Does anyone know if it is possible to set the instrument panel illumination so it comes on with the ignition or failing that can the side lights come on with the ignition? I have a new model Monte Carlo with the maxi dot dashboard which is great but for some reason the designers decided it was a good idea to permanently illuminate the guage needles but not the actual guage itself so when you glance down to see your speed on a dull day or when passing under trees etc you only see the needles clearly, if the sidelights are on the whole guage illuminates which is very clear but I don't want to have to manually switch on the sidelights each time I drive apart from the fact that when you do switch them on it turns off the day running lights, so I suppose the other way around this problem is to not illuminate the needles at all unless the background of the guage is also on? either way I would like the whole dash or none to be lit. Many Thanks

because of DRL laws on the continent alot of countries have to have there lights on in the day now so they probably didn't forget when desigining it about us poor little brits

because of DRL laws on the continent alot of countries have to have there lights on in the day now so they probably didn't forget when desigining it about us poor little brits

I'm quite happy to have my lights on during the day, in fact I prefer it but I just want to know how fast I'm going too :-)

The useless markings on the speedo and revcounter are a constant nuisance to me too, I often switch the sidelights on sometimes just to illuminate the dial readings but would like the dials to always be illuminated along-side the well-lit maxidot.

On Audis, you can use VCDS to controls the instrument lighting when the exterior lights are off.

The choices are...

0 - No Lighting

1 - Needles

2 - Back Lighting

3 - Both

Not sure if you can do this on the Monte Carlo but try changing the coding in Instruments[17]. Make a note of the coding so you can put it back.

On Audis, you can use VCDS to controls the instrument lighting when the exterior lights are off.

The choices are...

0 - No Lighting

1 - Needles

2 - Back Lighting

3 - Both

Not sure if you can do this on the Monte Carlo but try changing the coding in Instruments[17]. Make a note of the coding so you can put it back.

This sounds exactly what I need here, I'm not familiar with what VCDS is though, I imagine it is probably coding software for the ecu? can I do this myself with a laptop or does it need to go back to the dealers because they just said it can't be done

This sounds exactly what I need here, I'm not familiar with what VCDS is though, I imagine it is probably coding software for the ecu? can I do this myself with a laptop or does it need to go back to the dealers because they just said it can't be done

VCDS is software written by Ross-tech that allows all the modules in your car to be coded. IF if is possible on your car, then it would mean coding the instrument cluster.

If you post your query in the 'Diagnostics & VCDS' forum, someone may be able to give you a definitive answer.

This sounds exactly what I need here, I'm not familiar with what VCDS is though, I imagine it is probably coding software for the ecu? can I do this myself with a laptop or does it need to go back to the dealers because they just said it can't be done

Hi, welcome to another 'local' MonteCarlo owner. I'm suprised Simpsons can't help you, unless you bought it elsewhere. :wonder:

Sadly we dont have the MaxiDot... can't help you I'm affraid.. Good luck

Nige

I agree the dials ought to be permanently illuminated or triggered by a light level sensor. A brightness adjustment would have been good too. Yes there is the digital kmh speed readout but my brain only works in mph.....

I've not seen anything posted for the Fabia II saying instruments lights can be changed to come on with ignition by a ( un-official ) software tweak.

I suspect the only way is physically finding wiring to the lights, disconnecting from sidelight wiring and connecting to a line that is live with ignition.

Years ago armed with the circuit diagrams in a Haynes manual this would be straightforward. Even with detailed wiring loom details I would not be brave enough to try on any modern car.

Does anyone know if it is possible to set the instrument panel illumination so it comes on with the ignition or failing that can the side lights come on with the ignition? I have a new model Monte Carlo with the maxi dot dashboard which is great but for some reason the designers decided it was a good idea to permanently illuminate the guage needles but not the actual guage itself so when you glance down to see your speed on a dull day or when passing under trees etc you only see the needles clearly, if the sidelights are on the whole guage illuminates which is very clear but I don't want to have to manually switch on the sidelights each time I drive apart from the fact that when you do switch them on it turns off the day running lights, so I suppose the other way around this problem is to not illuminate the needles at all unless the background of the guage is also on? either way I would like the whole dash or none to be lit. Many Thanks

That's exactly the same problem that I'm having with my Yeti!

I posted the problem in the Yeti section and the general consensus is that there is a sensor that automatically sets the level of backlighting but no one seems to know where it is and whether it can be altered.

Fred

Did you get any where with VCDS options?

That's exactly the same problem that I'm having with my Yeti!

I posted the problem in the Yeti section and the general consensus is that there is a sensor that automatically sets the level of backlighting but no one seems to know where it is and whether it can be altered.

Fred

on my cluster there is a small hole on the mph dial just below centre looks like a light sensor will take photo and post

am i the only one thinking, if its that dull you stuggle to see the numbers on your dials, passing under a tree... sidelights at least should probably be on anyway, just saying.

Nope you are not the only one. Most of my driving of late has been with the side lights on due to not having good contrast on the dials.

The attached photos show the problem on an average day, with the sidelights on the information on the dash is far easier to read but when you put the sidelights on the day running lights go off, you could drive round with dipped headlights on but then you'd probably get flashed at quite a lot