Spontaneous Dimming

[mydogsowner]

I have had a 2009 Vibe for a few months now and every so often my dash (and radio) lights will dim and brighten spontaneously. This happens when the lighting outside has not changed in the slightest.I wish I brought it in to the Dealer to have it checked out before I installled a hitch and had the wiring for it put in. I'm worried the wiring will void the warranty now.Anyone else experiencing this problem?

[Kevzaz]

Battery maybe? Check to make sure the batter is good, and make sure the wires are on tight. Does it happen when the car bounces?

[mydogsowner]

I have not noticed a relationship with the bumps in the road, but that's a good thought. I will have to look for that.Il will also check the battery too, thanks!I forgot to mention that the dimming/brightening episodes last for a bit. Like, the dash will brighten for a few minutes, then dim again.Is this normal car behavior say, if I go under an overpass? Will this occur? I am truly stumped.

[kunkstyle]

Quote, originally posted by mydogsowner »Is this normal car behavior say, if I go under an overpass? Will this occur? I am truly stumped. If the 09's are like the older ones and have the photocell on the dash, then yes, the dash lights would come on under an overpass.

[lowincash]

Quote, originally posted by kunkstyle » If the 09's are like the older ones and have the photocell on the dash, then yes, the dash lights would come on under an overpass.the 09's have the auto light thing...but it turns on the headlights if you're under an overpass or in a dark area for 8 seconds or so then the headlights will turn on and the gauge dims. after another 8 seconds or so in sun light the lights turn off and the gauge turns back to full brightness. but if the original poster says the lighting conditions were the same then i don't know what could cause this. i haven't had any problems with mine so far.

[prathman]

If the lighting conditions are marginal, then they could appear to remain the same but even a minor change could switch the photocell. Say you change direction slightly and the photocell is now in the shadow of the roof pillar - that could switch on the headlights and dim the gauge cluster and radio. Also be sure there's nothing on top of the dash that might cover the photocell sensor. It's located in the extreme left corner on top of the dash pretty close to the windshield.When we first drove our car I set some papers up on that part of the dash and thought the cluster lights were malfunctioning.

[kunkstyle]

Quote, originally posted by prathman »When we first drove our car I set some papers up on that part of the dash and thought the cluster lights were malfunctioning.Sunglasses were my downfall.