Ok I have a query for you.

As I understand it the instrument lighting comes on with the DRLs.

Which, if you haven't disabled them, is all the time.

On a few occasions I've noticed that the instrument lighting is not on.

Anyone else noticed this or is it just me?

Dial needles light up when DRL are on and in turn of course when ignition is on. Full instruments are lit when lights are turned on.

Mick

Ah, thanks for that, Mick!

Incidently I did think about disabling them, I think you pull a fuse. I do notice the cars that have them fitted more than those that do not, and that's what it's all about, so they stay.

Mick

Edited 29 November, 201213 yr by MickA

The instrument panel lighting does come on with the drls, but there is some sort of sensor that dims it when the ambient light level goes down - e.g. at dusk, or maybe when you go under trees or similar. I think this is to remind you that you haven't actually got your full lights on, only the drls at the front.

The instrument needles are still illuminated when this happens, which I think is so you aren't totally left unable to read the panel.

The instrument panel lighting does come on with the drls, but there is some sort of sensor that dims it when the ambient light level goes down - e.g. at dusk, or maybe when you go under trees or similar. I think this is to remind you that you haven't actually got your full lights on, only the drls at the front.

The instrument needles are still illuminated when this happens, which I think is so you aren't totally left unable to read the panel.

Spot on.

Thanks guys!

The instrument panel lighting does come on with the drls, but there is some sort of sensor that dims it when the ambient light level goes down - e.g. at dusk, or maybe when you go under trees or similar. I think this is to remind you that you haven't actually got your full lights on, only the drls at the front.

The instrument needles are still illuminated when this happens, which I think is so you aren't totally left unable to read the panel.

I just see the needles lit when DRL are on, can't say they ever dim daytime or even at lower light levels.

Mick

Here's a bit of fun to try it out. Go out to your Citigo at night with a torch. Switch on the ignition (which should kill the courtesy light), so the drls come on and you are sitting there in darkness looking at the illuminated needles (and sundry warning lights). Switch the torch on and shine it on the panel for a few seconds. Switch the torch off. The instruments will now be fully lit, but this will fade back to just the illuminated needles over the next few seconds as the sensor detects that it is dark again.

Yes got it now, the sensor seems to be in the rev dial

Mick

I noticed this happen a few weeks back and then forgot about it , thought it was just my eyes trying to trick me !