[Walpole5]

It was foggy this morning and I manually turned on my lights. Of course, this means that the radio and clock are unreadable, since they are so dim. Since we have auto headlights, why didn't they set it up so that if the lights are manually on, but the ambient light sensor says the lights don't need to be on, it keeps the dash lights at full brightness?

Besides turning up the dimmer every time I have the lights on during the day, is there another way around this? Has someone figured out a way to incorporate the ambient light sensor to control the dash lights? Our VW uses a separate light sensor for the dash lights to avoid this problem. Ideas would be welcome!

 

[sje0123]

Find the circuit for the dash lights and cut a photocell in line.

 

[Goose]

I'm afraid I can't be of any help, but you have my sympathy. I agree that the radio display is too dim when the headlights are on during the day.

One shouldn't have to turn up the dimmer all the way in order to see the radio display.

 

[Walpole5]

Find the circuit for the dash lights and cut a photocell in line.

There already is a photocell for turning the lights on and off. The car just needs a logic circuit that says "If the lights are on manually, but the photocell says there is plenty of light and the headlights don't need to be on, leave dash lights at daytime brightness"

 

[Joechicklets]

All you need to do is turn the dash dimmer up until it clicks and it goes onto full brightness when the lights are on.

 

[sje0123]

There already is a photocell for turning the lights on and off. The car just needs a logic circuit that says "If the lights are on manually, but the photocell says there is plenty of light and the headlights don't need to be on, leave dash lights at daytime brightness"

Right but it's easier to isolate the dash light circuit and give it its own photocell. Your way gets into processors and programming. Too much trouble for something simple IMO.

 

[tcope]

All you need to do is turn the dash dimmer up until it clicks and it goes onto full brightness when the lights are on.

I think the OP address this in the initial post. The OP knows this can be done, thinks a simply circuit installed would make this automatic (I agree) and asks if there is another way to solve this issue.

 

[Walpole5]

A photocell in the circuit sounds easy, but I don't know how to do it. Mounting the sensor next to the dimmer control would be pretty easy, but integrating it is beyond my abilities.

 

[sje0123]

A photocell in the circuit sounds easy, but I don't know how to do it. Mounting the sensor next to the dimmer control would be pretty easy, but integrating it is beyond my abilities.

It's just an inline switch. No different than a rocker switch.

On my ride home I was playing with mine and I really don't understand your problem. I don't have auto lights but I don't see why it would dim the dash. When I turn my lights off and on the dash lights remain the same brightness unless I roll the dimmer switch down. With it all the way up the brightness should remain the same. Again, I don't have auto lights so it may be different.

 

[Joechicklets]

If moving your hand 2 inches off the steering wheel to gentle switch it up is to much of hassle... come now. Laziness to the 10th degree.

 

[tcope]

If moving your hand 2 inches off the steering wheel to gentle switch it up is to much of hassle... come now. Laziness to the 10th degree.

Same could be said for power steering, power brakes, electric windows, electric locks, remote trunk release, shall I go on and on? The point is... why not make it easier if it's easy to do. There is something to be said about making life a little easier.

Its not a question at all about being lazy.

 

[sje0123]

Same could be said for power steering, power brakes, electric windows, electric locks, remove trunk release, shall I go on and on? The point is... why not make it easier if it's easy to do. There is something to be said about making life a little easier.

Its not a question at all about being lazy.

Better yet, sell the car and ride a bike or walk.

 

[Walpole5]

I don't like the dash lights on at full brightness at night, so I have the dimmer turned down a ways. As a result, when I turn the lights on during the day, when it's raining, or foggy, etc, the displays are way too dim. Now, every time I turn the lights on during the day, I could spin the dimmer to full brightness. Then, when the lights come on at night, I have to spin it back to where I had it before.

Why should I need to do this? In my opinion, it's a design flaw with the car. I would like to see if there is a way to remedy it.

By the way, I ride my bike all the time for short trips.

 

[sje0123]

All this because you don't want to reach over and hit the dimmer? That is kinda lazy man.

 

[schmitty]

Its a design flaw because you are lazy and that is something that is usually an option. In my opinion painted calipers are a design flaw.

 

[Walpole5]

I In my opinion painted calipers are a design flaw.

Tell that to Porsche.

 

[speshalizt]

wow.. you're way too lazy... is it really that hard to move the dimmer switch?

 

[tcope]

wow.. you're way too lazy... is it really that hard to move the dimmer switch?

These are really dumb statements (sorry).

I'm guessing you don't use intermittent wipers, electric doors locks, electric windows, automatic windows, electric seats, power steering, remote locks, power brakes, steering wheel controls, automatic head lights, preset radio stations, etc.?

If so... YOU must REALLY be lazy!

I'm not sure how clear this can be.... it's not a question of being "lazy"... it's a question of design and _convenience_. There is a _big_ difference. Rather then keep calling the OP lazy, either add something to the post or move on to another one.

I think the OP has a great point. For a few dollars Kia could combine functions already built into the car and make a noticeable difference. One of the reason I bought a Kia and not a domestic vehicle is that Kia seemed to understand that simple things could be added to a vehicle to make it much better (design of the cup holders, BT radio, slick interior, etc).

Sorry for sounding so rude... but come on...

 

[schmitty]

Tell that to Porsche.

Gladly

UGLY!

 

[GMmon]

I'm renting a Soul while some body damage is repaired on my Rondo. Same light set-up as the Forte. I think it's great as is. Our '08 Saturn Vue had the auto method & at certain times it 'chose poorly' for conditions. Manual control LETS you control it.

As most cars w/power seats don't have a memory feature,I guess the o p has an absolute FIT having to spend 30 seconds to adj the seat. Sorry,man,just appreciate the simplicity of your car.