Yes, the daytime running lights use the headlights in a low power mode for daytime driving, but the dash lights do not dim when the system is in the daytime running lights configuration. If the dash lights are dimmed then the car is in the nighttime lighting configuration and the highlights are likely in their full brightness mode. This can be a big problem since the dash is very difficult to read on a clear day. It also shortens the life of your headlights.

 

I put my 2010 cobalt in the shop on 01/16/12 for the second time for the same thing.The running light keep going off.I got my car out of the shop on 01/18/2012 get home pulled it into the garage put it in park and the lights went off again then again on 1/27/2012 I pull my car up in front of where I work and put it in park and again the lights go off then come back on.This is getting to be a headache.OH did I tell you I am also getting a message telling me the auto lights are off when they are on,so I have to turn them off then back on.I am keeping a dairy on this problem so the next time I put it in the shop they will have a complete record of when this happen.And if they can not fix this problem I am going to be calling gm and demanding they buy this car back. Because this is a safety issue and I or someone else can get hurt or killed because of this issue.If they go out when it is dark then that will be a big problem.

 

the frame

 

I am also having problems with the dashboard lights on my 2010 Cobalt. From a cold start, the dash lights are so dim as to be invisible in daylight, and cannot be brightened by turning the dashboard ****. After warming up, 15-20 minutes of driving, the lights suddenly brighten. I've had the car into the dealership 3 times and they have not been able to find the problem. I'm not a mechanic, and I am concerned about a short in the electrical system causing the problem that has the potential to start a fire. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

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I am sorry you are experiencing this issue with your Cobalt vehicle. I agree, it may be due to a short. You may have to suggest leaving the vehicle overnight, so they can replicate the issue from a cold start.

Please keep us posted.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me privately.

Louis
GM Customer Service

 

Louis,
Thanks for your suggestion, but been there, done that. The third time I took the car to the dealership to check this issue, I left it overnight. When the service tech started the car the next morning the dash lights came right on as they are supposed to. Both my service representative and I are tearing our hair out Just now it's about 9:30 PM, went out and started the car, and it's cold - last run at 11:30 this morning. Dash lights came on fine. It's the dickens to find an intermittent problem! I'm wondering if it isn't some connection in or through the ignition switch. Your thoughts?

 

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mhmargar,

Have you noticed any pattern with this issue? For example, during cold temperatures, etc.? I have researched your vehicle within my resources, however, there are currently no known issues as you have described.

I encourage you to continue working with your technicians, as they are in the best position to assist you further.

Have you taken the vehicle into the same dealer each time for this issue?

I would be happy to set-up a case for you and look into this further. If you would like me to proceed, please PM me the following information: your full name, address, phone number, vehicle mileage, VIN and the name and city of your dealer.

I look forward to your reply.

Louis
GM Customer Service

 

I have taken my 2010 chevy cobalt in for service for the same thing 4 times.The third time they replaced a modgular saying that was the cause of the problem but it is still
happening.When I put it in park the head lights go off.Now it does not do it all the time so this is why I know there is a problem.I have it on the auto setting.This is getting to be a big headache.

 

Zorb,

In case you still around in 2023, 12 years after your original post, I wanted to thank your for posting your fix back in 2011.

I had the same symptoms, that is, in bright daylight, my radio lights and dic in the dash were at low intensity and they were impossible to see in moderate to bright sunlight.

Removing and reconnecting the 2 blue connectors, which I assume are C1 and C2 on the bcm located on the passenger side of the center console, "fixed" my problem. The radio and dic in the dash now go to high intensity in moderate to bright sunlight and can be seen.