Dash instrument lighting does not illuminate when manually turning on the headlamps. The cluster lamps are apparently controlled automatically by a sensor located on the dash, however it is very difficult to see the dash meters when it is dark enough to turn on the headlamps, but not light enough for the sensor to engage. You can be driving in a rainstorm and headlamps are needed, but the instrument cluster lamps will not turn on and it is very difficult to see the any of the readings on the gauges. Apparently this is a well known problem, but Ford will not do anything about it. Just the way it the vehicle is designed. This is hazardous condition that needs to be fixed.

- Bloomington, MN, USA

I purchased a 2010 Ford F-150 in August 2010. I recently became aware of a lighting issue on the dashboard control panel cluster. While driving into work one morning at approximately 6:30am, I noticed the instrument cluster lighting had gone off. It was just slightly after sunrise and was still quite dark outside. After the problem recurring several more times, I took the vehicle to the dealer where I purchased it, and after a brief 20 minutes or so was told the cluster was defective and would be replaced under warranty. The problem continued and it wasn't until I researched on the internet if any other consumers of this model truck were having similar problems, that I had an explanation for the problem. Apparently Ford engineered a light sensor that sits on the dashboard and turns off the dashboard instrument lighting when the sensor detects a certain amount of external light. There is no way to properly override the sensor to my knowledge. The problem is that it sometimes will shut off lighting when there are still very low light conditions outside. In several instances, I was driving in low light and the sensor had deactivated my instrument cluster lighting and I couldn't read my instruments unless I took my eye off the road and ducked my head down almost against the instrument panel. Apparently, other consumers are having this same problem and some have reported that they were told by Ford that the system is working as designed and nothing could be done to change it. One consumer went on to say they had fabricated a piece of electrical tape that, when placed over the sensor would deactivate it. In my opinion, this is a significant safety concern. The driver should be able to turn on the instrument panel lights whenever he or she feels the need to. Driving in almost near darkness without the ability to turn on the lights is ridiculous. I hope to see all of their light sensor vehicles recalled and the sensors removed.

- Diamond Bar, CA, USA

2010 Ford F150...dashboard lights will not illuminate when in very low light conditions or very bright light conditions if equipped with 'auto lamp'...it will only illuminate in pitch black environments. Instrument panel is recessed 8 inches into dash and you cannot see the speedometer or other gauges as you drive.....this is extremely hazardous as knowledge of your speed is mandatory for safe vehicle operation in any light environment. Ford has advised me 'it is operating as designed'. this is unacceptable as the inability to quickly and accurately read your speed is paramount to driving any vehicle. The engineering shortcoming must be remedied. Google '2010 Ford F150 dashboard light problems' and you get 7 pages of concerns....... the only way to make the lights work normally during any daylight condition is to cover the dashboard sensor with a rag. The owners manual section on instrument cluster lights, headlamp switches and even auro lamp and dimmer all state the instrument cluster will illuminate any time any exterior lamp is lit....this is not true. Please look into this matter as it appears to be a serious safety concern, ,,

- Marysville, WA, USA

2010 Ford F150...dashboard lights will not illuminate when in very low light conditions or very bright light conditions if equipped with 'auto lamp'...it will only illuminate in pitch black environments. Instrument panel is recessed 8 inches into dash and you cannot see the speedometer or other gauges as you drive.....this is extremely hazardous as knowledge of your speed is mandatory for safe vehicle operation in any light environment. Ford has advised me 'it is operating as designed'. this is unacceptable as the inability to quickly and accurately read your speed is paramount to driving any vehicle. The engineering shortcoming must be remedied. Google '2010 Ford F150 dashboard light problems' and you get 7 pages of concerns....... the only way to make the lights work normally during any daylight condition is to cover the dashboard sensor with a rag. The owners manual section on instrument cluster lights, headlamp switches and even auro lamp and dimmer all state the instrument cluster will illuminate any time any exterior lamp is lit....this is not true. Please look into this matter as it appears to be a serious safety concern. Updated IVOQ 02/18/11

- Hartwell, GA, USA