The typical reason for this is the sensor for auto lights 'thinks' it is getting dark out and turns the regular headlights on and puts instrument panel and radio in night-time mode (dim). It can happen quite a bit starting in fall and continuing through winter and early spring when sun angle is lower.
Full Answer
Why is the display panel on the car stereo receiver dim?
If the display panel on the car stereo receiver is dim or does not light, the connectors may need to be cleaned or there may be a mode setting that needs to be adjusted. Follow these steps to try to resolve this issue:
Why are my lights dimming all of a sudden?
Realistically, your lights may be dimming for a number of potential electrical problems; however, the main cause of dimming is when there is a sudden increase in the load on your circuit. A question your electrician may ask you is if the lights have always dimmed or if they are increasingly dimming as time goes on.
Why is the display on my car stereo not working?
Check to see if your car stereo has a dimmer setting, which can disable the display. If the car audio system does have this setting, try adjusting it to the different dimmer settings. The car stereo may not function properly if the connectors between the receiver and the front panel are not clean.
How do I Turn Off the display on my car stereo?
Press and hold the OFF button for a few seconds. NOTE: On some models, this will toggle the display on and off. Check to see if your car stereo has a dimmer setting, which can disable the display. If the car audio system does have this setting, try adjusting it to the different dimmer settings.

Why do my lights dim when I play music?
If you're wondering why your car headlights flicker when you're listening to music, the simple answer is power. Your amp is drawing a lot of it, and the charging system in your car can't keep up.
Why does my radio light dim when I turn on my headlights?
When dashboard lights go dim when the headlights are turned on, it's usually because modern vehicles automatically adjust the dashboard brightness because of the current time of the day. Try adjusting your vehicle's dimmer switch to restore the light levels to your desired brightness.
Why are my car radio lights dim?
Check to see if your car stereo has a dimmer setting, which can disable the display. If the car audio system does have this setting, try adjusting it to the different dimmer settings. The car stereo may not function properly if the connectors between the receiver and the front panel are not clean.
Why does my stereo keep turning off when I turn up the volume?
If the car stereo or amplifier powers off when raising the volume, then there may be an issue with installation. This usually occurs when the ground wire is not connected properly. However, it also can occur when an amplifier becomes overloaded by connecting too many speakers.
Why do my dash lights dim when I turn on my wipers?
This is due to a setting in your system menu which turns the headlights on when the wipers are in use. Just as you will notice when using your vehicle at night, your dashboard lights will dim when your headlights are turned on.
Why are my interior lights dim?
Dim and Dimmer A low reading is a sign that the alternator needs to be replaced. Remember: A failing alternator can harm your battery, so acting quickly can prevent one repair job from becoming two. The most common cause of a dim car interior light is a dying battery.
Why won't my car stereo light up?
A damaged or defective fuse might lead your car radio display not to work. This particular fuse sits right between the display unit and the power line. If you installed a newer stereo system by replacing the stock one, there might be an issue where the aftermarket stereo won't turn on due to a defective fuse.
How do I make my dashboard lights brighter?
On the lower-right corner of the dashboard, you'll find the rotary switch that controls the headlights. On the same switch panel (just to the left of the main headlight switch) are a pair of sliding controls that control the headlight aiming (the right-hand slide) and the dashboard-light brightness (just to its left).
Why are my lights dimming and brightening?
Reasons for your lights dimming and brightening include faulty wiring or ballasts, circuit overloads, or power grid issues. Or, it could simply be that your lights are old. Luckily, other than issues with the power grid, everything can be easily fixed.
How do you fix receiver shutting down when you increase volume?
New receivers automatically shut down because they may be sensing a short somewhere. This short can be internal (within the unit) or external (one of the speakers or speaker wires). The best way to troubleshoot the receiver would be to remove all the speaker wires from the back of the receiver.
Why does my speaker turn off when its loud?
An amp can shut down when it detects clipping distortion caused by its reaching it's power output limit. This can damage tweeters so a protection circuit can be designed to operate quickly. It can be caused by a bad driver or crossover part in the speaker system or an "almost short" in a speaker wire.
Why does my amp keep cutting out when the bass hits?
0:445:37Why does my amp turn off when the bass hits? | Car Audio Q&A - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs well as make sure your power source is more than adequate feeding those amplifiers. As in to yourMoreAs well as make sure your power source is more than adequate feeding those amplifiers. As in to your alternator your battery. So definitely have your alternator tested as well as your battery.
Why do my radio lights go dim?
The radio lights always go dim when you turn your headlights on . They figure that if your driving lights are on then it must be dark out; so the radio dims so it wont blind you.
Does the SF have a bright switch?
If it is and older SF model, some european versions had a bright switch on the dashboard.
Why do my lights dim?
A wire connection may loosen over time , this may cause your lights to dim more than previously experienced. This problem will mainly present itself in the warmer months of the year when electricity is at a higher demand thanks to furiously running AC units, rather than in the cooler months when demand is lower. It is best to call an electrician for this problem and get it fixed as soon as possible as loose wires can create a high resistance, which in turn can lead to a fire.
Why do my lights flicker?
Realistically, your lights may be dimming for a number of potential electrical problems; however, the main cause of dimming is when there is a sudden increase in the load on your circuit. A question your electrician may ask you ...
Why do light bulbs not produce the same quality?
Due to wear and tear of appliances over time, things such as lights will not always produce the same quality output. As light bulbs are used, and wear and tear kicks in, the light bulbs will produce less and less light. When this happens, it is recommended that the light bulbs be replaced.
Do lights share the same circuit?
Age of House. Electrical circuits have changed over time, in newer homes lights don’t share the same circuit as plugs in older homes where plugs and lights shared the same circuit. When a new appliance is plugged in, especially ones that draw in more electricity when they are switched on than when they are running, ...
MAGA Man
My 2018 Silverado does this : As I drive it during daylight hours the display will periodically go dim to the point that I can't read the display very well. Then as I continue to drive along it will brighten up again. The service person at the local dealership told me that the light sensor is being blocked by my dash cover.
MikeNH
My 2018 Silverado does this : As I drive it during daylight hours the display will periodically go dim to the point that I can't read the display very well. Then as I continue to drive along it will brighten up again. The service person at the local dealership told me that the light sensor is being blocked by my dash cover.
MAGA Man
Well, I've tried to compare my screen dimming to the auto light dimmer function and it doesn't seem to make a difference. You can turn off the Automatic headlamp function with the light switch, which I do, but it doesn't affect the dimming of the screen display. Cloudy or sunny days don't seem to affect it either.