Dash back lighting staying only on dim mode

[racerx520]

So today i had to tow a John Deere Gator on my trailer (GVW 3750, Gator weighs probably 1500 lbs at best). While i was towing it in the early morning hours, the instrument panel lights were on dim, as the sun started to come up, i notices my headlights (on auto) were not turning off, so i switched them off manually. After switching them off, the dash lights were still dimmed as if the headlights were on. After about 1015, and the sun was all the way out, i went to haul the gator to a second location, and upon turning on the truck (with lights on auto) the headlights came on, so i turned them off manually again. By about 1pm, i had to bring the trailer somewhere else, and with the lights on auto, turned on the truck, and the headlights were off, but the dash lights were dim still.

If i just turn off the lights, instead of the dash lights going onto bright like usual, they just turn fully off. Does anyone have any information or insight on this issue? I have checked a couple fuses but i cant find anything blown.

any help will be greatly appreciated!!

[Chris]

I have a similar issue, I can tape the face of the switch and they get bright again so I know my switch is bad

[racerx520]

what switch is that?

[racerx520]

i forgot to also add, toward the end of my day, i tried putting the headlights on manually to check the trailer lights, and found that the trailer lights werent working any longer. I checked the fuses for the trailer lights but they were fine...I'm a little baffled by the whole issue. Im not sure if there might be some corrosion on the 4-prong plug for the trailer lights which is preventing them from working....i dont know if there is a photocell for the lights or something

[Chris]

My dimmer is built into my headlight switch. But your dimmer switch or light and dimmer switch could be on its way out

[tanked_darren]

Do you have anything like a book or paper laying on your dash? The photocell is a little dome in the center near the windshield.

 

If its covered. Your truck will think its dark.

 

 

As for the trailer its more likely a ground problem on the trailer, test the plug on the truck to be safe I guess.

 

Sent from my Nokia 5190 using Tapatalk 2

 

[racerx520]

i've been researching it on the web, some people are having issues with the photocell. i dont know if this could be my issue too. when looking at the interior lights, its as if the headlights are constantly on, even if theyre off.

 

i've been researching it on the web, some people are having issues with the photocell. i dont know if this could be my issue too. when looking at the interior lights, its as if the headlights are constantly on, even if theyre off.

 

i've been researching it on the web, some people are having issues with the photocell. i dont know if this could be my issue too. when looking at the interior lights, its as if the headlights are constantly on, even if theyre off.

 

i've been researching it on the web, some people are having issues with the photocell. i dont know if this could be my issue too. when looking at the interior lights, its as if the headlights are constantly on, even if theyre off.

 

i've been researching it on the web, some people are having issues with the photocell. i dont know if this could be my issue too. when looking at the interior lights, its as if the headlights are constantly on, even if theyre off.

[racerx520]

no, i have nothing on the dash. Im wondering if the trailering is somehow related. It didnt start until i had the trailer hooked up

[racerx520]

anyone know how to test the photocell? i have a multimeter, but im not very knowledgable on it lol. I am used to just troubleshooting stuff

[tanked_darren]

What is the year and model you have? That could help anyone wanting to give input.

 

Sent from my Nokia 5190 using Tapatalk 2

 

 

[racerx520]

its a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab 4.8L 4x4....the trim package is an LT also

[racerx520]

to fill in anyone who was wondering...today when turning onthe truck, no headlights turned on automatically, and the interior lights came on brightly. BUT when i turn on the headlights, the interior lights do not dim (meaning the lettering on the radio), although the backlighting does come on. At this point im not sure if i'm crazy and the lettering on the radio lettering is basically judged by the photocell and doesnt automatically dim when the headlights are turned on and vice versa when turning off.....

[obs_man]

I have a 2013 one ton 4WD Vortec the dash display is So dim I cannot even read the clock and this is 90 % of the time. Then all at once they might come on bright for awhile. I doesn't matter if the headlights are on or not. I have cleaned the grounds under the cab on driver's side. I thought it might be the dimmer switch, which is separate on my truck not in the headlight switch. But I have ruled that out. The photocell is not it I don't think cause I can cover it and still the same even when I turn the headlights off manually. Any ideas?