Dash/HVAC Lights
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Hilton Head South Carolina
Dash/HVAC Lights
2001 Corvette auto, coupe , 41,XXX miles.
Would appreciate help diagnosing a problem with the dash/HVAC lighting.
During daylight hours here is the sequence:
1. Unlock car and dash/HVAC lights come on as they should.
2. Seated with doors closed lights still on. And the dimmer control works.
3. With the key in ignition and at the start position, the lights go out and stay out with car running. Just started doing this.
It is hard to see the dash instruments and HVAC controls, so I turn on the parking lights. The dash/HVAC lights are then on and nicely visible.
Perhaps a minor inconvenience but I prefer my car to work as designed.
Dash/HVAC lights work at night with headlights on
All exterior lights work including brake lights
I did a Google search on the problem but could not find an answer. Also checked the owners manual for a setting that might be wrong. No luck.
So, hoping for an answer on the Forum.
Thanks
Would appreciate help diagnosing a problem with the dash/HVAC lighting.
During daylight hours here is the sequence:
1. Unlock car and dash/HVAC lights come on as they should.
2. Seated with doors closed lights still on. And the dimmer control works.
3. With the key in ignition and at the start position, the lights go out and stay out with car running. Just started doing this.
It is hard to see the dash instruments and HVAC controls, so I turn on the parking lights. The dash/HVAC lights are then on and nicely visible.
Perhaps a minor inconvenience but I prefer my car to work as designed.
Dash/HVAC lights work at night with headlights on
All exterior lights work including brake lights
I did a Google search on the problem but could not find an answer. Also checked the owners manual for a setting that might be wrong. No luck.
So, hoping for an answer on the Forum.
Thanks
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,540
Likes: 24,829
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Moved to C5 Tech.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
There is a sun light sensor on the IPC. Make SURE that the dimmer switch is set to full bright and cover and uncover the sensor to see if its working. You can also shine a flashlight on the sensor and the dash display should brighten. (like it was in sunlight)
Bill
Bill
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Hilton Head South Carolina
Thanks Bill - I checked both tests you suggested (with the engine running) and there was no response. No dash or HVAC lighting unless the parking or headlights are on. I have also noticed in the past year that the MPH letters in the speedo flicker and are now gone except if the parking or headlights are on. Checked the Twilight sentinel feature and the headlights came on during daylight.
So, I assume the light sensor is dead.
Can you tell the the cost of the part and time needed to replace by a good shop? I am not able to do my own work, but this Forum has allowed me to be an informed consumer and save me big$$.
best regards,
David
So, I assume the light sensor is dead.
Can you tell the the cost of the part and time needed to replace by a good shop? I am not able to do my own work, but this Forum has allowed me to be an informed consumer and save me big$$.
best regards,
David
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Hilton Head South Carolina
Bill - I took another look at the owners manual and saw that that the Twilight Sentinel is controlled by a sensor on top of the dash. Not concerned about this feature since I never use it. Too sensitive.
The sensor I was checking was the one on the DIC
The sensor I was checking was the one on the DIC
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
Last edited by GCG; Oct 15, 2018 at 06:57 PM.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Hilton Head South Carolina
Thanks for the info. All indications are the the sensor in my DIC panel has failed. I assume the solution is fitting a new DIC panel. Looks like this involves taking the instrument panel out!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski