jschemmer

I recently installed the ES8559C radio head in my 2014 981. Installation was smooth. However, I have noticed the gauge to the right of the three doesn't dim with the rest of the dash lights. Is this something to do wth the radio head installation?

Thank you in advance
JS

jcozine

I just picked up a used 981 base with an aftermarket head unit and mine is the same way. Actually my dimmer switch doesn't work at all but the RH display is definitely out of sync with the others, it's way brighter. Did you find any other info about this?

jschemmer

No, I have not found anything out. I thought I had read that it was strange that the old head controlled the dimming for that set of gauges.
It is annoying when driving at night.

ICNU

You guys do realize that the far right gauge is a digital display screen, not an analogue gauge that is backlit by dimmable LEDs like the other two are? I sold my car last year, but I dont recall ever being able to dim the digital display gauge using the little dimmer stalk the far left side of the cluster that controls the other two, but maybe I'm just misremembering?

jschemmer

Yep! My understanding is that the brightness of that display was controlled in the PCM. We have an aftermarket system (replacing the PCM) installed and are looking to see if anyone has encountered this or may have a fix.

ICNU

Yeah, I'm still trying to recall if the dimmer **** on mine ever had any effect on the digital gauge, nor do I recall any brightness control for it in the PCM in the 10 years I had my car? But that doesnt mean its fact based on my old memory. It should be easy enough for someone else to give it go and report back so you guys dont waste time chasing something that was never there potentially.

Good luck and hopefully someone else can help solve the mystery

TMc993

My 981 Base is completely stock with the factory PCM. The brightness **** (Just out of the frame where the red arrow is indicating) controls the brightness of all three circular clusters in front of the steering wheel, the PCM console screen and the temp readouts for the HVAC.

ICNU

Well there we go! I guess this means that the little stalk control is all being processed through the PCM is some way?

jschemmer

I figured it out. Use your toggle to bring up the menu for that dial. Scroll through until you see PCM, click on it, and you should see brightness at the bottom. Finally, I was able to dim it. One of the replies below has a photo of what it should look like.

j