2001 Buick Regal dash and radio lights dim when headlights on

There is a light sensor that is responsible for turning on the lights in dim condition. Obviously, it is not working and needs to be replaced to restore normal operation.

there is a regulator for the display brightness, you may have it turn'd down or it has stopped working;. it controls the brightness at which the dash lights are. usually has a speedo sign on it. goes up and down. it works with the main light and is conecter to them on the same lighting board if it has gone then a new light swtch control switch will be needed.

You probably have a bad ground in the electronic instrument cluster, or cluster connection to wiring harness. I would recomend you have a qualified auto tech diagnose it. It is not a easy fix.

It can be loose wiring or issue with bulb or the battery is weak or brake light socket getting short somewhere.Car lights getting dim,there are many such common issues noticed.I will share some familiar help links,related to your problem.
Click the link below:---2004 Dodge Ram: High Beam Light is DIM? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/2004-dodge-ram-high-beam-light-is-dim.html
----------Ford Odometer Dims intermittently http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/07/ford-odometer-dims-intermittently.html
---------Turn Signals Don't Work When Brakes Are Applied? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/2005-gmc-envoy-turn-signals-dont-work.html
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Brake light Switch Location? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/1996-buick-regal-gran-sport-brake-light.html
----------- No brake lights on Buick? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/no-brake-lights-on-buick.html
----------- Brake lights not working on 1989 BUICK REGAL? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/brake-lights-not-working-on-1989-buick.html

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These will help.
Thanks.

Since these lights will work auto or manual is there a relay that might be bad. You mean these light's won't work auto or manual ????
Did you check the TAIL LAMP LIC LAMP fuse 15 amp . ?
Located in the right I/P fuse panel open passenger door plastic panel end of the I/P pull ,fuse box behind . This fuse takes care of the thing's your having problems with

I am about to repair the 4 resistors in my mother's 2001 regal. I saw it on youtube. Looks simple. My mechanic said he will remove the dash for me. I never soldered before, but willing to try. Don't go to dealer, they want $600 to fix it, parts cost $1.99 plus solder iron, $10. $12 total.

it is probably just a burnt light on the dash for the a/c and the odometer, as for the low coolant light if the car jhas more than 100,000 miles on it you need to get the coolant flushed that is all the light is warning you about.

what happens when you turn the knob to brite/dim the dash lights?

You will need to use a test light to verify voltage at the turn signal flasher.
Turn the key on to the run position, car does not need to be started.
Set the turn signal switch to right or left turn, doesn't matter.
Probe the "purple" wire terminal at the flasher unit. If the turn signal switch is working properly, you will have voltage at the flasher unit.
If you do not have voltage, the switch may be the problem, make certain all connectors to the steering column are fully seated and there are no broken wires.
Good luck and let me know.
Regards,

From the dashboard. 2 days prior to this my Airbag light fuse went out, I replaced it and now it works fine again. I am not sure if they have anything to do with eachother.