Dash clock/speedo lights?

[Boroboy]

My dash Speedo clock lights do not come on all the time, without my lights on. Is this normal? As I'd like the option to have them illuminated during daylight hours too, without my headlight or sidelights on. I've had a quick look through my handbook, can't seem to find any info on this.
Sometimes they come on without my lights on, sometimes not. Are they light sensitive?
Cheers.

 

[BoomerBoom]

In my 2018 FR the displays are illuminated all the time, but they dim up and down depending on the outside ambient lighting.

As it gets dark, or you drive under a tree, the displays go completely out - this is apparently Seat's idea of a safety reminder to put the headlights on, after which the displays stay lit.

I find it very annoying, there should be be a longer delay before it goes dark as you wouldn't normally turn your lights on for just a few seconds.

 

[Boroboy]

In my 2018 FR the displays are illuminated all the time, but they dim up and down depending on the outside ambient lighting.

As it gets dark, or you drive under a tree, the displays go completely out - this is apparently Seat's idea of a safety reminder to put the headlights on, after which the displays stay lit.

I find it very annoying, there should be be a longer delay before it goes dark as you wouldn't normally turn your lights on for just a few seconds.

Thanks for the info, I kind of worked it out, shortly after I'd posted it. I also agree with what you've said.
It was overcast when the dash lights were out, although I didn't think it was dark enough to put my lights on. I can see the reasoning behind it, but for what it is, auto lights should be standard really. If you need to be reminded to put your lights on, then they should come on automatically. Saves having to be reminded to do so....
At least I now know it's not a fault, rather a quirk of the car.

 

[daniel_ley]

It's a pretty good idea really, cars with dials which are lit up permanently, even when headlights are off is not a good idea as everyone just assumes their lights are on.

Having the dials dim/turn off when it's dark and the headlights are off is an obvious reminder to drivers to put their lights on.

 

[Boroboy]

It's a pretty good idea really, cars with dials which are lit up permanently, even when headlights are off is not a good idea as everyone just assumes their lights are on.

Having the dials dim/turn off when it's dark and the headlights are off is an obvious reminder to drivers to put their lights on.

If you need to be reminded to put your lights on, then they might as well be turned on automatically. If you drive through a shaded area the clocks go out, pointless in my opinion.

 

[SteveGSXR600K1]

If you need to be reminded to put your lights on, then they might as well be turned on automatically. If you drive through a shaded area the clocks go out, pointless in my opinion.

Exactly what I've thought ever since owning my Leon. The auto light sensors have obviously sensed that the light level is low, and dimmed the dashboard to make you think you'd better turn the lights on. So, why doesn't it cut out the middle man and just switch on the lights. Must be missing something here! The fact that it's quite distracting seeing the dashboard dim could be quite dangerous.

 

[Polly]

Brilliant idea.
BUT I do have auto lights.
Go into some shade, Dashboard dims. Lights do not come on.

Hey ho technology eh!! Never mind. Autonomous cars will be here soon. Just ask for one to pick me up and take me!!
Or a UBER.
Within the speed limits of course.
OH S***T its a Bank Holiday. I am dreaming.

 

[Boroboy]

Brilliant idea.
BUT I do have auto lights.
Go into some shade, Dashboard dims. Lights do not come on.

Hey ho technology eh!! Never mind. Autonomous cars will be here soon. Just ask for one to pick me up and take me!!
Or a UBER.
Within the speed limits of course.
OH S***T its a Bank Holiday. I am dreaming.

When I went into the shade with my previous Astra the auto lights came on, took an age for them to switch off again thiugh. Not that I'd swap it for my Leon. Then there was the auto brake assist, unreliable, another long story.
We are the autonomous guinea pigs of the future.

 

[Deleted member 103408]

My View

Auto Lights cost VW Money to add in and as they are building cars to a price they have left it out, bit like they did when they removed the front parking sensors.

Dont forget you have DRL's on all the time so there is a marginal point where the manufacturer is warning you to think about putting your lights on but at the same time for safety they leave the DRL's on.

I also have the Auto Dipped beam function which is another great little feature but again it makes people lazy drivers who have to rely on tech and when it starts going wrong you cant blame the car.