Originally Posted by Tanker

I just kept adding to it more stripes from the sharpie until I dialed in a proxie sensistivity level that now causes the lights to turn on a bit earlier than before. I suppose you could put a resistor inline to achieve the same result. I'm curious to see if the West Texas sun causes a reapplication to become needed some day.

Originally Posted by jlineman

You probably could disconnect the sensor if you wanted to get that far under the dash. I don't know if it can be popped out from the top of the dash and unhooked that way? .....quote]

Originally Posted by Icebreaker1979

Whew, I was beginning to wonder if anyone else was experiencing this. I experience the same problem on overcast days or when it is raining and I cut my lights on manually. I wonder why Ford thinks the sensor controlling the dash lights is a good idea? I think cutting the light switch on manually should override the sensor regardless how bright it is outside. I'll have to try the electrical tape trick on the sensor.

Originally Posted by jlineman

I tried the tape and had a hard time making it look like anything as well as it staying put in the direct sunlight and heat....HOWEVER...I think I have figured out a easier solution. I took the plastic cap off a gallon milk jug...primed it and painted it a dull gray...still experimenting with the color. I put a small amount of putty inside the top of the cap and set the cap down over the sensor. The putty keeps the cap in place and so far it is working great! If you want to remove the cap for some reason it should come off easily and any residue left behind could be wiped off with alcohol or such. Now anytime I turn on my headlights the sensor will think it is dark and the dash lights will come on. That thing evidently works the same as a photocell in an outdoor light or yard light. Note..I tried a couple of different milk caps to get the right fit. Another thing is that the caps are not much taller than the sensor and after a couple of months I don't think I'll notice it at all. Just a suggestion on what worked for me unless I figure out how to wire around it or somehow use a dimmer switch from a 2010 Fusion, but that might run into computer problems, so I'll probably just stay with the milk cap. I would be interested to hear if any one try this OR comes up with something else. Good luck guys!

Originally Posted by FEfanatic

While I don't know for sure can someone post a picture of the dash that has this problem? I have a Platinum and don't seem to have this problem and I'm wondering if the Platinum dash is different. We have driven it during overcast days, with the sun roof open and closed, and during rain. I haven't had any problems seeing my dash gauges. I'm wondering if it is specific to a certain style of dash trim.

Originally Posted by rmrc51

I also have a Platinum and have no problems seeing my gauges in all kinds of weather or time of day.

Originally Posted by ric_no_k

Doesn't the Platinum have white faced gauges? The ones in my XLT are a darker color and on certain days, seeing the gauges takes some effort. Our other vehicle lights up the gauges without the headlights. Once you are used to that coming to this takes some adjusting.