as simple as a loose connection. I believe there might've been a case similar to yours on PC before. You could try a search?