I have a 2006 Elegance PD140 DSG without Maxidot and I find it a little difficult to read the small display unless I turn the side lights on - and so get the dash lit up.

As I am increasingly driving in manual mode it is good to be able to see at a glance what gear I am in, so....

Does anyone know of a simple way of turning on the 'Minidot' display illumination by linking it to the ignition and without having to turn the lights on.

I'm afraid i'm not techy enough to know if its possible. But I like to drive around with my lights on volvo stylee anyway (i like to be seen!)

My instinct would be to say that it'd be in the same loom as the dash pod so assuming you could link it up to ignition then your dials would light up too.... In which case you might as well turn the lights on!

(i may however be completely wrong here)

I am in agreement though.... the unlit screen can be tricky to read at a glance. Same with the radio display (on the stream anyway).

My guess is the lights are controlled from the can bus so it can't be done.

On the other hand if theres a physical connection that goes live when the lights are on, or pulled down to frame then its just a case of the connecting it to the correct logic (12V or Frame), but I doubt it

Easiest thing is just to run with the lights on all the time. I do now as I am fed up of being cut up by plonks who 'didn't see me'. They have no excuse if my lights are on!

Hi there,

I agree with you on that one, that it can be hard to see everyting clearly at a glance

Tom

Edited 22 December, 200916 yr by tom1362

with the newer VAG cars, if you have auto lights the dash stays illuminated all the time. but if you have manual lights the illumination comes on and off with the lights. Obviously were not trusted to switch the lights on and off without being reminded by the dash illumination :S