Instrument Cluster Always On?

[ayouden]

Hello,

 

I have recently purchased a Skoda Octavia VRS 2010.

 

One of the things I have noticed about it is that the dials on the instrument cluster aren't always illuminated. It's only when I turn the side lights or dipped lights on that it illuminates.

 

Sometimes if the sun is in the wrong position it is difficult to see the dials.

 

I have had a look in the hand book to see if there is a setting to alter this, but that hasn't returned any results sadly.

 

So I was wondering if there is a way, and if so, how can I do it?

 

I shall look forward to your replies.

Regards,

Alex

[mannyo]

it can be done, but it needs the instrument cluster recoding to do this. There is no user accessible setting, however a dealer or a member of Briskoda with VCDS can do this for you. For VCDS members look in the VCDS forum, and find someone close to you and then send them a private message.

[Jevpls]

Can't you drive with ligths on?

[ayouden]

Can't you drive with ligths on?

 

In theory, yes.

But I would like a more elegant solution if at all possible.

[langers2k]

To my knowledge, it's not possible to change this setting via VCDS or even dealer tools.
 
However, if you modify the eeprom of the cluster you can choose to have everything lit permanently or even use the inbuilt light sensor (where fitted). Only hard bit is to access the eeprom as you'll either need highend tools such as AVCI (super expensive) or to remove the eeprom chip and use an external chip reader.

[ayouden]

I am going to pop down to my local VAG specialists later who do all sorts of crazy modifications and tunes to cars.

If they can't do it I don't think anyone can!

 

 

[langers2k]

I am going to pop down to my local VAG specialists later who do all sorts of crazy modifications and tunes to cars.

If they can't do it I don't think anyone can!

 

It will depend what tools they have...

 

If they say no or they don't know how, ask them exactly what tools they have (VCDS, VCP, VAS-PC, ODIS-E, ODIS-S etc) as they might just need to be told what to do

[ayouden]

Ahhh, okay.

I shall enquire about VCDS and also AVCI. I would assume they have VCDS as it seems to be a pretty standard bit of kit for places like this.

[pikpilot]

This question has been asked several times before. The best answer is in the last post of this:-

 http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/334857-backlight-on-the-clocks/?hl=%2Binstrument+%2Blights#entry4030160

which also explains why you should not do it.

Personally I find that that if I can't see the numbers then I should consider putting on dipped beam. Don't switch to sidelights alone as this turns off the DRLs.

[planehazza]

This question has been asked several times before. The best answer is in the last post of this:-

 http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/334857-backlight-on-the-clocks/?hl=%2Binstrument+%2Blights#entry4030160

which also explains why you should not do it.

Personally I find that that if I can't see the numbers then I should consider putting on dipped beam. Don't switch to sidelights alone as this turns off the DRLs.

 

 

This is always my thought too. I would like the dash to illuminated all of the time also, my my thoughts are that if it's too dark to see the dash guages, then sides (or firsts as my gf calls them!) should go on.  The VRS has LED DRLs so it's not like having sides on during dusk lighting is going to be a distraction etc.

[ayouden]

It is interesting to hear of this light sensor.

My lights aren't automatic, but when I am in a multi-story, or even starting the car at night the dials don't come on.

 

Maybe something to look at...

[ayouden]

I went to the specialist and sadly it cannot be done.

 

When they try and edit the VCDS data string to enable this, permission is denied and it won't change.

 

I guess I will just have to get used to it!

 

Thanks to everyone who helped!

[langers2k]

I didn't think was possible with VCDS.

 

You could try and find some with the right tools or retrofit auto lights so it'll turn the lights on as it gets dark and therefore the cluster backlight too

[labman1001]

The problem with cars that have the instrument panel illuminated without lights on is that it leads to numpties driving down the road with no bloody lights on, or maybe DRLs, in the dark and endangering their life and everyone else's .. I was seeing more and more of them on the motorway going in and out of work over the winter.

[langers2k]

The problem with cars that have the instrument panel illuminated without lights on is that it leads to numpties driving down the road with no bloody lights on, or maybe DRLs, in the dark and endangering their life and everyone else's .. I was seeing more and more of them on the motorway going in and out of work over the winter.

 

The problem there is the numpties not the panel illumination.

 

The number of cars with fogs or even full beams on which definitely have tell tails is testament to that...