Opus

That is correct, it doesn't dim when I dim the instrument lighting.

Thanks for the crash info, I didn't know it would do that. In my 25 years of driving I've only turned on the hazards maybe twice and that was to fix a flat. When I wrecked my car the battery was knocked out so flashers weren't an option.

Rudy

I did a quick check this afternoon and here's what I found...

The hazard light seems to be tied to both the instrument panel lighting and the ambient lighting sensor. In broad daylight, where the ambient lighting sensor sees that it isn't dark, the button is illuminated brightly and does not respond to the instrument panel dimmer -- even if the headlamps are turned on.

In darker ambient lighting conditions, the button dims (from the daylight setting) and it's intensity is controllable via the instrument panel control as long as the headlamps are on.

I learned this by driving through a tunnel today -- while in the tunnel, I was able to see it dim itself and I was able to further dim it with my dial on the dash. Once I exited the tunnel, the light reverted back to bright and even with the lights on, I could not dim it so obviously, the ambient light sensor takes priority over the instrument lighting dial.

If yours doesn't dim at all, maybe there's something wrong with your ambient light sensor? Did you ever have your windshield or rear view mirror replaced? Do your automatic headlights work?

Opus

Thanks for checking. I will have to play around with it some more and make sure I'm not doing something wrong. I've only had the car 2 months so I don't know if it has ever had the windshield replaced. I do run the auto headlights and they work fine as far as I can tell.

turboawd

Does your hazard switch flash brighter when you turn on the hazzards?

Opus

I checked it tonight before I left work and it does dim but barely. I could hardly tell it was dimming, especially compared to the instrument panel. I guess it could just be my eyes. I know nighttime lights seem to be brighter after I had my lasik surgery a couple of years ago. I may have them look at it whenever my oil change comes due.

Thanks for all the replies.

turboawd

The switch light should be normally dim, and flash brighter when activated. I wonder if the light is stuck on bright.

Opus

I turned on the flashers and it was brighter. I'm sure it is just me.