I just purchased a 2010 XF Premium and I have a question. Is the instrument panel supposed to be backlit during daylight driving? If yes, how do you turn it on? I used the thumbwheel (left of steering wheel) and it did nothing. Thanks in adavance.

 

I don't think so. The backlight comes on only with the headlights. I'll check tonight and correct this post if it is wrong.

 

Thanks, I thought one I test drove had that option, but I could be mistaken. I really like this forum!

 

Was the test vehicle 2012MY? The cluster does stay lit on the second generation xfs.

 

The vehicle was advertised as 2010. Second generation refers to 2011?

 

It was first generation then.

2009 to 2011 is first generation. And, 2012 on (redesigned body) is second generation.

I have a 2012, not sure on the pre '12 since they did have different type of cluster. Hopefully someone will provide you with the answer soon.

 

Thanks for the input Executive.

 

I have a 2009 and assume it would be the same the the backlight will only come on once the headlights turn on. You can dim them which would be down by your knee but the only way to make them come on would be by turning your headlights on I believe. Or this is what I have noticed with mine so far anyway.

 

The blue backlighting for the speedo and tacho, along with centre console backlighting (all that blue 'Tron' stuff) comes on with lights. The centre info panel - the one with P R N D S on it should be backlit all the time (white) and that dims with the thumbwheel dimmer next to the fog light switch. I have a 2009 XF-S 3.0 diesel Lux.

 

Further info on XF first gen (08-11) dimming:

Clocks (and console lights) backlight: comes on with headlights, always dimmable by thumbwheel once on.

Information display between clocks:

Daylight: bright, non-dimmable
Daylight, headlights on: bright, non-dimmable (but the clocks dim)
Night: Dims in synchrony with the blue clocks backlight

So a quite a sophisticated system. There must be a different threshold for 'night' (where the info panel becomes dimmable) and 'dusk' when the auto headlights come on - because at dusk, the info panel is still not dimmable - it has to be *night*.

Fletch