Instrument Backlighting

[jon_iz]

My B8 has adaptive Xenons, with Auto headlights...

If I leave the headlamp switch in "AUTO", the speedo and rev counter are permanently illuminated - good...
If I switch the headlamp switch to "OFF" the backlighting for the speedo and rev counter seems to have a mind of it's own. Some times it's on, sometimes it's off and can change at will... Bad..
It doesn't seem to be related to light level (or auto wiper setting).

Has anyone else noticed this?

Is there a VAGCOM setting to make the backlighting stay on permanently when the engine is running?

I thought I'd ask this before I go to the dealers to complain that my BT low has gone low-volume again and that my headlamps are stained...
:D

[tlionhart]

i think what your referring to is, its off. But say your driving in a a dark wooded area or just going under a bridge, it comes on. If it works like that then it's normal.

[jon_iz]

i think what your referring to is, its off. But say your driving in a a dark wooded area or just going under a bridge, it comes on. If it works like that then it's normal.

That's what I'd expect too... But that's not the case, hence the question.
I can be driving along in bright sunshine, and go under a tree covered area and the back lighting might be already on. Perhaps 10 minutes later, still in bright sunshine, the next time I go in to a low light area, the backlight is off. It doesn't seem to follow any logic.
(I'm an engineer and understand logical things ;))

[troc]

(I'm an engineer and understand logical things ;))

Give it some percussive maintenance, that's the usual engineering approach :D

[a8 tech]

you can enable the dash display to be on with ignition so you never suffer again,go to address 17 and change code

[jon_iz]

It's a case of not forcing it, just using a bigger hammer...

[a8 tech]

you can adjust the phone volume
go to address 56 radio adaption channel 51 and set to 11 (i think) this is caused by entering and exiting the car without un bonding the phone or when using hfp on the mfsw volume controls

[jon_iz]

you can adjust the phone volume
goto address 56 radio adaption channel 51 and set to 11

I don't have VAGCOM or the leads, so it's a dealer job for me...
However, this is the second time my BT audio level has dropped. Is this something that happens often - when it does happen, what is the typical setting that is set in channel 51?

[a8 tech]

there are current technical solutions for the volume issue and from memory the volume resets because the phone volume was altered on the mfsw and ignition switched off mid call,or something like that.
The headlight sand issue requires a new unit plus ventilation pipe

[a8 tech]

backlights you need vcds long code helper
http://wiki.ross-tech.com/index.php/Audi_A5_(8T)_Instrument_Cluster#Adaptation

[walkaboutmx5]

Leave em on auto. I was told by Audi that the panel lights go out to remind you to turn on your lights

[Jop]

Leave em on auto. I was told by Audi that the panel lights go out to remind you to turn on your lights
That makes sense now.

I was trying to turn off "Auto" as I didnt think it was dark enough for lights and wanted to just have the DRL's on - Cos it looks better.
But couldn't figure out as to why my dash lights had gone out when there were on when my lights were "OFF" just a short time earlier.

cheers for clearing this up. even if its not the correct answer it's an answer for me.

[jon_iz]

Leave em on auto. I was told by Audi that the panel lights go out to remind you to turn on your lights

That would make sense, but the backlighting when set to OFF does not behave as expected. You would expect them to extinguish in low light and come on in bright light if this was the case, but the operation of mine seems to be a little random!

[Richmix]

I have noticed this with the illuminated dash. Surely this is to prompt drivers to turn on their lights when it gets dark?

All the new A4 drivers drive around with their DRL's on at first and hate the main lights coming on at dusk (just like I used to do).

When your instruments are pitch black, it's really difficult driving about. I've tried it!

That's why in AUTO mode it does it all for you.

You may also notice that in AUTO mode as the external light gets lower, the main beam comes on (green light on light switch) but sometimes doesn't illuminate the window buttons, heating controls etc? These only come on when the cabin light is even less - very clever