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Dash Dimmer Switch has no range

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Glen England, Aug 22, 2019.

  1. Glen England

    Glen England Junior Member

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    I'm a new owner of a 2015 Prius Three and I've never been in another Prius of the same model for comparison but it surely seems to me that my dash display is way too dim.

    It's especially hard during the day when it's really bright outside. It's nearly impossible to see.

    The display screen is about the same when the reverse camera is on. I can't even think about having my sunglasses on when backing out of a parking space.

    As far as the dimmer, from the clicked position all the way to the other there is no change when the knob is turned except right before getting to the other stop. Once I nearly reach the other stop, the dash dims to nearly dark.

    I've looked these up online and gasped at the prices so I do not want to replace this item if it's not at fault and there is something else causing this symptom.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    make sure the screen is set to daytime
     
  3. Glen England

    Glen England Junior Member

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    The radio/navigation screen is set to daytime.

    Are you saying there is a daytime setting for the speedo/mpg screen too?
     
  4. Glen England

    Glen England Junior Member

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    I pulled the panel off and unplugged the cable this control was plugged into to make sure it was properly seated but this changed nothing.



    There is a connector here that isn't connected. I'm going to assume this is probably for an option not present on my car?
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i think that's the only setting. if sunlight is hitting it, they get pretty washed out, but in shade, without sunglasses, it should be decent
     
  6. Pdaddy

    Pdaddy Member

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    I assume your lights are not turned on? I leave mine on and turn the panel dial for night /day. Isn't there a light sensor on the dash up by the windshield? Would covering that help?

    SM-G960U ?
     
  7. ice9

    ice9 Active Member

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    That sounds like a shorted pot.
     
  8. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    Go to settings and set your screen contrast all the way.
     
  9. Glen England

    Glen England Junior Member

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    Most of the problem lies in the spedo/MPG display and the one to the right that can cycle through the different engine/energy displays.
     
  10. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    I agree that the displays are too dim at times, especially sunny days. The dimmer wheel has no effect when lights are off.
     
  11. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    There are 2 brightness levels w/headlights off.
     
  12. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    Not on mine.
    What year model? Is that on one with driving lights or LED headlights?
     
  13. Glen England

    Glen England Junior Member

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    Well you could say mine has that now. All the way bright, which isn’t so bright to almost completely dark if I dial it all the way down.

    Lights on or off turning the knob does nothing.

    The only other thing that comes to mind with the mention of lights is in the car settings menu, daytime driving lights are set to ON. But, this should make the knob work if I’m reading things right.


    iPhone ?