Anyone else noticed that the dash backlighting seems to be on a daylight sensor? Begs the question why the lights themselves aren't automatic!

The dashlights are on a light sensor, its a bit weird isnt it... seems just a tad pointless?

Anybody know where the sensor is so I can disable it ?

Thats a bit daft! My folks used to have a Citroen ZX, and the dash on that was permanently backlit, meaning theyd sometimes forget to turn the headlights on!

I think you have misunderstood.

With the headlights on the instruments are/are not backlit according to the light outside.

You can have the headlights on and no backlight when conditions would render a backlight quite useful. I know there is a little green light indicating lights are on, but I would prefer permanent backlighting when my headlights are on.

I am not advocating backlighting at all times, I had an Audi that did that and it did encourage the thought process of believing you have your headlamps on when in fact you did not.

mine seem to be on all the time? wheres the sensor ? can it be seen on the dash anywhere, is this not one of the differences between the multifunction disp and the re-configurable one?

white 500 said:

mine seem to be on all the time? wheres the sensor ? can it be seen on the dash anywhere, is this not one of the differences between the multifunction disp and the re-configurable one?

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I still don't know the difference between the two types.

Does anyone know how to tell the difference and/or which type is fitted to which model. Looking at my handbook, the pictures seem to suggest that I have the non-configurable type.

grimwau said:

I still don't know the difference between the two types.

Does anyone know how to tell the difference and/or which type is fitted to which model. Looking at my handbook, the pictures seem to suggest that I have the non-configurable type.

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same here

Personally I would like my instrument panel backlit all the time but it only seems to work when the headlamps are on, can I change this?

nuovapanda said:

The dashlights are on a light sensor, its a bit weird isnt it... seems just a tad pointless?

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I thinks its something to do with digital display in the centre, when the dash lights come on the centre goes dim so as not to dazzle you in the dark. During the day you cannot see it when its dimmed down so if its too bright the sensor turns off the back light thus making the displays visible again. (plus i think you have to have the dash dimmer setting programmed quite low for it to activate)

I may be wrong buts thats all i can think of. :idea:

vindaloo said:

Personally I would like my instrument panel backlit all the time but it only seems to work when the headlamps are on, can I change this?

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you are correct the backlighting goes on and off according to the light level in the car ONLY when the headlight switch is tuned on, it doesn't do it with drl's or if you have no light's on as far as i know it can't be changed.