Freightliner M2 Dash Message Readability

[dcgettinby]

All too often, I find it very hard to read the message section on my Freightliner M2 dash. I'm talking about the top, center display area, between tach and speedometer, where you can see total miles, outside temperature, battery voltage, cruise settings, etc.


Reading is most difficult when bright sun is coming thru the windshield, which seems to be most of the time I'm behind the wheel. I believe I've adjusted the dash back lights to their brightest levels. I've tried reading with/without glasses, with/without sun glasses, with/without headlights on, and with/without various attempts to shade the dash. I even had my dealer look for any way to increase brightness. SO FAR, NO JOY AT ALL!


Does anyone else have this problem? Has anyone else found something that helps? I ask because I assume important stuff, like messages about the engine/transmission, might go completely unnoticed in this section of the dash long after action should be taken.

[Ziggy8321]

I have no answer as to why you are having that difficulty as I can see mine fine without having to turn it up bright. I do drive with polarized eye glasses but don't find they make a difference on the instrument panel.

Have you had the opportunity to look at another cab to see if that problem is the same?

[Renegade RV]

Same here. I have no issues reading the information display in the brightest light coming in from the drivers side window.

Perhaps the display is bad and needs replaced. It sounds like something Freightliner could address for you.

[RonLC]

Mine are very bright. I agree that yours may be defective.

[dcgettinby]

Thanks to all. I’ll talk to my dealer.

[truk4u]

My 2020 LE has the same problem, can’t see it in daytime and if the sun is shining, forget,it.

[dcgettinby]

Talked to my dealer, and they explained it is a FL problem. They also said they would be happy to take it in to FL for me, but I think I will try to do that myself first. It's just more convenient that way.


I did drive it yesterday and, for the first time, made a very interesting observation. I noticed that I was able to read the message display area easily with sunlight coming thru the driver window and hitting the dash. (BTW, I never have trouble reading gauges - just the message area.) I was really surprised because I expected sunlight to simply overwhelm a display that is already too dim. Instead, it made a huge difference!!!


With nothing better to do while driving, I got to thinking that maybe a small LED could be stuck on somewhere to shine light onto the dash. There is a housing forward of the steering wheel that seems like a real good place for such a light. I also have seen battery powered self-adhesive LEDs for cabinets and such that might be a good option. Anyway, I'm thinking it might be a way to easily resolve the problem if FL denies it under warranty, which is kinda what I expect FL to do.

[DaveFin]

DCGettingBy, id you ever get this fixed? I'm having the same problem with my new Dynamax with the M2 chassis. The dealer and Dynamax both point to Freightliner, and Freightliner says to bring it in for troubleshooting so unless there is a simple DIY fix I guess that's what I'll do.

[dcgettinby]

Unfortunately, the problem was never resolved.


FWIW, I spoke with my FL dealer about this problem at least twice. Although my dealer was willing to take a look, those conversations gave me no confidence in reaching a positive outcome.


After unsuccessful trials with self-adhesive LEDs, I did find an LED penlight to be a "work-around". From time to time, and when safe to do so, I could grab my penlight and check for messages.



I certainly hope you find a more satisfying solution!

[ghathaway3]

I have the same problem. I have no issues while checking everything out while stopped. However, sometimes when I am driving it becomes annoying. I learned not worry about it.

The M2 dash needs some serious upgrading.