Dash lights turning off at night

[dh271]

Something messed up concerning my dash lights. When it`s nighttime my dash lights go off. They work fine in daytime, doesn`t matter whether I turn on headlights, running lights or pull the relay or turn dimmer switch any direction. I covered the sensor in day light to make it think it was night and they turned off, uncovered it and the dash lights came back on in a few seconds. Any ideas or should I just buy a Yugo....

[oldblu65]

The headlight switch contains circuitry that controls the automatic operation of turning the DRL's ( day time running lights ) off and activating the regular headlights when it gets dark outside . It also controls the dimming of all interior lighting ( dash cluster , etc. ) when the regular headlights are on . Your switch is bad and needs replacing - I say this from my actual experience with the same problem . My dash cluster , floor mounted gearshift indicator lights , door mounted power window and lock lighting , and all miscellaneous interior lighting would go completely out when the regular headlights were activated at night . I replaced my switch and the problem was fixed ! Hope this helps .Good luck !

[dh271]

Thanks for the input, I`ll scope the out the switch.

[dh271]

Are you talking about the headlight/dimmer switch on the left side of the dash close to the driver door?

[oldblu65]

Yes , the switch on the left side of the dash that allows you to manually turn the headlights on as well as adjust the brightness of the dash lighting .

[dh271]

I was a little confused when I typed in headlight switch on youtube and watched them change out the multifunction switch on the column. I thought it might be the instrument panel dimmer switch. Thanks!
One other question, do you know if the sensor on top of the dash could be disabled by itself and I wonder if it would have any effect of keeping the dash lights on since it wouldn`t be reading between light and dark anymore?

[oldblu65]

I don't know enough about the dash mounted sensor and the intricacies of the wiring to even try to advise you about disabling it ? I am going to send you a PM giving you another option on this and other potential problems with your car .