Night Panel Not Working

[Maty]

I've had my 9-3 Vector Sport TiD for a couple of weeks now, I bought it just for the night panel feature, well maybe not but it doesn't work none the less!

I think it's the actual button itself as it doesn't feel the same when pressed as the other buttons around it (TCS off etc). How difficult is it to get behind these buttons to investigate, I presume it would be stereo out job?

I'm having a Parrot kit fitted on Friday so could be a good chance for me to take a look.

[PJ3074]

You'll probably need the car plugged into a "Tech 2" to see if there is a fault in the system. This will have to be done at Saab Specialist / Dealer.

The night panel basically shuts down all gauges, dials with the exception of the Speedo and also shuts down other lights on the main console. Personally, I think this feature is totally daft - as why would you not want to see things like the Temp and Fuel gauges etc.?

You are better off using the +/- button on the light illumination to suit your requirements for night driving, with full view of all information on the dashboard.

My conclusion is that someone in Engineering had too much time on their hands one day, and thought "Emm, yes.. lets do a night panel, what a great idea that was" - NOT! The button would be best served as a preset low-light illumination, one touch feature.

If I was you, wouldn't waste my money having it fixed unless it was simple / low cost, so all your buttons are working.

I would be more concerned if the ESP function had failed.

[rscott]

Night panel has been in Saabs since the NG900 (so nearly 20 years). It turns off everything except the speedo and only switches them on if there's a problem - eg over-rev, low fuel, etc. It's supposedly from their 'aero history'. BMW have introduced it relatively recently as well.

I find it useful when driving at night or on long runs - it has the helpful side effect that you can longer see how quickly you're guzzling petrol when hooning

[Maty]

I'm not keen on the idea I must admit. I think its a man thing...."There's a button in my car that is supposed to do something, but it's broken so I must fix it" type thing!

The button itself doesn't have the same "click" feel to that the rest do so I'll ask the Parrot installer to take a quick look while he's got the stereo out.

[DennisTheMenace]

I expect its been apart before and they have lost the rubber button behind the switch. i went out to do an audit on one years ago after a phone kit install, and they had removed the switches and non of them worked afterwards, muggins here had to rebuild them. there stereo and airvents need to come out and then you can push that whole panel out IIRC.

Black panel works fine on my NG900

[Quhet]

I've only used mine once, on a trip up the M40. Enjoyed seeing the rest of the speedo illuminate as I got past 90

[P2BS]

Night panel won't work if you have less than 1/4 tank of fuel... worth bearing in mind ;-)

[Maty]

No joy. Mr Parrot installer didn't even need to take the stereo out to fit the kit so couldn't check the button that way. Tried it on the m'way today with the lights switched on (thinking maybe it only activates after a certain speed), no joy still doesn't do anything......and I had over 1/2 a tank of juice.

Never mind, the 'whirring' noise from the slush box when coming off the gas is far more worrying for the time being. Might start a new thread on that one!

[alpinemauve]

My radio lights stay on when the night panel is selected when all others (except speedo) go out. Is this right?