You hop into the family car, ready for a road trip adventure. Suddenly, you notice dashboard lights seem a bit… well, under the weather? Though it’s an imaginative story, it can happen to anyone. The only thought may be, “Why are my dash lights dim?” It is hazardous to have dimmed lights on dark roads.
Lots of reasons are there that may cause dash lights to dull. It can occur when issues with the electrical system, battery voltage, alternator, dimmer switch, and bulb condition arise. Sometimes, wiring connections can also prevent lights from lighting entirely.
My dear fellow readers, I will share complete explanations for dashboard lights dimming. I do not want to leave you in the dark, quite literally. Once you read this blog, you will return to the road with your dashboard lit like a Christmas tree.
Why Do You Need Bright Dash Lights?
We often overlook the dash lights or dashboard warning lights. But indeed, these lights are integral parts of the vehicle’s communication system. They indicate if the car is in the park or driving when they illuminate.
The warning lights on the dashboard may refer to different issues in the car. For instance, it can let you warn about low fuel levels, engine temperature, low tire pressure, or engine problems. It may also notify about the airbag, oil pressure, transmission and coolant temperature, brake system, and traction control (source).
You may not get the above warnings when dash lights are dimming or already dimmed. As a result, it may cause unexpected problems and keep you at risk. For example, you drive on the road, but there is no fuel level warning. There will be a risk that your car engine will stall or completely turn off during the trip.
Common Reasons for Dash Lights Dimming (with Their Solutions)
So, you see the importance of keeping bright and healthy dash lights. Now, what will you do if you have dimmed lights? I guess you will try to find the reasons first. But do not worry; and I am here to explain them without keeping you under stress. Well, there are several reasons!
Reason – 1: Old Bulb Issues
Well, the condition of the bulbs can affect the brightness of the dashboard lights. If a bulb is damaged or corroded, it can cause the lights to dim.
What to Do
You should replace the aged or corroded bulbs to get proper warning lights. It will restore the full illumination of the dash lights (source).
To replace the bulbs, locate them first and then find the problematic bulb. Next, use a pair of pliers to remove them from their sockets. Then, thread new bulbs of the same size, type into the sockets and screw them in place (source).
Reason – 2: Faulty Alternator
Besides bulbs, the failing alternator can also affect the brightness of the dashboard lights. It can fail to supply regular “charge output” current. As a result, the vehicle’s different electrical parts and lights will have problems.
What to Do
For faulty alternators, first check if the voltage regulators are fine. Then, inspect the conditions of the bearings on the vehicle rotor. Next, test the alternator to know whether it works again.
Reason – 3: Faulty Dimmer Switch
You can adjust the light levels of dash lights using the dimmer switch. But it may cause the lights to become too dim if the switch accidentally bumped. The same thing may happen when the switch malfunctions (source). Again, a damaged or loose wire can cause the switch to malfunction.
What to Do
Check the wiring associated with the dimmer switch. If you suspect a wiring problem, you should take your vehicle to a mechanic. Again, you can adjust the switch to solve the dimming light problem (source).
There are lots of YouTube videos that show how to adjust the dimmer switch in any vehicle. Usually, adjusting the switch is like this: turn the key to the 2nd position after locating the switch. Then, turn on the headlights, press the switch, and voila!
Reason – 4: Fuse Box
Check the dashboard light fuse to see if the dimmer switch is not the problem. Usually, loose connections to the fuse box may cause dimmed dashboard lights.
What to Do
The fuse box is usually under the dashboard or in the engine compartment. Read your owner’s manual to find the fuse box and dashboard light fuse. Now, replace the blown fuse with a new one of the same amperage.
Reason – 5: Battery Voltage Level
Like we eat foods to keep our energy level higher, the dashboard lights also require adequate power to give perfect brightness. But the power will not reach the dash lights when the vehicle battery is on a low level. As a result, you will get dimmed lights and may face the consequences due to that weak battery.
What to Do
Test the battery to know about its state. You may need a replacement battery to have vivid dash lights.
Conduct a multimeter test to know if the battery voltage is right to the level of the manufacturer’s recommendation. If the battery has a lower voltage than suggested, you may need to replace it. You may read this article to know more about this. Another way to test the battery is by performing the cranking test (source).
Reason – 6: Wiring and Connection Issues
Wiring and connection issues can also cause dim dashboard lights. Loose, corroded, dirty, or shorted wires in the car’s electrical system can all be culprits.
What to Do
Check wiring harnesses to identify any loose connections. Secure the connections tightly if you find them.
Reason – 7: Dashboard Light Dimming Settings
The dimming settings can affect the brightness of the lights. Did you adjust the settings to make the lights dimmer? If so, then you already know what you should do.
What to Do
Adjusting the settings can potentially solve the problem (source). Check this video as a tutorial for setting up the brightness of dash lights from the settings menu.
Reason – 8: Automatic Dimming
If you turn on the headlights, the dash lights will automatically dim. So, it can be another reason.
What to Do
Ensure that you haven’t switched on the headlights. Lighting both types of lights together may dim the dash lights (source).
How to Prevent Dash Light Issues
Like the wise man said, “Prevention is always better than cure”, it is very true for vehicle maintenance. Well, regular maintenance can prevent the dash lights from dimming or going darker.
You can conduct routine check-ups. In this case, a professional mechanic can help better. He will inspect everything in the electrical system. For example, the inspection includes checking the wiring, bulbs, and dimmer switch. If they function correctly, you will have no dash light problems.
If your dash lights are dimmer than usual, taking immediate action is important. And when you ignore it, it may cause more severe issues down the line. For instance, without dash lights, you won’t know the information available on the dashboard. And further accidents may happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix my dashboard lights?
Answer: You can do several things to fix the dimming lights. Check the condition of the bulbs first. If you find any bulb not working, replace it soon. Then, check the dimmer switch is adjusted correctly. For a faulty fuse box, you may replace it or check its wiring connections. Keep all the wiring connections secure and tight to light the dash lights vividly.
What does dimming mean on the dashboard?
Answer: It means the reduction of brightness of the dashboard lights. It can happen by several factors, like a faulty dimmer switch, a bad battery or alternator, loose connections, shorts, or bad grounds.
Do LED dash lights dim?
Answer: LED dash lights can dim, but it is not common. Nowadays, individual LEDs often make up the dash lights. So, it is unusual to see a part of the dash larger than one of these lights go dim. However, the instrument cluster was backlit by light bulbs in older vehicles. If any bulb is burned out, that dash part would lose its illumination.
Conclusion: Why are My Dash Lights Dim?
Dear readers, remember, when you are gearing up for an epic road trip, do not ignore the importance of your dashboard lights! They are like the silent communicators of your car, telling you about fuel levels, engine temperature, and more.
Dimmed lights can happen by various gremlins like old bulbs, a bad alternator, a fussy dimmer switch, or even an erratic fuse box. And let’s not forget the low battery mood swings that can make your dashboard sulk.
To keep your adventure smooth, promptly replace those old bulbs, check the alternator’s temperament, and ensure the dimmer switch is in a good mood. Don’t forget to give your fuse box some attention and keep your battery happy.
I hope you have understood the problem well. Now, keep those lights shining bright and confidently drive on the road. Happy travels!
