Instrument cluster (Re: readability)

[tablepad]

During daytime driving I sometimes have a problem seeing the instrument cluster (odometer, outside temp, clock, etc). I have set the instrument cluster illumination to it's highest level and it is difficult to see during daytime. It seems as if the contrast is to low. It is OK at night. Has anyone else had this experience or have I set something incorrectly?

[John_H]

You should be able to see the display fine when in a garage or very shaded during the day. Direct sunlight is a challenge. But even when the only shade provided is that of my Cabrio top, I can still see the display very well on a bright day without the direct sun on my cluster.

If you haven't opened up your cluster and played around inside, this would be a warranty issue and they should be able to set you up with a new cluster as long as you're within 24k miles.

Also - the adjustments you make for brightness only affect you when your lights are on. If you drive daytime with your lights on, check to see what the display looks like with the lights off.

[RVGRINGO]

True, if your headlights are on in the daytime, the cluster automatically dims.

[The Rigger]

I have the same issue when the sun shines down through the windshield directly on the steering column housing; its reflection in the speeo lens blocks out pretty much everything in the LCD display.

I've just resigned myself to it.

[DoraAnderson]

Yeah, I have problems with the glare off of the plastic cover. I think they should have either moved it back more, or removed it altogether! I always have to shade it with my hand to see any of the LED displays.

[MGAman]

I too, have trouble reading the display. My problem is with the digits themselves. They seem to be sized for a watch display, all crammed together. Cell phone makers have seemed to figure this out. Why can't smart. Looks like a good place for an aftermarket LCD to replace the stock one, or maybe even an LED version

[MrVvrroomm]

Originally Posted by tablepad

During daytime driving I sometimes have a problem seeing the instrument cluster (odometer, outside temp, clock, etc).

Perhaps you just need some glasses, or new glasses.

[DoraAnderson]

Originally Posted by MrVvrroomm

Perhaps you just need some glasses, or new glasses.

LMAO! That's awesome!!

[The Rigger]

Originally Posted by MGAman

Looks like a good place for an aftermarket LCD to replace the stock one, or maybe even an LED version

There is an aftermarket LCD replacement, with the functions of the ScanGauge, but it looks like it'd be even harder to read than the OEM display; the digits are even smaller, due to all the data displayed there.

[jimvw57]

The aftermarket display is currently only available for the 450 european Smarts. The US version (451) is not ready yet (so I have been told)