I'm experiencing something that I would love to have some feedback on.
when I turn my lights on Not auto, but on, and the dimmer wheel is all
the way to the left but not off..my dash lights go out and radio lights
go out as well. Am I just stupid or is it functioning properly. When
I turn the dimmer wheel all the way to right, but not far enough to turn
on the overhead lights, the dash lights turn back on. If anybody has
5 min. to check yours out and advise. Driving me nuts. 2012 ram sport.

 

Can someone offer me some guidance.

 

Is the behavior different with the lights on Auto (versus On)? Do you see much difference in display brightness between full left and full right (but not past the detent)? If you notice a difference in brightness and your concern is just that the lights seem to go completely out even before you have the dimmer all the way to the left it doesn't sound like you have anything to worry about.

-Rod

 

Rod, thanks buddy for reply. engine running. light **** in auto dimmer wheel all the way left...good illumination. Turn **** to parking light setting and dash lights and radio screen go OUT.
Turn **** to lights on and still no illumination until you move the dimmer wheel all the way right, shy of dome lights coming on and it illuminates. normal? Just had clock spring replaced.600.00 went back to dlr with it. Said no error codes present. I don't want to get into a pee pee contest with dlr, Really nice people, but It does not seem normal. I naturally can't confirm with an owner cause don't know who will or can check theirs. I don't want to insist a prob. if not present. My concern is turning **** to lights on and things go dark on me. Rod if you will pls sir give me 5 min.of analysis time. I appreciate ya.

 

I seek a bit more clarification. In the Auto setting with the dimmer all the way left and good illumination - is this when the headlights are Off or even when they are On? If only when they are off, and when the lights are On (still in Auto mode but dark outside) the illumination is essentially off with the dimmer in any setting other than just prior to turning the interior lights on, then there would seem to be an issue with the dimmer function. Basically what I think you are saying is that there is no "dimmer" functionality at all. The instrumentation lights are either off or on, but nothing in between. Is that an accurate summary?

I don't know that the headlight switch would have been out of the dash to change out the clock spring. I'm not sure what all has to come apart to replace a clockspring in the 2012 model. It may all just be within the steering column after the steering wheel is removed. Although for a cost of $600 it would seem more involved than just removing the steering wheel and air bag.

-Rod

 

I have a 2012 2500. Sorry cant check it as its in storage for winter with batteries out. However I believe mine does the same and it is normal. I use mine quite a bit to dim the large radio screen at night and to turn off the interior lighting when doors are open for an extended time.

 

Sorry. Rod and I posted same time. Dimmer all the way to left (almost) my dash lights are off. I do have graduated dash lights as I move to the right before turning on interior lights.

 

Thanks TrueDogman. I'm worried its pulling power from somewhere (batt.) I'm hoping to find me somebody that can and will check theirs. I truly appreciate you responding. Know anybody to ask? Driving me nuts worrying about it. It's kind of my baby you know, got 27,000 on it and showroom appearance and I want fixed and right. Know what I mean Vern. Again Thanks. Think of anything....holler

 

Rod, your assessment is accurate I believe sir...,I can't for the life of me understand why when I turn dial to ON position, it all goes black on me. I welcome any further suggestions/comments.

 

Maybe Im not understanding your issue. Headlight switch controls exterior lighting..when activated sends signal to rotary switch to turn on dash lights. You then control brightness of dash lights with rotary dial...which for many people rarely gets touched. What an I missing ? If you only have full bright dash lights and the dimmer is not working I would guess a faulty headlight switch assembly or related wiring