VipES300

I'm about to purchase a replacement Climate control module due to a problem I am having with the backilight but I want to see if there is a solution before I replace the unit. The Led lighting on the display comes on just fine without any burnt out bulbs when I start up the car but as soon as I turn on the headlights, the backlighting on my climate control turns off. As soon as the headlights are turned off the backlighting comes on again. I've driven my car with this problem for a while now but it has become a real annoyance since I can't read the climate control display during night driving. Are the bulbs in the climate control display double filaments? What could be the problem? I am a little worried that even after purchasing a replacement unit, the problem might still exist. Your input will greatly be appreciated.

tuan92129

They are off...because the setting is set to low
The cluster lighting controls located on the left side of the speedometer bezel controls the cluster and the center console lighting. Rotating up = higher intensity.
When the headlights are OFF: When in the lowest setting of the lighting control, the cluster is on at medium intensity, and the center console is on at medium intensity. This is different than other cars, because when the headlights are off, the cluster still has to be lighted because the lens cover is smoked.
When the parking lights are on, the lowest setting on the lighting dial sets the lights in the cluster and the console to OFF. The idea is..that during the day when there is a lot of ambient light, you need more light to illuminate the speedometer. At night to keep down on the glare, the maximum setting is lower than during the day time. > same for when the headlights are on.

VipES300

The cluster lighting control you mention seems to refer to the dimmer control located on the lower left side of the speedometer cluster bezel, which dims or intesifies the cluster and climate control backlighting. I am fully aware of the function of the dimmer but I am certain that the dimmer setting is not the problem in my climate control because my dimmer is set to high (turned all the way up) at all times and the back light of my climate control stays off once the headlight is turned on, no matter at what setting the dimmer is set for. I am kind of surprised that no other es300 owners have a similar problem like mine. Very frustrated.....

jet_jockey

mine flickers when i turn the lights on sometimes, with mine i just hit it with the palm of my hand and problem solved

tuan92129

If its not working as i described, then there is something wrong with your unit.
I would try and order another used one.

VipES300

Ok, I just a got my replacement climate control unit and upon testing it out - same problem exists. Now I'm certain it is an electrical problem and not the climate control unit itself that is causing the lcd backlight to turn off when the headlights get turned on but I'm lost as to how I can go about finding the source of the problem. Can you guys tell me if the button lights on your climate control units stay on (specially the big **** that controls the temperature) even during the day when headlights are not turned on? It looks like my button lights stay off when the lcd backilights are on (headlight off) and comes on when my lcd backlight goes off (headlight on). It is just freaking me out! Help!!!