Dim light on 2011 avalon radio - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

debrunsky · 06-23-2011, 06:04 PM

Hello,

I have a 2011 Avalon with base radio, and the light on radio is so dim you can't see to select different station in the daytime sunlight, does any one out there have the same problem?
I have contacted my dealer and Toyota they both tell me they are aware of the problem but they don't have a way to correct this problem. I think that is a cop out.
If any one has a fix for this please let me know.

Thank you

C141B · 06-27-2011, 08:48 AM

I have the Nav unit in mine and the brightness of the radio cluster is regulated with the instrument lights. It's worth a try.

debrunsky · 06-27-2011, 06:03 PM

Thank you c141b for responding to my question.

Problem with the base radio there is no way to adjust the brightness, the radio is factory set, this is the only make of car I have seen that has no adjustment.

Thanks,
Debrunsky

boosted-fc3s · 06-27-2011, 06:10 PM

Just curious, are you running with your headlamps or parking lights on? If they are on, and even if your brightness knob is set to full the radio will still be dim. The second you turn off the lights its bright on mine.

debrunsky · 06-27-2011, 07:15 PM

Boosted-fc35,

It seems there is no difference if the lights are off or on, I can see the radio at night with no problem, but the sunlight just washes it out completely.

The reoistat on the dash only adjusts the dash lights only, the radio has no adjustment according to Toyota Corporate and the dealer.

Thanks,
Debrunsky

boosted-fc3s · 06-27-2011, 07:48 PM

That's stupid. I could adjust the brightness on even the crappiest OEM stereo I've ever come across (My old 1987 GMC Jimmy). You would think they could at least link it to the adjustment for the dash lights, were not talking about expensive technology here. But than again on mine, its only the buttons that light up. I have nav so I always can see the screen regardless of setting.

grandpapa · 06-28-2011, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boosted-fc3s

That's stupid. I could adjust the brightness on even the crappiest OEM stereo I've ever come across (My old 1987 GMC Jimmy). You would think they could at least link it to the adjustment for the dash lights, were not talking about expensive technology here. But than again on mine, its only the buttons that light up. I have nav so I always can see the screen regardless of setting.

I think the problem is he can't see it well during the day and you probably referred to the night dimming feature

longslim · 06-30-2011, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grandpapa

I think the problem is he can't see it well during the day and you probably referred to the night dimming feature

I have the base 11 and the radio information in daylight is unreadable. I think it is the screen color they use. The screen reminds me of the early digital watch. I can't see how Toyota miss something so simple as a way for you to adjust screen brightness.

MAToyotaSales · 07-02-2011, 05:13 PM

Same issue with all of them, even if you have NAV (which I do) the climate control and clock screens are washed out with direct sunlight. The sun lights up the screen and it appears like all LEDs are lit. It rarely is a problem for me (how often is the sun shining directly onto the radio?), somewhat more of a concern with the sunroof open, but I can see how some would be annoyed by it. If I need to read the screen, simply blocking the sunlight with my hand solves the problem and steering wheel controls allow all adjustments without seeing the screen.

When the screens are not directly being shined on, they are perfectly clear and easy to read.