Dash lights

[modeheaddm]

Hi all hoping someone can help.
2012 1.2 Polo.

Just had a sill replaced, during which bodyshop removed the drivers door. When replaced, they had to connecta nd reset the airbag

On receipt of car, it seems the dials dont light up correctly. Wife and I having disputes about it.

When you get in the car, ignition on, the red needles light up. The dials do not.
When headlights go on, everything lights up.

She thinks the dials used to light up in normal daytime running, I'm obviously debating that. It's her car, I have an I.D.3.

Could someone clarify whats 'meant' to be correct please?

If ours is wrong, any easy solutions?

[SRGTD]

The dashboard illumination is controlled by a light sensor that monitors the level of outside light. In my 2016 Polo GTI (I no longer have the car), in dull daylight hours and dusk light conditions the dashboard illumination would dim down to act as a prompt to switch on the lights. In bright and sunny conditions, the dashboard dials were illuminated whether the lights were on or not. I would notice the dashboard illumination dimming down on a sunny day if I entered a tunnel or a multi storey car park with poor lighting or a section of road with dense, overhanging trees when the road would be in heavy shade; switching on the lights and the dials would be illuminated again.

So maybe when you switched on the ignition and only the instrument needles were illuminated, it was after dark or poor outside light conditions during daylight hours?

If you have auto headlamps, from memory if you leave the rotary light switch set to ‘auto’ the instrument illumination should always be on.

[ciclo]

As mentioned, an algorithm determines the illumination level of the dial indicators based on the ambient light received by the integrated light sensor in the dashboard.

The same applies if Automatic headlights, but it also depends on the RLS sensor integrated into the windshield/mirror. Additionally, some models have a light sensor in the radio navigation system that works in conjunction with the aforementioned light sensors.

This has always generated some controversy; some drivers would prefer brighter dial illumination in low ambient light. The solution is simple: move the headlight switch to the main beam position. Your dials will illuminate, and as mentioned, it's time for other drivers to see you too.

If your vehicle has a dimmer, you can also manually adjust the brightness level of the interior lights on switches, dials, etc., once they are turned on by the light swith.
Depending on the vehicle's trim level, understanding how these sensors operate may be more or less straightforward.

An ID3 should do all this automatically. Zero worries.