[PolarBear]

I have been noticing that when I'm driving that the dash lights (along with radio) will suddenly brighten up.
Are they controlled by some light sensor ?
It's not like I am going through a tunnel or something.
Is there a way to 'make' them bright all the time ?

Polar Bear

 

[NoobNox]

Yes they are on a sensor..I notice it most when stopped under an overpass, or coming out of the garage. I don't know of a way to keep them the same all the time however..

 

[sumr616]

My dealer told me that the light sensor was that little black dome thing on the dash by the windshield. And as far as I am aware, you might try adjusting the headlight dial that sticks out of your steering column - you can turn off the "AUTO" headlights, and turn your headlights on or off by doing that, so I would assume that the dash lights would turn on/off along with that. I don't really feel like going out to my car to verify, but you should try it out, makes sense to me that it would work that way - but then again, it wouldn't be the first time that "what makes sense" isn't what is done...

 

[Terrain2011]

I have been noticing that when I'm driving that the dash lights (along with radio) will suddenly brighten up.
Are they controlled by some light sensor ?
It's not like I am going through a tunnel or something.
Is there a way to 'make' them bright all the time ?

Polar Bear

Do the brighten when it is bright out and dim when it is dim outside? That is way mine work.

 

[newequinoxwep]

Do the brighten when it is bright out and dim when it is dim outside? That is way mine work.

I drove under a viaduct when it was sunny - both the dash and head lights both reacted for the two seconds it took do drive under it.

 

[Terra-Nox]

I see this question every year on various forum and various vehicles as the strength of the sun wanes in fall/winter months. When in auto mode the sensor thinks its dark enough to turn on regular lights instead of DRL's, and that includes dash/radio lights. Kind of annoying if you generaly keep the dash lights dimmed at night (can't see them when it switchs in dim daylight).