# Dash Lights go Dim **URL:** \ **Category:** GEM Forum\ **Created:** [November 5, 2022, 10:16pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390 "2022-11-05T22:16:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Garthhh](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/garthhh/32/13053_2.png) [@Garthhh](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Garthhh)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2022, 10:16pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/1 "2022-11-05T22:16:49Z")
When I turn on the headlights & beacon, the dash goes dim It’s fine at night, but in the daytime I can barely tell how fast I’m going Anyone have any insight? My best guess is having a lo or high [j or h] headlight on indicator on the display tell the dash to go night time mode ---
**Author:** ![AssyRequired](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/assyrequired/32/7621_2.png) [@AssyRequired](https://community.electricforum.com/u/AssyRequired)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2022, 10:28pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/2 "2022-11-05T22:28:20Z")
Q: Without the headlights ON does the dash appear bright/normal enough to read? Are you running the headlights/beacon for safety/policy? Or is your beacon strangely wired into your headlight circuit and you have to run the headlights at the same time? There are a few ways to fix this depending on your answers to the above. ---
**Author:** ![Garthhh](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/garthhh/32/13053_2.png) [@Garthhh](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Garthhh)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2022, 11:01pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/3 "2022-11-05T23:01:14Z")
Yes, the dash display is bright with the headlights off Yes, the beacon & headlights are wired together I like to have the lights/beacon on in the daytime for visibility ---
**Author:** ![dougl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b19c9b/32.png) [@dougl](https://community.electricforum.com/u/dougl)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2022, 11:27pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/4 "2022-11-05T23:27:37Z")
Would a weak 12V battery do something like this if the lights are pulling more current than the 12V battery + converter can hold up? Also, OP needs to tell us what year and model of GEM they have. FYI, my 2008 e4 does dim the display slightly when the headlights are turned on. ---
**Author:** ![AssyRequired](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/assyrequired/32/7621_2.png) [@AssyRequired](https://community.electricforum.com/u/AssyRequired)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2022, 11:30pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/5 "2022-11-05T23:30:37Z")
> Yes, the beacon & headlights are wired together Interesting choice. Ok- then it sounds like you need to bring up the display brightness (when headlights are ON) a couple of clicks so you can see the Display in the daylight. Drawback will be that the display may be too bright for night time use. It’s up to you to find the level you want. Maybe you don’t drive at night? The Square dash display has a Hidden Menu. Only a few things in there should be messed with. Not all is known about the others. To enter this Hidden Menu Have the Trip Meter Setting Showing On the Display Hold trip meter button down Move Turn Signal Lever to right turn position, Then Left Turn position Then back to center position Release the Trip Button Display will read PO15 Move the Turn Signal lever to Right Hand Position to cycle thru the different settings Which will be: BAT - Leave alone CHInd - Leave alone dCind - Leave alone SOC - Resets battery bar graph (when needed) Lt On - Display Brightness - When Headlights Are ON Lt OFF - Display Brightness - When Headlights Are OFF CHLt - Display Brightness - When Car is Charging noCLt - Display Brightness when Charger is Finished Charging Leave all other settings alone. You are interested in LtOn Example: ltOn 30 - When headlights ON display @ 30% ltOFF 100 …then headlights OFF display @ 100% ---
**Author:** ![Garthhh](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/garthhh/32/13053_2.png) [@Garthhh](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Garthhh)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2022, 11:56pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/6 "2022-11-05T23:56:35Z")
2013 e2ES It’s former life was a utility vehicle for a school district in Utah At some point I’ll add a switch so I can run the defrost fan without the heater coil I don’t drive at night often There are very few non-sunny days here in Reno The hidden menu looks like the solution ---
