Instrument Panel lighting
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2010
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Instrument Panel lighting
Hello,
I noticed that my instrument panel (speedometer, etc) is connected somehow to an automatic light sensing computer. I can't turn it on when I choose. It will automatically light up when it "senses the environment" is dark. I was driving today in the rain and the panel light was on for a while, then turned off for a while, then turned on again. I noticed the outdoor lighting had something to do with it. Has anyone been able to manually turn on the instrument panel? You would have to test this on a cloudy day, not at night because it will just turn on.
Dave
2010 XLT SuperC
I noticed that my instrument panel (speedometer, etc) is connected somehow to an automatic light sensing computer. I can't turn it on when I choose. It will automatically light up when it "senses the environment" is dark. I was driving today in the rain and the panel light was on for a while, then turned off for a while, then turned on again. I noticed the outdoor lighting had something to do with it. Has anyone been able to manually turn on the instrument panel? You would have to test this on a cloudy day, not at night because it will just turn on.
Dave
2010 XLT SuperC
New User
Joined: Jan 2010
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this ambient sensor is the #1 thing I hate about my truck. It really pisses me off that I can not manually turn on my dash lights when I want them on. I don't think I should have to put a piece of tape or cover up the sensor on a brand new truck. This is the only vehicle I know of that you can not manually turn on the lights...
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
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The more I read about the "big brother" qualities of these new Ford trucks, the longer I'll keep what I have.
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2008
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Does the little black bump just control the dash lights or, with the auto headlights on, does it control them also. No problem to turn the headlights off, but if I don't have to I would rather not. The auto headlight also needs to be manually controlled during daytime showers - but there's a switch for that!
Thanks.
Thanks.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2005
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This is really pissing me off too on my 2010. It was snowing today here in Atlanta, but just bright enough to where the auto lights would not come on, but dark enough to where I would have liked to turn the dash lights on.
Why even have the dimmer wheel if the dash lights only come on at night? This is ridiculous!
Why even have the dimmer wheel if the dash lights only come on at night? This is ridiculous!
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
This is really pissing me off too on my 2010. It was snowing today here in Atlanta, but just bright enough to where the auto lights would not come on, but dark enough to where I would have liked to turn the dash lights on.
Why even have the dimmer wheel if the dash lights only come on at night? This is ridiculous!
Why even have the dimmer wheel if the dash lights only come on at night? This is ridiculous!
I had to deal with the same thing today. Only time everything came on was when I would go underneath a bridge or overpass. I don't have that problem with my 2006.
New User
Joined: Feb 2010
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I noticed the same thing, I wish there was a way to change the sensitivity of the auto light sensor. When the ambient light is dim, the system wants to turn on and off alot. I usually switch the headlights from auto to on so at least people don't think I'm flashing my lights at them!
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,565
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Ford won't have to worry about selling me a new vehicle if the GEM or PCM has more control than I would have over mundane tasks such lights. I'll probably just start looking now for a mid 90's to restore for my next truck.