V70 instrument panel illumination issue

I just purchased a 1999 V70 Wagon, used.

I am really new to Volvo's, and am very impressed with the quality.

Just taking it around, and feeling it out. I took it for a ride last
night, and noticed something strange.
Hopefully, someone can help me out.

The instrument panel lit up when I put the driving lights on. Stayed
on.
When it came time to put on the headlights, the instrument panel
failed to illuminate.
Driving lights on, instrument panel lit. Headlights, no illumination.
When the driving lights were on, the illumination was adjustable with
the roller for it.
Headlights on, nothing.

Am I missing something?

Don't want to look like a dufus, but I will take it in to get it
checked.

 

The instrument lights are subdued with the headlights on so it doesn't
affect your night vision. When the driving lights are on, it is assumed
that it is daylight and you need much brighter instrument lights. That
is normal.

 

Again,

The problem is I cannot see the instrument panel at all when driving
at night.
This is a problem. The explanation does not fit the question.

It is illuminated with driving lights on, and completely off when
headlights are on.

 

Did you turn up the dimmer? As another poster already stated, when using
just driving lights the dash is at full brightness. With headlights on it
goes to the dimmed mode since it's used at night and is controlled by the
dimmer. If the dimmer has no effect I would suspect that to be the culprit.

 

I think the dimmer works. I suspect a headlight switch problem -
changing the position of the headlight switch causes the instrument
lamps to be extinguished.

 

I agree, the lightswitch has been a problem on many C/S/V 70's

 

Just found out from our local police department that the tail lights
are out also, only when you turn on the headlights.



Damien