Dash Lights not working -- but only at night / in the dark

[jamalogist]

Before I assume it's a fuse.. Let me say that during the day or when it thinks it's bright enough, they work fine. It is only when you hear that little click, like in a tunnel or at night, when in the past, it used to automatically turn them on brighter and add headlights(?), now everything goes dark at that moment (instrument panel.. including the radio). Simple fuze, or something more? Thanks!2003 Pontiac Vibe AWD with ~100k miles.

[09vGT]

I'm not trying to insult your intelligence or anything here, but did you check the panel dimmer? On my '09 its a little round switch that I can twist to dim the dash lights or brighten then up. Its located up around the gauges. Its also the TRIP A and TRIP B button. The '03 maybe in a different spot though. If yours were completely turned down, then when the headlights came on then the inside will go dark; as mine will go completely off if turned to the lowest setting.

[jamalogist]

Not at all, I did have that happen to me as well, during the early naive years of ownership. Pretty sure it was the first thing I ruled it out this time, but let me double check, you never know. Thanks

[jamalogist]

Yep, that was it (again). On the '03, it's right by the sideview mirror adjustments. What got me this time, is that same switch controls the indoor lights (which are supposed to come on when doors are opened.. but on mine dont.. long story.. so one of us probably used it to manually turn on the lights recently). Anyway, thanks. Easy fix. Leaves me to focus on those that are less so..