Panel Blackout. FIX! - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

a2jack · 02-29-2008, 06:28 AM

In bright sunlight I have been unable see the LCD display on our new smart. Almost ran out of gas in it, as I could not even see the blinking reserve warning.

The fix is a small strip of white paper slid under the read out. This reflects enough light from the windshield to perfectly illuminate this display.

I used a napkin from Mickey D's as quick fix. More later.

A2Jack

SmartCard · 02-29-2008, 06:39 AM

I guess I'm not sure of what you mean? At first I was thinking that that if bright sunlight hits the display directly it would be hard to see, but you're suggesting something opposite...that you need to reflect light back into the display?

Evilution · 02-29-2008, 07:29 AM

The display should be back lit already.

Vander · 02-29-2008, 07:32 AM

also the display is adjustable, maybe the brightness got turned down...toggle through the settings to brighten it up a bit...

a2jack · 02-29-2008, 09:42 AM

You guys are saying there is an adjustable back light control that works even with the headlights off ?

Back to the book. Thanks.

A2Jack.

Evilution · 02-29-2008, 03:26 PM

When the headlights are off the LCD is lit, when the headlights are on, the LCD should dim. Get that manual out, you can udjust the backlighting using the buttons either side of the speedo.

**jwight** · 02-29-2008, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evilution

When the headlights are off the LCD is lit, when the headlights are on, the LCD should dim. Get that manual out, you can udjust the backlighting using the buttons either side of the speedo.

You've discovered an innate American trait - the "we don't need no stinkin' manuals!" approach to things. Also known as "smoke testing."

a2jack · 03-05-2008, 05:03 PM

Service manager Bloomfield says no way to bring up daytime back light on the LCD read out. Control buttons only effect display at night with the lights on.

The Manual only refers to the lights on nighttime panel illumination.

It must be the glare from the snow blocking my vision of the LCDs.

For others in the same boat, the white paper trick works.

Regards all.
A2Jack.

24-42 · 03-05-2008, 05:20 PM

Are you using the headlights on for 'Daytime Running Lights'? If so, that's why the backlight would be dim.

Donald LaFavor