Okay, so I've had my car back from the dealer for a few days. (ENGINE DISABLED & ENGINE PWR RED fiasco). As I drove off, I almost drove back because I noticed I couldn't see anything lit up on the instrument panel. Aah, the dimmer switch! So, I adjusted it, but have noticed that at times, while driving, it gets excessively bright... and at that point, I can't adjust it... and then after a bit, it gets dull, and I'm able to adjust it. Anybody know of a "quick fix"?... as I'd hate to bring it in back to the dealer!

 

This is probably due to the auto sensor which turns on your instrument pannel lights etc. When turned on the lights willl dim somewhat and when off they will be brighter. This sensor also turns on your headlights et and you can adjust the level of brightness. If the auto sensor does not think the headlights are needed then you willl not be able to adjust the brightness level. The sensor willl recognize for example when you pull into a covered area and turn on the headlights and interior lights which will dim the pannel lights etc. Hope this helps some..

 

Aaah!... I suppose I didn't take much notice of this "before" the trip to the dealership. Thanks for your reply, Julian! I guess I won't be bothered with that anymore; I thought maybe a fuse was loose and I'd go have to find the fuse box.

 

Aaahaah! So now we know which "fuse was loose"....wasn't the ones in the car afterall!!!

(OK, no worries folks, just joking! da_loca is my only referral to this forum..)

 

go find it anyway and make sure that all the fuses are snug in their seats...most people have a few fuses loose...seriously

 

Mine does the same, randomly adjusts (without a change to the lighting on the dash sensor) and you do loose the adjustablity of the switch at that point. Sometimes you can move switch too max and back down, when they are flickering/adjusting and it stops the flickering/adjusting.

Checked all my fuses, still get that wierd issue at times.

Been happening from the beginning on mine, and now 1 year & 32,000 miles later, I ignore it. Has not caused any other issues, and most times it is a quick change, not sure if I am hallucinating or it is messing with me.

Later,
Markiemark

 

Well, this morning as I was on my way to work, couldn't see the instrument panel AT ALL, turned the dimmer switch... it didn't do a darn thing... then "shazam!".. it's "light-bright", and of course, I can't adjust it anymore. I called the dealership and asked if I should "check to make sure all fuses are seated correctly" as you all suggested and he said, "NO!... it's electrical and they don't want me messing with anything that shouldn't be messed with"... My boss says they mean, "No!... don't fix your OWN car... bring it in, let us hassle you and keep your car over night again..." LOL Well, I scheduled an appointment for Monday, but tonight, hubby's gonna check all the fuses. Hopefully, this will fix it, and I can cancel. If not, this sucks! I would just like my car to be like it was when I first got it...exactly 4 months ago today!!

 

Ok da loca will try to understand. If you couldn't see the instrument pannel then the auto lights were probably not on which would also mean the dimmer would have no effect. What I dont understand is you say all of a sudden it got bright which would mean the auto lights were on. I dont care what the Dealer says, check your fuses, it is a well reported problem with our HHR's, mine included. If that is not the problem then take it to dealer and hopefully they will find and fix your problem. One other senario is somethimes my auto lights come on and due to outside light I am not able to easily see the instrument pannel etc and after they auto turn off the pannel gets bright. This has happened several times for me. If it does it again while the pannel is dim shift your lights to Bright, if you see the Bright-Lite indicator on the pannel it willl let you know the auto lights are on and your dimmer switch should have some effect, I also use this when I am running with the windshield wippers in daytime and want to know if my headlights are on.. I hope this is of some help

 

If you turn the "Auto Lights" function off (rotate light stem out & back a cycle), the lights will revert to "manual." In the manual mode you will not have to fight with the light sensor for control of the dimmer.

Hope it helps,

 

To answer Julian, pertaining to your scenario, I always have the "auto lights" on. I will definitely check the fuses though. I think I will try SoCal's advice also... will turn the auto lights off and see if I have control of the dimmer. If I don't, and have checked the fuses, then I may bring it into the dealer on Monday as scheduled. Thanks ya'll... very much appreciated!