Instrument Cluster and Panel Illumination: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Milan, 2009 Lincoln MKZ, and 2009 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The instrument cluster and panel illumination is used to provide back lighting to the dimmable and non-dimmable switches and control components.

For MKZ vehicles equipped with autolamps, if the exterior lamps are activated during daytime sunload conditions, the message center, audio control module (ACM), heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) module and switch illumination remain at full intensity and do not dim from the instrument panel dimmer switch during this condition. If the vehicle travels under a bridge or a tunnel, the low level of ambient light causes the illumination level of the message center, ACM, HVAC module and switch to change to the level set by the instrument panel dimmer switch. The message center, ACM, HVAC module and switch illumination change back to full intensity when the intense ambient light is restored.