**Author:** ![AssyRequired](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/assyrequired/32/7621_2.png) [@AssyRequired](https://community.electricforum.com/u/AssyRequired)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2022, 1:13am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/7 "2022-11-06T01:13:02Z")
> [@dougl](#): > > Would a weak 12V battery do something like this if the lights are pulling more current than the 12V battery + converter can hold up? I assumed we are using two independent systems here. One of them being the DC Converter that drives the headlights and beacon. The other being the Display driver that is totally internal to itself. I beilieve you are right, The display does get a 12v feed so maybe it would be affected by a DC Converter low power drop. One way to tell is to unplug the headlights at the hood connector(and next- wherever the beacon ties in) and see if the display still drops out. Don’t forget you also have a couple of tail lights that come on with the headlight switch. Thinking more- If a battery was weak/failing enough to dim the display when turning on the headlights, then same results would be obvious when stepping on the Accel Pedal. So I doubt this is an input supply problem. If anything, I’d go around and inspect/look for a bad ground on the 12v side. A meter at a few key test points would tell us alot. * * * > OP needs to tell us what year and model of GEM they have. You are right. I read into this Way more than I should have. There were clues in there that drove my response in the direction it went. But I assumed a lot off the OP. ---
**Author:** ![Garthhh](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/garthhh/32/13053_2.png) [@Garthhh](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Garthhh)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2022, 1:26am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/8 "2022-11-06T01:26:43Z")
2013 e2ES Looks like it’s always been garaged ![311463344_5768724089844625_3565950684349506282_n](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/electricforum/original/2X/4/45aebf2f175d93617c4f5e8e8e407c5deecc573a.jpeg) No fade or flicker, with or without the lights on, batteries about a month old ---
**Author:** ![dougl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b19c9b/32.png) [@dougl](https://community.electricforum.com/u/dougl)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2022, 4:03am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/9 "2022-11-06T04:03:59Z")
> [@Garthhh](#): > > batteries about a month old some of the models have a separate 12V battery under the dash, like a little motor cycle battery. That’s the 12V battery I was referring to. Sounds like you found a nice vehicle. ---
**Author:** ![JarJarJava](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/jarjarjava/32/15158_2.png) [@JarJarJava](https://community.electricforum.com/u/JarJarJava)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2022, 6:44am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/10 "2022-11-06T06:44:22Z")
> [@Garthhh](#): > > At some point I’ll add a switch so I can run the defrost fan without the heater coil Pull the glass fuse labeled “heater”. That’s the 72V to the coil. The other “heater” fuse, is an automotive blade fuse for 12V to the fan and contactor so it will just blow ambienet temp air. > [@Garthhh](#): > > Yes, the beacon & headlights are wired together The “SPARE” blade fuse slot in the middle row is for a vehicular light bar, same as what is on marked police cars. It"s even wired in, you just need to fish the wires out and add a switch > [@dougl](#): > > some of the models have a separate 12V battery under the dash, In a 2008? I thought those aux batteries didn’t start until the new body style when they also redesigned the entire motor, power & transmission design. ---
**Author:** ![dougl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b19c9b/32.png) [@dougl](https://community.electricforum.com/u/dougl)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2022, 4:16pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/11 "2022-11-06T16:16:45Z")
> [@JarJarJava](#): > > > [@dougl](#): > > > > some of the models have a separate 12V battery under the dash, > > In a 2008? I thought those aux batteries didn’t start until the new body style when they also redesigned the entire motor, power & transmission design. it was unknown what model year this thread was discussing so I threw that out there as an option. We later learned that it’s a 2013 e2. ---
**Author:** ![Garthhh](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/garthhh/32/13053_2.png) [@Garthhh](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Garthhh)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2022, 7:16pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/12 "2022-11-06T19:16:57Z")
Thank You, AssyRequired The hidden menu, did the trick Slightly different, here’s what I see on my 2013 e2 Hold the trip,button, cycle the turn signal r & l PO 204 bAtt GAtACE AHD AHOC SOC AHt t,d trtL,0 CP,t CHd,SE Lt ON Lt Off CHLt EnErGY Once I get to Lt ON, push Trip, cycle the turnsignal, r for increasing the number, l to decrease, push Trip, screen says done Display stays bright 100% Maybe the turnsignal indicator is bright enough to catch my attention after I’ve turned a corner 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Garthhh](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/garthhh/32/13053_2.png) [@Garthhh](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Garthhh)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2022, 7:24pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/13 "2022-11-06T19:24:52Z")
