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GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Dimming Gauge Cluster Lights

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Old May 19, 2017 | 10:17 AM
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Default Dimming Gauge Cluster Lights

At night when I'm driving they appear brighter when I give the car gas
Could my alternator be on its way out?
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Old May 20, 2017 | 02:14 PM
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Have you measured the battery voltage with a meter?
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Old May 22, 2017 | 03:18 PM
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Get your battery and alternator checked out, seems you charging system is not up to snuff. That is a sign either you battery or alt is going out.
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Old Jan 21, 2024 | 12:16 PM
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After fiddling around on top of my dash & covering up the ambient light sensor, I’ve come to the conclusion that this is my culprit
It’s red in color instead of black like the one on the passenger side
Sometimes my light switch will not adjust the dash lights & if I cover then uncover the sensor with a rag or so my gauges will automatically stop illuminating
has anyone ever replaced the ambient light sensor & how difficult of a job is it?
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ryone
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Old Jan 21, 2024 | 12:26 PM
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Is that the little red bump thingy near to where the windshield meets the dash? I haven’t changed it but I was looking at it today when I got home
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Old Jan 21, 2024 | 01:33 PM
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Yes that’s the one
i was wondering if it was red or black originally but I think it’s bad
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Old Jan 21, 2024 | 03:38 PM
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Oh cool when I was looking at it I thought it was for sensing if the windshield broke or not. Mine has been red for the last 20k miles and I haven’t had any dimming issues so as far as I can tell red is normal.

Last edited by naluloa; Jan 21, 2024 at 03:41 PM.
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Old Jan 22, 2024 | 09:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Louielace6
After fiddling around on top of my dash & covering up the ambient light sensor, I’ve come to the conclusion that this is my culprit
It’s red in color instead of black like the one on the passenger side
Sometimes my light switch will not adjust the dash lights & if I cover then uncover the sensor with a rag or so my gauges will automatically stop illuminating
has anyone ever replaced the ambient light sensor & how difficult of a job is it?
Thanks Everyone

ryone
My 02 dash sensor has a red color.

Here’s how mine works.
When the sensor says(day) The dash back light does not dim at all. If I turn it down far enough it will turn totally off.

When the sensor says (dark) The dash will adjust up and down with the ****.

It’s possible to adjust the dash at night to a very low level, then Get in day time and think the dash has broken when it’s just adjusted low.

hope that helps.
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Old Jan 22, 2024 | 09:49 AM
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Mines will completely shut off when I turn the brightness all the way up on a bright sunny day
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Old Feb 26, 2025 | 04:36 AM
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I recently replaced my rheostat **** to no avail as my gauges still have the same issue
Has anyone replaced the sensor on the driver side of the dash & is it a ***** to do?
Also it is red & the passenger sensor is black
should they both be black?
Thanks Everyone
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Old Feb 28, 2025 | 07:01 AM
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Your gauges sure look white, I wonder if someone converted it from CFC lighting to LED’s or something? That could also explain why it isn’t dimming correctly
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Old Mar 2, 2025 | 08:01 AM
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I brought it off an older dude who supposedly only drove it on weekends
He said he didn’t do anything to it but routine maintenance
I'm gonna eventually pull the gauges to have a look & make sure all wires coming in are fine
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