Hi all, I just drove my 2 year old prius during the snowstorm for the first time. While parked, I turned the car on, headlights on, and tried to move the car. The gas engine already shut down during warm-up. Car was stuck in snow. I had to move back and forth on electrical only a few times before getting out. Here is the question. After a second or third try in reverse, dashboard lights suddenly went totally dark, and would not turn on until headlights were off. I could not drive like that at night, so I stopped and googled it on my cell. Turns out the dimmer was all the way off. But how???? I did not touch it. The car started just fine, everything working. Only after a few attempts to get of of the snow the dash went out? Is there something wrong with the electrical circuit? I did try to move the car very gently, without flooring the pedal. Any ideas? Thanks so much. Sincerely Sophie
Sophie, if the dimmer was turned all the way down and the problem was solved by turning it up then there appear to be three possibilities: 1. You brushed against it by accident & didn't realize it. The unintentional pushing of buttons happens. 2. Evil Spirits. When they aren't infesting the computer systems in the office they have to do something. They are also known for cracking up the volume on the radio. 3. Gremlins. Haven't seen any but don't feed them if you do.
Thank you for this information. We just experienced our dashboard lights going out when the headlights were on, turned out it was the dimmer was all the way down. Thanks Prius Chat and Jim M
