what's on my dash?

[StuartGuy]

I'm a new 86 owner. What's that small (1/2 inch square) window above the upper left corner of my speedometer?

 

[FourAndAHalf]

good question, im wondering the same

 

[Alloydude]

On my 84 it's a photocell that dims the dash when it gets dark outside. Unfortunatly in my case it dims it to a point to where I can barely see it at night. Still havent figured that one out

 

[StuartGuy]

Does anyone have an owners manual that says what it is? The photocell theory is good. I'm going to put my finger over it and see if that works.

 

[Eagle85C4]

It is, in fact, a cadmium photocell that uses ambient light to adjust the level of brightness on the dash display. If yours is going that dim, them it is quite possible that you may have some bulbs out or another malfunction in the display unit.

 

[StuartGuy]

Thanks, My universe is stable again!!!

 

[brookman]

the photocell is only active when the headlights are off. If they are on the knob must be turned to change the brightness.

 

[Alloydude]

I didnt know that. I tried the haedlight thing but didnt work. I think the riostat in the headlight switch is bad. The guy I bought the car from said he put a rebuit LCD cluster in it so perhaps he forgot to hook something up

 

[3sacrwd]

I have a better question....What is the 1 inch by 1 inch sensor in the lid of the convertibles. Mine is an 87 and I cannot figure out what the sensor is....

 

[stu]

Trying not to be a smart a_s, but which lid are you talking about? (trunk lid, center console lid, top storage lid).

 

[3sacrwd]

Thanks for the reply Stu....I am talking about the trunk lid that lifts up to store the convertible top. It is located in the middle of the lid between the driver and passenger behind them on the lid. Thanks...