Dash Dimmer Switch Not Working

<_< I had the same problem early on on my '04 Prius. There was a disconnected cable inside-bottom of the dash which disabled the dimmer switch *AND* some of the panel lights [radio, steering wheel buttons, etc.]. I believe they had accidentally disconnected this cable when programming one of the computers.

Simple fix: Mechanic just reconnected the cable. Could be it's that simple on your 2005 Prius.

 

I have also noticed that phenomenon. A fix that I have found is that if you roll the knob all the way up past the point where it clicks (the maximum brightness), and then roll it back down it will work. Try it out before going to a mechanic.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(catsbox @ Oct 11 2006, 08:53 AM) [snapback]331166[/snapback]</div>

Although the dimmer switch may need to be fixed, a way to remove the green bar is to put a piece of black material (like felt) along the edge of the hole in the dash where the mirror is. Put it on the side nearest the driver. Use double-sided tape and put the material in about 1/4" or so.

 

I had the exact same problem. Simply pull rearward on the driver's air vent and it comes out. The cable conenctor for the dimmer switch is then accessable from behind. Pushed it firmly into its connection and it worked again. Took all of 1 minute to fix.

 

I too had this problem. Read this and went home and your right, easy fix. No way I would have thought of pulling on vent cause it's not screwed into place, to access the switch. My wife was real happy about that, she was getting tried of the glare on the windsheild when night driving. Thanks.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(catsbox @ Oct 11 2006, 11:53 AM) [snapback]331166[/snapback]</div>

What green bar of light?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rest @ Oct 24 2006, 02:11 PM) [snapback]337500[/snapback]</div>

At night, you can sometimes see reflection on the windshield from the speedometer. since it is first reflecting off the top of the dash directly infront of it, it looks like a green bar and can obscure vision. oddly enough, i saw it for the first time sunday evening, had never noticed it before.

 

Mine appears blue, as the color of the lights.

 

I had same problem. Pulled out vent cover. Switch harness was unplugged but couldn't find loose wire! So pulled back on dash panel surrounding switch (bolted at bottom but just pulls out at top) for more access. Fished around and found the loose wire! Was apparently disconnected when steering shaft repaired. Five minute fix. Woohoo!

 

You're all lucky - at least you've all got Dash Dimmer Switches in your Prii. My UK Spec 2008 Prius II "T Spirit" doesn't have one ...!!! Come to think of it, there's no extra 12v power outlet under the dash either - only in the storage compartment between the front seats......why? For me, the dash lights aren't bright enough. I still love my Prius "Spaceship" though

 

So glad I found this thread! 2008 that I just bought had this problem.

Only thing I'd add is that once you have the air vent off and have found the unplugged cable, it's tricky to try to get it plugged in blind. Just push the dimmer from the back to pop it out. Then push the cable through the hole and connect it to the dimmer out where you can see both the plug and the socket. Test to see that it fixed the problem. Then push the now-connected dimmer back into the hole. Then put the air vent back. Done!

 

Actually Data the UK T-Spirit does have one, and it is mentioned in the owner's manual.

It should be the right most button under the MDF, and it has two jobs. It has a symbol on it that I think is supposed to look like a speedometer.

Job one is dimming the dash and MDF -- quick presses. This only works when the headlights are on.

Job two is toggling the speedo display between km/h and mph for use in Eire and Europe -- press and hold for about 2 secs.

hope this helps.

 

If you push the one of the buttons to the side of the clock (nearest the driver can't remember if it's km/mph or oddo, bottom right in your avatar) with the side or headlamps turned on you can scroll through different brightness settings for the dash. The settings will return to bright if the car is turned off.

John (Britprius)

 

Thank you John
I'm not sure how long ago I wrote that, but I quickly discovered the valuable information you've supplied shortly after I posted that. I've been using that button regularly ever since. Sure, it's a unique place to hide such an important function, but I'm glad it's there.....and a non-prius owner would never find it!

I still miss having an extra power socket lower down on the dash, and as you've regularly pointed out, what on earth were Toyota thinking, when they specified the UK Prius II without heated / folding mirrors?!! Heated front seats wouldn't have gone amiss either