I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I'll try anyways. So ever since I bought me evo I've been unable to adjust the gauge cluster brightness. The HVAC controls can be adjusted, but the gauge cluster stays the same brightness with the lights on or off. Has anyone else had these issues or know what to look for? I've followed the wire from the dimmer switch as far as I could. TIA

 

Check and see if previous owner had installed a after market gauge cluster faces and if so then it has its own controller that adjusts its brightness.

 

I don't think the stock gauge cluster has adjustable brightness, I haven't found it in mine if it does. Aftermarket dials do as previously mentioned.

The lights should come on when the car turns on, whether the headlights are on or not.

 

The gauge cluster is 100% stock with no gauge faces on it. I was wondering if they were adjustable, but I've never seen a car that wasn't.

 

The dash lights are always on. This is because the red markings on the gauges are hard to read without illumination even on a bright day. The dimmer is to the right of the steering wheel. If it doesn't adjust all the dash lighting then someone has been messing with the wiring.

 

Well the gauge cluster and the dash all light up fine. But when I adjust the dimmer only the center dash lights dim. So the Gauge cluster lights should dim then I guess is my main question.

 

They do on my car.

 

+1, been wondering if there was a dimmer too as mine seemed to be darker than usual at night..

when i turn my lights on/off, my speedo/ rpm fuel etc dont dim, only my clock and my head unit do ?

 

Exactly the same as mine but the wires going to my dimmer were messed up from the old owner installing a Trustz gauge overlay. So I fixed the wires and had the same result. I'm starting to think the cluster doesn't dim, just the gauges/HVAC area.

 

the knob on the left of the steering wheel lower part only adjust everything but the cluster! the cluster only dims with the headlights. if you don't think the wireing is right, just turn the headlights on and check if the question is you want it to be brighter..........well it's time to go led

 

Exactly what I needed to hear. I'm just trying to fix everything electrical while I'm installing all my gauges and have half the dash off. The old owner(s) definitely didn't know what they were doing. I still find it very weird that Mitsubishi didn't make the cluster dimmable. Thanks again!

 

Okay, you've caused me to make a trip to the garage.

LIGHTS OFF
dimmer doesn't work for gauges - lights stay bright
clock bright
radio stack lights off

LIGHTS ON
dimmer works for gauges
clock dim
radio stack lights work with dimmer

If seeking more light on the gauges during the day pull off the bulb condoms.

 

+1 remove the condoms...not sure whose dumb idea was to put those on anyway. The evo guage cluster is by far the most useless cluster I have ever seen from a positioning and lighting standpoint. To view it clearly you have to be no taller than 5'5" and look through the steering wheel opening.

 

The condoms are a mystery to me too. As I recall they were blue so I figured they must be doing something special for the lighting. Upon removal I found that all that they were doing was making the lighting dim.

 

FWIW:
2003 Evo and the dimmer controls the cluster brightness and can brighten or dim to nearly blackout. If having trouble with the wiring on the back of the dimmer, rather than diagnose via internet may I suggest for 34$ at summit - http://www.summitracing.com/parts/atm-9114/overview/ I'd be more than happy to tell you how to wire that inline and you can mount it in the cup on the left of the dimmer.