[Audi A3/S3] Question regarding dash light operation.

[graeme86]

Greetings, ladies and gentlemen.

I have a question regarding the operation of the dash lights on an S3 (8L version).

Do they operate all the time the ignition is on?

If so, then, at night, when you switch on the headlight switch, do they then dim a bit automatically? I mean when you switch on the headlight switch there is an instant drop in intensity of the dash lights?

Or do they just dim automatically according to ambient light anyway using the built in light sensor?

Thank you.

[Paul]

They come on all the time. (numerals/needles)

although there is a good chance you can choose what you want with vag-com software, as the Mk1 TT you can set them, though ive nver needed to or tried on the S3.

As far as ive noticed (2 x S3 and 60 k miles over 4 years) Ive not seen the dash lights auto dim ever, if they do, its so subtle to even notice.

I have only recently found out that the light sensor in the dash pod, seems to disable the dimmer switch, until its dark enough to require using it.

[graeme86]

So, you still have a manual dimmer switch, but it only works when you turn on the headlight switch?

[Paul]

I have a dimmer switch for ALL the dash lighting, inc vents etc.

In daytime, with the sidelights/headlights on, the dimmer switch is not operatational, as the light sensor says its not required.

In hindsight, I guess if you had the dimmer on LOW, it would dim everything at night different to day time.

Ive just twigged, that i always have mine on max, so i wouldnt have seen a change anyway.

[itssam]

sorry to butt in but I'm looking at buying a 05 (8P) and it looks like the dash lighting it fixed on full... is there a chance its the same feature, or is it just that the dimmer switch is knackered?