Okay, my turn to ask a stupid question.

I just installed a new stereo on my 2008 350Z (my old JVC head unit died spectacularly). When I plugged everything back up, I noticed that unless my key is turned to the ON position (meaning, you can hear the fuel pump spooling up and it's one flick of the wrist away from making the car go VROOM), the dash lights stay dark regardless of the headlights' position. This includes the instrument cluster and the three top gauges. Once the car's on, the gauge lights are on full when the headlights are off and they dim when the headlights are on, as would be expected.

For some reason, I thought the gauge cluster lights were supposed to come on when you turned on the headlights, regardless of whether or not the keys are in the ignition.

It goes to show how little attention I've paid to the lights inside the car since I bought it almost 7 years ago.

So, in a nutshell, can someone let me know if it's normal for the gauge cluster lights to be off unless the keys are in the ignition and set to the ON position?

THANKS!

 

I just checked since trying to find a dam air leak. The cluster only comes on when the ign is in the ON position. With no key/key sitting in the ignition(NOT on)- with headlights on= cluster off still.

 

Thanks Matthew. That's kind of what I figured, but I just wasn't sure. I sincerely appreciate the help.