We have noticed something strange with the dash in our new 2012 Prius. While driving at dusk and turning the headlights on the dash readout can go completely dark. Leaving only the gear selection indicator visible. This can be completely disorienting and dangerous. This happens if the dimmer wheel is set in the lowest position. It will turn back on if the dimmer wheel is moved up from the lowest setting. I can recreate the issue parked by simply having the headlights on and dimming the switch all the way down. It will shut off the speedometer, MPGmeter, and Hyrbrid indicator screens. I assume this is not normal and is something the dealer can remedy, easily I hope. Does this happent to anyone else?
Well not all of it, the dash lights will dim at night and get brighter during the day as it has a sensor on the dash that casues that to happen, also notice it will do it when going under a bridge or overpass. Shade/ dark, fool the sensor into thinking it is darker outside. Also in most cars turing on the head lights will din the dash. In and out of overpasses will make the dash dim and go bright very fast.
In the 2010, the sensor on the dash is part of the climate control system and has no effect on the brightness of the dash display. Someone correct me if they changed it for the 2012.
So it's a feature to completely turn off the dash display? I like to keep the display as dim as possible, but would never want it to completely disappear.
