How do I turn on instrument cluster lights during cloudy days?
Asked by preacherptl Oct 21, 2015 at 11:50 PM about the 2010 Ford F-150
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
My instrument lights come on only when it is dark outside but the dimmer switch will not illuminate my panel on a cloudy day. Is there a way to resolve this issue. I have a 2010 xlt supercrew f150.
7 Answers
hummm..click it on to the right position?????????
preacherptl answered 9 years ago
Come on. I am not an idiot. That doesn't work and doesn't answer the question.
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/10f12og1e.pdf -Page 72 Just turn on headlights manually and not depend on auto dusk sensing headlights. There is enough light to not automatically turn on headlights on a cloudy day so you need to turn them on manually. Actually Kelly is right- just click the lights on then you will have dimmer switch operable
Kelly was correct? I am marking this down on my calendar. Turn lights on then crank up the brightness with the control. Reading the owner's manual is sometimes helpful. If you don't have one get one online or better, order one from Helm Publications at....www.helminc.com
preacherptl answered 9 years ago
Fellows, you ARE both wrong. There seems to be a design flaw according to Ford technicians. Found a forum discussing it. Only solution for now is to tape over the sensor on back of the rearview mirror tho that can darken the mirror itself. I have turned the dimmer switch back and forth with no success. When I pull into my garage the instrument panel lights up. I was looking for a fix to this problem other than taping over the sensor. Perhaps a different switch or mirror or sensor or ...?
They must have fixed it somewhere along the line cause I am pretty sure my 2013 doesn't do that. Let us know what you find out.
I also have a 2010 F150 XLT and my dash lights will not come on with the headlamps if it is daylight. I have struggled in the rain or gloomy days to see the dash because they will not come on. The headlamps come on with wipers but the dash stays dark in daylight. Covering the dash sensor is the only way they light up and if I tape it the auto headlamps stay on all the time as well. Unfortunate design flaw, I’ve tried everything including a new dimmer control switch. I’m looking into a white dash cluster with dark needles with hopes that will help in these situations. Not sure what other options are left.
