Dashboard backlight - why is it switched?

instantsquid · Mar 3, 2010

I'm revamping the dash area in my 1988 90 with a MUD console. I'm relocating the three switches that are currently by my right knee up onto the console (along with the switches for spotlights, foglights, work light, etc., stereo, CB... )

There's a two-way switch which either turns the interior light on or the dashboard backlight on. Given that the backlight only comes on with the side-lights, why is it switched? I'm considering just having a switch for the interior light, and letting the dash lights just turn on and off with the side-lights, as in most other cars.

Am I missing something here? Is there a really good reason why you'd want to drive at night, with your headlights on but not be able to see the dash?

- Ian.

bustersbus · Mar 3, 2010

Are ye sure the switch down by yer knee turns the dash lights on? On mine, the dash lights come on wi' the light switch and the switch down by me knee works as... top for courtesy light (switched by the wee switches down the door pillar/ bulkhead), middle off and bottom for interior light on.
Yours might be different tho'

instantsquid · Mar 3, 2010

Yep - it's different. I have no door switches at all, so the courtesy light is only turned on and off with that switch. Not sure what you mean by "interior light" - I only have one light, up above the rear-view mirror.

Ian

bustersbus · Mar 3, 2010

instantsquid said:
Yep - it's different. I have no door switches at all, so the courtesy light is only turned on and off with that switch. Not sure what you mean by "interior light" - I only have one light, up above the rear-view mirror.

Ian

Ahhhh, now ye mention it... ah've got one of them switches with the clock symbol on it:doh:

The interior light is the same one as yours near the rear view mirror

instantsquid · Mar 3, 2010

bustersbus said:
Ahhhh, now ye mention it... ah've got one of them switches with the clock symbol on it

That's the fella! I can't for the life of me think why anyone would want their headlights on, but their dashboard in darkness!

- Ian.

Medusa · Mar 3, 2010

instantsquid said:
Yep - it's different. I have no door switches at all, so the courtesy light is only turned on and off with that switch. Not sure what you mean by "interior light" - I only have one light, up above the rear-view mirror.

Ian

Mine's the same, stoopid design.

instantsquid · Mar 3, 2010

I'll still have a switch on the console to turn the interior light on and off, but the dashboard lights can just go on and off with the headlights. It's gotta be simpler that way!

jamescronin · Mar 3, 2010

Yes it is but I think it has it's history in the mod designs? Maybe something to do with maintaining night vision for people in the back.

But like busttet said it changed on the 200tdi and beyond.

bustersbus · Mar 3, 2010

jamescronin said:
Yes it is but I think it has it's history in the mod designs? Maybe something to do with maintaining night vision for people in the back.

But like busttet said it changed on the 200tdi and beyond.

Ah was kinda thinkin' along those lines mesel'

bustett??????

jamescronin · Mar 3, 2010

Sorry mate, was typing on my iPhone on a bus and must have hit the wrong buttons.

bustersbus · Mar 3, 2010

jamescronin said:
sorry mate, was typing on my iphone on a bus and must have hit the wrong buttons.

hehehehehehe!:d:d:d

trbod · Mar 3, 2010

it was done for when mod drivers need complete blackout

instantsquid · Mar 3, 2010

trbod said:
it was done for when mod drivers need complete blackout

That doesn't make any sense though. They only come on with the headlights!

trbod · Mar 3, 2010

if wewre on about the same switch hear. turn ya headlights on then turn the switch by your knee and you dash lights will go off.

OR

ive had a really ****ty day and i missread your email lol

pos · Mar 3, 2010

instantsquid said:
That doesn't make any sense though. They only come on with the headlights!

I have the same switch in my 1986 90 and I use it quite frequently when traveling along the motor way at night, turning it on occasionally to keep an eye on the fuel and temperature levels. I don't really know why though

But, like mentioned above, I can see it being slightly beneficial to anyone traveling inside the cab who is concentrating extremely carefully on their surrounding environment. After all, the light from the dash may prove to be just enough of a distraction to get you killed if you're looking out for even the smallest enemy light source. Sure enough you'd have to have your side lights on to need to switch them off anyway which would mean you are visible none the less, but it will definitely cut down on light pollution inside the landy.

-Pos

jamescronin · Mar 3, 2010

That's what were on about.....

bustersbus · Mar 3, 2010

Ah take it this is the kinda switch ye've got.....

This is the one ah've got in mine....

steve bain · Mar 3, 2010

wow! you guys are all modern age! i only have a hazard light. only a fuel gauge light (all rest have blown!) on no interior light to speak of! i wish i did have an inteior light though. are these done off a switch then?

LeadFarmer · Mar 3, 2010

The older MOD landys had a convoy setting on the light switch dial in the centre of the dash. This killed all lights. They had a small White disc on the rear axel which would barely illuminate by a small bulb. This enabled the vehicles to drive in convoy at night time whilst off road driving. Drivers woud have to keep very close to each other, but would have to drive very slowly

shadowster · Mar 3, 2010

jamescronin said:
Sorry mate, was typing on my iPhone on a bus and must have hit the wrong buttons.

better watch you dont bust it

Dashboard backlight - why is it switched?

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