Radio Illumination

I might be mistaken (it has happened once before), but isn't color blindness just the inability to distinguish between 2 colors, not the inability to see them at all?

Have someone who doesn't have vision problems to double check you. I can see mine in full daylight with the lights off. ( don't keep them past the click because I like them to dim at night when I turn my headlights on.

arinesmith said:

I might be mistaken (it has happened once before), but isn't color blindness just the inability to distinguish between 2 colors, not the inability to see them at all?

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yes, but no...lol

The issue is that what you may see as red isn't what I see. I see a much dimmer version of the color you may see.

Not to mention if you tossed a red ball into some green grass and asked me to find it I might be busy for hours!


I also have trouble telling if stop lights are red when the sun is directly behind or in front of me while low in the horizon. I have to be extra cautious when approaching intersections at these times.

Not being a dick or anything, but that sounds like your problem, since all of the dash illumination is red.

Can you see the dash at night?

Dash is fine, Gauges are sharp no issues. Even the Temp is easy to see since it has an overhang shading it.....it's just the damn radio I have issues with.

Oh...I am sure it is my problem, but I have read complaints here and in other Kia Forums

This was my complaint in another post. The radio is impossible to read in certain situations. I haven't come up with a solution. However, when I turn the dimmer all the way up, it's pretty bright. Something not right with your radio?

i know exactly how you feel, im colorblind but i dont think thats the issue, the radio face is like non glare and in direct sunlight i can read it at all, doesnt even look like its on, i have to like cup my hand around it lol, one of many flaws of the forte

well- i limo'd my windows- so no problem unless i am cruising around w/the sunroof wide open..... i too am red/green color deficient. also-found it matters what kind of sunglasses i am wearing makes a difference

Maximilien said:

OK I have the dimmer turned all the way up into the clicked brightest setting AND I STILL CAN"T READ THE RADIO IN THE SUNLIGHT!!

WTF? I am sure it doesn't help that I am partially color blind (red-green)

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Not to get into your business but , you were still able to get a license ?

Walpole5 said:

This was my complaint in another post. The radio is impossible to read in certain situations. I haven't come up with a solution. However, when I turn the dimmer all the way up, it's pretty bright. Something not right with your radio?

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It's bright as hell when it isn't getting washed out by the sun. I have a power roof, so that adds the issue for sure

Black forte kouppp said:

i know exactly how you feel, im colorblind but i dont think thats the issue, the radio face is like non glare and in direct sunlight i can read it at all, doesnt even look like its on, i have to like cup my hand around it lol, one of many flaws of the forte

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Exactly my issue

tampajoey said:

well- i limo'd my windows- so no problem unless i am cruising around w/the sunroof wide open..... i too am red/green color deficient. also-found it matters what kind of sunglasses i am wearing makes a difference

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Sun glasses do help a little...especially my Maui Jims

mattsfame562 said:

Not to get into your business but , you were still able to get a license ?

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Luckily here in oHIo they do not test for color deficiency (better description as used above by tampajoey).

Yes in direct sunlight, the screen is washed out just like how you cant really see your phone screen in the sun.

schmitty said:

Yes in direct sunlight, the screen is washed out just like how you cant really see your phone screen in the sun.

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I can see my HTC EVO with no issues in direct sun.....but I hear what you are saying

Same problem for me (and I'm not color blind).

Just a stupid question when you are haveing problems with seeing the radio are your headlights on??

my forte koup said:

Just a stupid question when you are haveing problems with seeing the radio are your headlights on??

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Nope

This may help. I noticed if I have my dimmer switch all the way up, (past the little click) i cannot see my radio either, try turning your dimmer down a little bit.

I'm also red-green deficient.. and suffer from the same problem..

I have a hard time believing that the colour blind ness is the problem though.. it probably doesn't help the situation..

gwildor said:

I'm also red-green deficient.. and suffer from the same problem..

I have a hard time believing that the colour blind ness is the problem though.. it probably doesn't help the situation..

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This is my thought as well after having 7 people from work sit in the car and tell me their thought on the radio. Only one had no issue at all (I think he just wanted to be the "winner"). It was a consensus on a bad design from KIA

I wrote KIA a complaint on Friday......will post response if any when received

Have to admit though.. at night.. the Red / Black combo is boss..

I just out the dealer found my Spicy Red 2011 SX 6MT hatchback and I should be in it by tomorrow! Now, regarding the thread - I am currently in a 2011 SX hatch with a sunroof and I had the exact same issue with the sun making the clock unreadable. The people that say they are able to see the clock - Do you have a sunroof? if so, is it open and is the sun shining down into the car? Because that is the only time I had the problem today.