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03 Convert:
The DIC is been dim lately (can't see it in daylight). When headlights are on, it brightens back up.
Assume is is a light sensor.. Any idea on where the sensor is?
No codes.
Posted in General C5, but no responses. Would appreciate any help.
There is a sun load sensor on one end of the defroster vent. Used in the A/C control, not sure of any display dimming effects.
Display brightening with headlights is opposite of what I expect. Do you by chance have twilight option?
There is a sun load sensor on one end of the defroster vent. Used in the A/C control, not sure of any display dimming effects.
Display brightening with headlights is opposite of what I expect. Do you by chance have twilight option?
Yes, exactly what I am seeing (brighter when the headlights at on).. I will have to look at the sun load sensor. I know there is an Ambient Light Sensor as well. Think those 2 are both in the defroster vent.
The ambient light sensor is on the IPC on the right side.
Bill,
The 2003 Service Manual (Vol. 3) on page 8-224, shows the location of the Ambient Light Sensor (item #14) on the left side if the Defroster vent. It also shows Sunload Sensor (item #1) on the right side of the Defroster vent.
Are those locations correct?
And which one of those would be the potential issue for my dim DIC, or am I missing something?
WELL,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, I have an 02 ZO6. On the defroster vent, there is only ONE SENSOR.. Its the Sun Load Sensor.
The other position on the other side is empty. The left hole on the defrost vent is for the Twilight Sentinel light sensor (if you have the option)
If you look on the cluster of buttons on the IPC, just above and to the right of the top button, there's a very small photo cell inside a recess. That's what I was always led to believe is the Ambient Light Sensor.
Bill, I do have 2 sensors on the Defroster vent. I also see the small device peering out of the hole above the "Fuel" button on the IPC. And I have yet to find what that does (no description yet found in the manual)..
However, today I tried a test. In the dark garage, I turned "on" the "Twilight" option.
With the ignition on, the headlights automatically raised.
Then I drove outside, and after about 15 seconds, the headlights went back off, and lowered themselves.
This proves to me that "a" Light Sensor is at least functioning.. Don't yet know which one, since I ran out of time, and that is a test for another day...
So I am back to "square one". on why my DIC is still dim..
Can there be another light sensor for just the DIC?
So, You must have TWO sensors on the defrost vent. The one on the right is the sun load sensor for the AC. The one on the left side is the twilight sentinel sensor. Cover it and see if your light do the same thing. That sensor has nothing to do with dimming the dash lights. That little photo cell is the sensor responsible for dash dimming.
So, You must have TWO sensors on the defrost vent. The one on the right is the sun load sensor for the AC. The one on the left side is the twilight sentinel sensor. Cover it and see if your light do the same thing. That sensor has nothing to do with dimming the dash lights. That little photo cell is the sensor responsible for dash dimming.
Yes, 2 sensors on the defrost vent. The left one is the Ambient Light Sensor, that controls the headlights for the Twilight mode.
I confirmed that today, in that when covered, the headlights stay up, until I remove the cover, when outside in the sun.
There is zero difference in the DIC brightness, if the headlights are up, or down, and the DIC is still always dim now..
I now cannot replicate what I saw previously, where the DIC was actually brighter when HL stalk switch was turned to the Park or HL position (with the Twilight ON or Off).
I also tried covering the sensor on the IPC (above the DIC Fuel button), and see zero change in DIC brightness if the tape is on or off.
I am wondering if the DIC button/sensor assembly is available anymore..
DIC buttons are only available used, no more new -- or at least none I could find. There is a post from former member bryanrj (last post in 2018) that shows the internals of the switch. He was having intermittent operation and chasing the connections, but as is far, far too common, did not bother to follow up on what he found or whether he fixed his issue. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-internal.html
DIC buttons are only available used, no more new -- or at least none I could find. There is a post from former member bryanrj (last post in 2018) that shows the internals of the switch. He was having intermittent operation and chasing the connections, but as is far, far too common, did not bother to follow up on what he found or whether he fixed his issue. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-internal.html
REDZG,
Thanks for your input, and that is what I feared.
At this point I might just buy a complete used IPC (low mile), and if it is not the DIC button/sensor assembly, I would have a better shot at a decent repair... Hopefully!
I have a 2003 Convertible and my DIC just went dim (can't see it during the day), Also, my HUD just also went dim ---- at the same time.
Did you ever solve your dim DIC issue?? if yes, how did you fix it.
Thanks, Rudy
Obtain a multimeter and find the IPC FUSE. On top of each fuse are two test points. Use the DC Volt meter to read each one those test points to chassis ground. Engine Off/Key ON, you should see full battery voltage. on each test point. Remove the fuse and inspect the fuse spade lugs and fuse for damage/corrosion.
Obtain a multimeter and find the IPC FUSE. On top of each fuse are two test points. Use the DC Volt meter to read each one those test points to chassis ground. Engine Off/Key ON, you should see full battery voltage. on each test point. Remove the fuse and inspect the fuse spade lugs and fuse for damage/corrosion.
Please report findings.
BC
Bill,
Both the IPC (fuse #19) and BCMI & IPC (fuse #25) read the identical voltage on both ends of the fuse (12.3 for the IPC fuse & 12.4 for the BCMI & IPC fuse). Both fuses had clean blades, with no corrosion and fit tightly into their connections.
I have a 2003 Convertible and my DIC just went dim (can't see it during the day), Also, my HUD just also went dim ---- at the same time.
Did you ever solve your dim DIC issue?? if yes, how did you fix it.
Thanks, Rudy
Rudy,
Have not been using the 03 over the winter due to health issues, so did not get a chance to work on it. Still the same dim DIC..
I did send the IPC off to be serviced by Circuit Board Medics in South Carolina (last year), and they tested it. They said they saw no issues..
Just for ***** and grins, Turn the DIMMER **** on the IPC clockwise and see if the DIC Display gets brighter. Remember,, If you turn it FULLY CW and it clicks, you will LOCK the interior light to ON and they will stay on until the battery goes dead.
Just for ***** and grins, Turn the DIMMER **** on the IPC clockwise and see if the DIC Display gets brighter. Remember,, If you turn it FULLY CW and it clicks, you will LOCK the interior light to ON and they will stay on until the battery goes dead.
Bill,
The dimmer only "dims" the DIC when the parking or headlamps are on. And it does function properly, but when those lights are are not on, the dimmer does nothing other than turn on the mirror lamp (interior), when the dimmer is turned full CW, as you noted.
In a darkened garage, the DIC (without the parking or headlamps on) will dim like it is suppose to, and will brighten when a bright light is shone directly onto the DIC sensor. Note that this takes several seconds to either dim or brighten back up, depending on the ambient light brightness, that the sensor is "detecting".
It just never gets bright enough, like it use to, to be readable while driving in bright FL sunshine, even when the top is up.
It is as though the DIC sensor has shifted it's range, and is no longer allowing the DIC to go "full bright".
Or the voltage regulator for the DIC has shifted (lowered) it's output.
Well,,, As you stated " the DIC sensor has shifted it's range, and is no longer allowing the DIC to go "full bright"." That would be my recommended next check.
My DIC is dim..
