I'd have to look at the wiring diagram for the sensor, but it is generally possible to jump something in the socket in the for these kinds of sensors to make the ECU think that it's either full, broad daylight or sometimes just removing it can be enough, though typically lack of input is more likely to signal "night" conditions.

I'd also check your local salvage yards with regard to getting a replacement sensor. There were lots of Camrys produced, many of which met early ends in accidents, and even if it was a later accident, these sensors are not commonly prone to failure. I've had one fail, in one car, over a more than 40 year period of driving (some of which, of course, is prior to the era of these sensors, but at least half of it, a bit more, actually, has been in that era).

 

What is considered dim?

 

That is already brighter than the one we have Is at its brightest setting.

I took a spin in a facelift 2010 LE Camry and noticed the gauges were brighter and basically the same despite it being the 2.4 and not 3.5.

I did notice the lens was clear, as opposed to the smoked one in ours. This may be a more cost effective solution.

 

I just read the top message, you already checked. Now you need to first make sure your headlamp switch isn't stuck in headlamp mode, park lamp mode, as both these modes will also auto dim the instrument cluster / dashboard lights. If all of those work, before replacing this sensor make sure you don't have anything up on the dashboard close to the windshield that can cover this sensor as it will think it's night time. Also make sure no cleaner films / excessive dirt / dust has gotten onto the sensor lens cover, as the same thing could happen if there's enough build-up to filter light rays getting in. If those check out, check the circuit to the sensor, using a wiring diagram and a repair manual with the vehicle reference voltages. Even after all that there could be one or two other causes for your issue, but it might be safe enough to replace the sensor.

 

FWIW I am experiencing the same problem. '07 XLE Cam, 197k miles. Not sure how long it's been an issue. Maybe last 2-3 yrs? Gonna clean off sensor. Will report any news but I'm not holding out much hope. My car is pretty clean.

 

Any luck with any of this? I just got an 07 xle camry from my sister and her gauges during the day are barely existent. I have the dimmer switch capped all the way out at the clockwise and clicked, the gauge looks great at night, but daylight i can't even read the thing if its sunny, only really see the needles. There IS light coming from it during the day, just extremely dim. Anyone ever figure this out before i start buying tons and tons of things? Fuses are all good, sensor seems to at least sense when its night time because the GPS turns dark, I'm lost on this one.

 

This is a legitimate issue. I just purchased an 07 XLE V6 and the lights on the dash are so dim you cannot see the white lettering with sunglasses on. The needles are bright as heck, but the rest of the display is basically invisible. I have done every fix that I have heard of. It's dangerous, I peak over my glasses and i'm always 10-15 mph over. 1. I've turned up and the dimmer switch. 2. I've checked to make sure the lights are on auto. 3. I've replaced the light sensor, it does work, although not helpful because the dimmer is always at its highest setting. 4. I've gone into the settings on the computer and changed the sensitivity settings from Normal, to LIGHT 2, LIGHT 1, etc. Nothing changes. 5. I've checked all fuses. Even the display box (MPG, Outdoor Temp, etc) is dim. I'm a Toyota guy, I have a 2014 Tundra and 2020 4Runner, Ive had a 2014 Tacoma, 2014 4Runner and a 2007 Camry SE 4cyl, literally all but the Camrys have been bulletproof. This Camry in particular, has been quite the roller coaster of problems so far. Needs a new rack and pinion, the trans flairs between 3rd-4th gear, previous owner didn't fix the sticky dashboard during the recall... etc. Hate to say it, I think its the classiest looking Camry out there, but avoid this generation of Camry.

 

Anybody figure out a fix for this? Alas, I too am experiencing this issue.