Blinker/Dimmer/Headlight Stalk and the Windshield Wiper Stalk are not backlit and I would like to know why the engineers did not design them to be backlit.

 

I'm wondering whether that's right but wondering a lot more why you care?

I seem to have coped without any trouble (or wondering whether backlit or not) for 7 years. I think I must be watching out of the front glass (I suppose at the road/traffic) and somehow using my hands without looking. Who knew?

BTW congrats on a novel issue that I think has never been raised before! Ohh, that may reflect on why the engineers did whatever they did.....

 

 

Given that the steering wheel buttons (cruise and audio) are backlit it would seem reasonable that the stalk controls would be backlit also. In the dark sometimes I want to see where they are set without needing to turn on the overhead map light.

 

You can't tell if the wipers are on? Or that the headlights are on? Lost me, there.

 

Lost me also.

When I learnt to drive, NO indicators, Manual wipers (if you has a GOOD car).

BUT, good old Dad put a blindfold on us (YES, DAds taught their kids to drive), and we had to locate and operate whatever control he asked for whilst blindfolded. Once that was achieved, we could get on with the good stuff, actaully starting the engine.

Dad had a MK4 Jaguar, so we had "Intermitant wipers". Thanks Lucas, and self dipping headlamps, thanks again.

I did the same with both my kids, blindfold taht is. Until they could locate what was needed, AND, know what was going on by what they did, there was NO way they were going anywhere near the public roads.

Was I wrong?????. I dont think so.

 

Ambiance I say.
Having the stalks backlit would improve the overall environment of the cockpit.

 

So It is nighttime and I get In my STR and start the engine. I am settling into my driving mode, connect the seat belt and do a system precheck with a thorough visual scan of the cockpit. It would be a bit more comfortable to have the stalks backlit for verification because you may not have been the previous driver.

 

Interesting proposition - maybe they should be glow-in-the-dark. And when are they going to replace those obsolete side and rear view mirrors with dash screens and rear/side view cams? We need more gadgets and gizmo's to make it more like a cockpit.

 

When I get in there are multiple lights in the cabin that come on. If I wanted to do a scan I'd do it then. A small backlight on the stalks would not help.

Also, once engine is started various lights come on, so I'd do yet more checking if somehow I'd been rather slow - though I don't know how that would happen. If really slow... probably wouldn't be in an STR.

You're free to run a small wire & LED in the stalks if you fancy more light!

 

Now that the backlit blinker and wiper stalk has been trounced how about a sport-mode indicator on the dash because when the shifter is on the manual side in 2 or 3 position it is not casually visible from my normal driving position (eyes ahead on the road).

 

Surely you want at least a head-up display for it?

 

if the heads up display would improve my operational capability then I vote yes. All that is necessary is to validate the claim.

 

Well I agree a "Sport mode" indicator on the instruments would be an improvement, I never even thought about the stalks being backlit. I guess they probably are in a Lexus, but those are bland and boring, and lack character!
One thing I kind of like about My jag is it's almost simple. I had an '03 BMW 530 and in ways it takes a lot of driving and digging through the manual to figure out all the little extra things the car has.

 

As Clarkson has uttered many times to Hamster and/or May, "You've boh't th'wrong kah!"
X300 has your sport mode indicator on the IP, but then, it is also a rocker switch and position could be determined by feel....better still, as Grant put it, one should be sufficiently intimate with the car to know whether or not sport mode is engaged by the exhibited performance. Alas, even with the X300, you'll have to know which buttons do what on the stalks at night....

 

The newest S types are at least 8 years old. Most much older.

I know the 2016 Prius has all your required features. Give it a look.

 

Ha! That's nothing. My Dad didn't want me to lock up with fear while in traffic, so he taught me to drive with a live cougar in the car.

 

Who? His older mistress?

 

As for sport mode, I can remember what mode I was in last.

I can remember what setting I last used for the wipers.

The less light in the cabin, the better one can see on a dark
road. Fact, not opinion.

As for opinion, all those people who think their DRL system
are automatic headlights should get an automatic ticket.

 

If you drive multiple vehicles, you'll notice that S-Type controls are "right-sized." My F-150 has a multifunction switch that is somewhat thick, and carries the turn signal, wiper controls, including washer, and high / low beams. Oh, with all that going on, it is NOT backlit. For thin, my '66 Cadillac has only turn signals on the thin stalk, with other controls on the dash and the floor.

If you drive the same car daily, you'll remember where everything is as second nature, no backlights needed.