message center too dim to see in sunlight

[big daddy f350]

my dad has a 07 Expy and is complaining that the message center is too dim to see in daytime, anybody else have this problem? Thanks

[carbonmetallic]

Originally Posted by big daddy f350

my dad has a 07 Expy and is complaining that the message center is too dim to see in daytime, anybody else have this problem? Thanks

no problems here, I think your dad needs to go get his eyes checked.

[Jay]

Message center display is too dim and so is the radio display. HVAC display seems ok.

[STJones]

Mine seems fine. Are the lights on and the dimmer down too low?

[Jay]

No, the dimmer control is all the way up. I tried that a long time ago. Here's the question; Can anything be done about it?

[STJones]

No idea. I haven't noticed the problem with mine. I guess if there is something internally wrong it should be able to be repaired. If it is a glare issue - probably not. I guess your radio is not the nav. radio?

[Jay]

Correct - non-nav radio.

[rqallen]

I'm having the same issue with my 2009 Navigator. Does anyone know if there is a fix and/or what can be done?

[berry1234]

Can you post a pic of how bright they are?

[rqallen]

Here's the pic. I hope I did it correctly. This pic was taken in direct sunlight and it shows the rest of the dash indicators to indicate the contrast between them and the Message Center. The interesting thing I noted was that when looking through the camera's viewer the Message Center display was alternating in brightness, although the varying light intensity is not detectable to the naked eye. The rest of the dash display items stayed steady.

[berry1234]

Looks about right to me. The Expies are not that great either in direct sunlight. Maybe get the windows tinted.

[DeltaCaptain]

The problem is most likely a cold solder joint on the printed circuit on the display module. I have a 2003 Expy and had this problem and I DID have a cold solder joint. The options are replace (about $500.) or check out the solder joint. A place to go might be Ford Intermittent Odometer Repair Manual Order Page Good Luck.

[RI-Matt]

Make sure you don't have anything blocking the light sensor on the top of the dash ( hat, papers, dash cover etc....) I know on the Expy's the message center lighting dimming is controlled by that sensor. Even if you have your headlights on the message center wont dim unless the sensor determines it's too dark. You can test this by putting on your headlights during the day, the message center shouldn't dim, now cover that sensor and it should dim.


Matt

[dalesatter]

I put a piece of black felt on top of the steering column. It reduces the reflection and glare on the panel lense in bright sun.