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
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From: Anthony TX
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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!
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