Thanks sound good I like the beacon, I also have the safety triangle on the back I ditched the toolbox, as it will interfere with the Go Go Dancers… [310405736\_5746356655423139\_6982363417069570927\_n|666x500](https://community.electricforum.com/uploads/short-url/nZjNpCoaYg7ODxf3K96VogoKP4K.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![JarJarJava](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/jarjarjava/32/15158_2.png) [@JarJarJava](https://community.electricforum.com/u/JarJarJava)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2022, 11:08pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/14 "2022-11-06T23:08:23Z")
> [@dougl](#): > > it was unknown what model year this thread was discussing so I threw that out there as an option. We later learned that it’s a 2013 e2 Yeah, i see now that your post was closely timed to that information, and i wrote your gems year not his. Lol. You ever manage to get the pink slip for that from speed racer? ---
**Author:** ![dougl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b19c9b/32.png) [@dougl](https://community.electricforum.com/u/dougl)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2022, 12:58am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/15 "2022-11-07T00:58:54Z")
> [@JarJarJava](#): > > You ever manage to get the pink slip for that from speed racer? I just got the signed xfer doc from the seller yesterday! I can now go to the CA DMV for the 3rd time, or is it 4th, and spend another hour or two getting it finally taken care of… insane This whole DMV ‘privilege’ to pay them annual registration fees and taxes on a vehicle already taxed rubs me so VERY wrong… When I bought our 2010 ezGO type cart from a CO manufacturer we literally got a sales receipt and to get it on the road the DMV told me I had to send them my bill of sale, not a copy, the real bill of sale, and then they would provide me with a Title of Ownership. When I asked why the Bill of Sale was not the document of ownership they gave a vague answer so I researched and found out the State can not legally prevent us from using the public roads. But if we give them ownership of our vehicle, they can give us a document representing ownership while at the same time becoming a driver for hire. We are literally driving State owned vehicles and paying them for the privilege… THAT is insane but thank you sir may I have another is what I say when I walk through the DMV doors. ---
**Author:** ![AssyRequired](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/assyrequired/32/7621_2.png) [@AssyRequired](https://community.electricforum.com/u/AssyRequired)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2022, 3:02am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/16 "2022-11-07T03:02:23Z")
Yes. Your car has different firmware loaded. (PO 204) I has more settings in there than we’ve seen before. One of these days someone will uncover the document that reveals what all of these do. > Maybe the turn signal indicator is bright enough to catch my attention after I’ve turned a corner You don’t have the “hey stoopid- You left the turn signal light on” beeper? It usually lets you know in about 30 seconds or so. ---
**Author:** ![Gem\_e2](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/gem_e2/32/1849_2.png) [@Gem\_e2](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Gem_e2)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2022, 8:09pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/17 "2022-11-07T20:09:48Z")
hi trtL,0 here you can see how many times you have a turtle on your display maybe good if you buy a car and will se how many times battery go deep ? ---
**Author:** ![Garthhh](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/garthhh/32/13053_2.png) [@Garthhh](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Garthhh)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2022, 8:36pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/18 "2022-11-07T20:36:31Z")
I have the beeper, the indicator light is better now I started to fall down the software rabbit hole, I see that it is a $1000 proprietary nightmare Maybe Waev will respect right to repair, I won’t hold my breath ---
**Author:** ![MikeK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/258eb7/32.png) [@MikeK](https://community.electricforum.com/u/MikeK)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 2:02pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/19 "2026-01-21T14:02:55Z")
mine seems clear in daytime dark at night, I noticed the light kind of flashed on at nite when i turned on headlights. take apart and check for loose wire? ---
**Author:** ![AssyRequired](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/assyrequired/32/7621_2.png) [@AssyRequired](https://community.electricforum.com/u/AssyRequired)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 2:17pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/dash-lights-go-dim/25390/20 "2026-01-21T14:17:00Z")
Hey MikeK, Long time since last check-in. I was wondering how you were doing. Last we chatted, I think we determined the backlight on your display was not functioning. Are you saying it is working in the daytime and not at night?