Minor annoyance #1

tim_p · 09-03-2007, 04:02 PM

OK, so this bugged me on the 3 Day test drive car and now it's doing the same on my car!

Is there any way I can have the dials illuminated without having the side or headlights on? Daytime driving isn't always bright you know Mr Kia - sometimes you can barely see the speedo and it's made worse by the fact that the digits are at 20 and 40 with a small red notch at 30.
Looks like I'm gonna be tempted by the aftermarket leds from Halfrauds!

sy278 · 09-03-2007, 06:30 PM

I would have said if its dull enough that you need to illuminate the dials you should have at least sidelights on anyway.

But to answer the question, no, none I know of.

tim_p · 09-04-2007, 01:06 AM

No, just on a typical UK summer day, under extended trees say or just on a generally dull day. Besides side-lights are never a legal requirement - legally it's dipped headlights or nothing.

mdemon · 09-04-2007, 05:40 AM

I'm sure you've already fiddled with the dimmer on the right of the steering wheel?

I have to say, the dials have been fine for me - if anything I had to turn them down on side lights.

tim_p · 09-04-2007, 12:14 PM

At night then yes, I've turned 'em down using the dimmer, the problem is during dull days and those days are by no means dull enough to require lights, these times I'm finding the dials are recessed enough into the dash to make 'em difficult, almost even dangerous, to see.
Anyone got an email address of someone technical at Kia??

kevinc · 09-05-2007, 06:43 AM

the only car i have ever seen with a seperate switch to light the dials only was the skoda favorit!!!!
why dont you just drive with your side lights on if its a dull day?
they wont pull much current so wont cause any harm to battery or fuel consumption, and its safer too!!!!

tim_p · 09-05-2007, 01:26 PM

It doesn't have to be a dull day, certainly not dull enough in my opinion. The dials are just in a dark hole! Other cars manage to illuminate 'em all the time, other cars don't need to - I think my cee'd does!
There's certainly some lack of thought surrounding the illumination - you can turn off the info panel illum but not the climate, the dials are dull and the orange colour is garish!

Alarmin · 09-05-2007, 01:32 PM

Personally I haven't found any problem with the display, apart from at night when I have my lights on I have the 'dash dim' is turned right down.

tedwards · 09-05-2007, 01:45 PM

Must agree with Tim_P on the instuments, they could do with permanent panel illumination. My previous car, a Ford Galaxy had this feature.

I have taken to using my Cee'd with pseudo Daylight Running Lights since I nearly had the side stoved in by white van man an hour after picking the car up. So I have the panel illuminated all the time, it does make a difference even in bright sunlight.

Alarmin · 09-05-2007, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tedwards

Must agree with Tim_P on the instuments, they could do with permanent panel illumination. My previous car, a Ford Galaxy had this feature.

I have taken to using my Cee'd with pseudo Daylight Running Lights since I nearly had the side stoved in by white van man an hour after picking the car up. So I have the panel illuminated all the time, it does make a difference even in bright sunlight.

At least you don't have to remember to turn them off or on, the ignition does it all for you.

Neat idea, no more drained batteries and no need for the annoying 'beep' 'beep' 'beep' 'you've left your lights on reminder.