We currently have a 2011 F250. During the day time, when you turn on the headlights all the way (not just on "auto"), the dash lights and clock shut off. Originally, I thought that they were just dimmed to the point where you couldn't see them, but the brightness is already turned all the way up on the dash lights. If I turn the brightness up any higher, the dome lights turn on, but the dash and clock remain off.

If you return the headlights back to the "off" or "auto" position, the clock and dash return to their normal brightness.

 

They do that so that when it's actually dark out, the interior dash light are not too distracting. I even turn off my navigation screen because it's too bright at night.

 

I would understand dimming the lights so they aren't distracting, but they actually turn off. You can't see what time it is, how much fuel you have left, or even how fast you're going since all of the dash lights completely turn off. This seems to me to be more of a hazard than just leaving the dash lights on bright.

 

Sounds like whatever sensor is controlling it is overdoing it.

I have a 2011 F350, and they do not go completely dark.

For the heck of it, I would try rebooting your truck. Unhook the negative(black) battery cable for a few minutes, and then hook it back up and see if that fixed it.

If that doesn't work, unhook both battery cables for a few minutes, then hook them back up and see if that did anything.

You never know - vehicles are basically just computers nowadays, so I figure try the simple stuff first.

If that doesn't solve your problem, that's all I got.......

 

Welcome to the forum, csoddy! Have you mentioned this to your dealership? I'm sure they'd want to help make sure you're seeing things clearly. How many miles are on your rig?

Crystal