Dimmable Illumination

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford EcoSport. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The BCM sends 2 voltage signals to the headlamp switch, one for the brightness increase and the other for brightness decrease. The illumination dimming level is controlled by the BCM. Based on the input from the instrument panel dimmer switch (integral to the headlamp switch), the BCM calculates the dimming level.

When the autolamp feature activates during the daytime, the message center illumination remains at full intensity and does not dim from the instrument panel dimmer switch. If the vehicle travels under a bridge or through a tunnel and a low level of ambient light is detected, the illumination brightness of the message center changes to the last level set by BCM. The message center illumination changes back to full intensity when the intense ambient light is restored.