Instrument backlighting

by Twiggy Fri Feb 12, 2016 11:26 am

My 2015 Warwick XL has a black covered dashboard including the instrument cluster. The dials also have a black background with white digets, looks good but, I'm having real problems reading the speedo etc. when on a shaded road or even a dull day. The instruments are not permanently backlit.
Anyone else have this problem?

by Spospe Fri Feb 12, 2016 11:36 am

This seems a common problem and FIAT have issued a notice to the effect that there is going to be a fix offered in (I think) April, which will turn on the panel lights permanently. I do not know what Peugeot (or Citroen) are going to do about it.

by Twiggy Fri Feb 12, 2016 11:41 am

Thanks Spospe for the quick reply. I did hear a rumour that Fiat might have a fix.
I contacted Peugeot Technical but they just referred me to a dealer.

by opatija Fri Feb 12, 2016 12:57 pm

I have the same problem on my 2013 Kemerton. It is only readable in certain lighting conditions, and even then it isn't perfect.
When abroad it is virtually impossible to read the KPH, being red on a black background. I therefore tend to use my satnav to give me an indication of my speed.

Frank

by Twiggy Fri Feb 12, 2016 1:40 pm

Yes, I also use the satnav, strange though there always seems about a 4mph difference.

I wonder if the visibility problem could be used as a legal defence against a speeding ticket.

by Cymro Fri Feb 12, 2016 1:54 pm

There has been a thread on this on the Forum as well as on other websites.

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Wouldn't it be good if Peugeot acknowledged the issue, and devised a fix whereby the instrumentation lighting would always be on when the ignition is on. I don't want my headlights on unless conditions warrant it, because the DRLs are always on. But to have the instruments lit up constantly would be the best solution. I assume it's just a software tweak. Oh that they would listen!

by -mojo- Fri Feb 12, 2016 2:03 pm

Think yourselves lucky that it's a design fault that should be fixable. The instrument lighting on a VW T5 base vehicle is ~designed~ so that when ambient lighting is poor it dims and goes out. This - apparently- is designed this way to "encourage" the driver to turn their lights on, so that they can then see what speed they are doing again!

by Cymro Wed Feb 17, 2016 11:16 am

I asked Peugeot Customer Care whether it's possible to reconfigure the dashboard illumination on the facelifted Boxers such that the instrument lighting would be on when the ignition is on. (As produced, the dashboard illumination only comes on when using headlights; during the day, if you don't want headlights and taillights on all the time, only the front DRLs are on, and the dashboard isn't illuminated.)

Peugeot were not helpful; in spite of persistent emails. They insisted on referring me to a dealer. So I asked my local dealer, who did some research and duly replied, explaining that they hadn't been able to find a procedure to do what I want, and they were concerned that if they reconfigured the setup it might have unforeseen consequences.

Pity, because it's the simple solution.

Whilst my satnav does show my speed, I don't always use it. So I'll probably buy a digital GPS 12v speedo, and permanently fix it to the dashboard. Perhaps the had-up display type.

by postman Wed Feb 17, 2016 1:28 pm

Twiggy wrote:

I wonder if the visibility problem could be used as a legal defence against a speeding ticket.

Don't think so, Twiggy. As a young tearaway, my solicitor told me never to make any excuses for speeding,just own up, as there never can be an excuse. Argue about the other offences but not that one.
[size=34]I've also owned motorbikes that didn't even have a Speedo and don't require one. It's simply up to the driver not to exceed the limit.[/size]

by Gromit Wed Feb 17, 2016 1:53 pm

I just had a new instrument cluster fitted to fix another problem.

Daft though it sounds, I can't accurately remember what the old one looked like, but the new dials are very clear and do seem easier to read.

Don't know if they are permanently backlit, but will check and report back. (Don't think they are????)

Dave

by Gromit Wed Feb 17, 2016 2:48 pm

No - not permanently backlit, but pretty clear and the kph figures are white.

They were red before - weren't they??? Am I going senile!!!

Somebody please post a photo of their panel to put me out of my misery!! confused0

Dave

by Cymro Wed Feb 17, 2016 3:00 pm

My replacement instrument cluster is identical to yours, Dave. And like you I can't remember whether the original had some coloured numbers - but as I'm colourblind it doesn't make much difference! All it needs is either becklighting whenever driving, or a "window" in the cowl above to let in light!

by Spospe Thu Feb 18, 2016 2:22 pm

My original, late 2013 build instrument panel had the kph numbers in red. The replacement panel which was changed in May 2015 because of some warning lights permanently glowing dimly, also has the kph figures in red.

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