Instrument Panel and Interior Switches Illumination - Overview

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Dimmable Illumination

Dimmable illumination provides backlighting to switches and control components when the parking lamps are on. The level of intensity for the dimmable backlit components is adjusted by using the instrument panel dimmer switch to increase or decrease intensity. The BCM is the master module that controls the dimmable illumination.

Dimmable backlit switches are:

NOTE: Some components are optional and are not equipped on every vehicle.

Adjustable pedal switch
Exhaust brake/roll stability control switch
Headlamp switch
Heated rear seat switch
Ignition switch (push button)
Lane departure switch
Mode select switch (MSS)
Overhead console/front dome lamp switch
Rear heated seat switch
Spot lamp switch
Stability assist disable switch
Steering wheel mounted switches
Tailgate release switch
Upfitter auxiliary switches

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.

Non-Dimmable Illumination

The non-dimmable illumination is on when the delayed accessory relay is active. The delayed accessory relay is active:

When the ignition is on.
For up to 10 minutes after the ignition is cycled from on to off and a front door is not opened.

The door lock, window control, and telescoping mirror switches are non-dimmable.