Dashlights in 02 Corolla turn off when front/tail lights on.

NakedDex

I'm hoping someone here has come across this, because I'm bemused.
I bought an 02 Corolla 1.4 hatchback the other day and just took it home an hour ago. When I did get home, I noticed the dashlights turn off when front or tail lights are selected. If they're in the off position, the dashlights operate fine. Beyond just making it unusable at night, the instrument panel is very dark without them on.

I haven't seen a dimmer dial (though if anyone could point it out I'd feel a right fool) and all fuses are fine. Any ideas?

NakedDex

Aaaaaactually, nevermind. It seems it's on a photosensor. More fool me.

PADRAIC.M

Ha dam!!! Just about to say to check that!

NakedDex

It didn't even occur to me at the time, but it began to light up as it got darker outside.
I may bypass it. It's clever but the instrument panel is dark enough that I'd want it on constant instead.

PADRAIC.M

You can set thebrightness

NakedDex

I was wondering why I couldn't find a dial to do so. Where is it located?

Atlantic Dawn

NakedDex wrote: »

I was wondering why I couldn't find a dial to do so. Where is it located?

It's not a dial, you need to press the trip reset button untik it gets to a blank or blank with dashes display, then hold it down until all the dashes are highlighted and this will brighten it.

colm_mcm

Far as I remember you need the lights switched on when adjusting the brightness

Think you can set the brightness for lights on and lights off

Procedure Atlantic dawn outlined is correct

No photosensor, its optitron, cold cathode backlighting thats always on when ignition is on, changes brightness when lights are on.

NakedDex

Thanks lads. Worked a treat. It's always something simple...