The dash lights are auto turn on/off, there is no manual control. This works great in total darkness, since the lights are on and you can see the numbers. In the daytime, when driving through trees and canyons the dash lights are off, you can not turn them on with the headlight switch or any other manual means. The reason I believe this is a safety issue is that you can not see how fast you are going, or any of your gauges. Monitoring your speed is a main feature when you drive, and I doubt that my sheriff will excuse me for speeding because I cannot see how fast I am driving. From a safety standpoint going too fast into a curve can cause you to roll the vehicle, and I cannot see my dash panel since I drive through the forest and canyons everyday when I leave my house. There is a light sensor on the dash board, that if you put a rag over it, the dash panel will light up. It seems insane to have to put a towel on the dash of a $45,000 vehicle and over ride the computer. The Ford dealership has checked it out 4 times under warranty and they say that it is working as the truck was built to be. The engineers they have discussed this with say it is the way it is supposed to be. For the money and the safety, I want to be able to turn on these lights. Not all trim levels of this vehicle have this issue, but that doesn't mean that I should be held hostage by a computer. Thanks. 2013 is not the only affected year for the F250 XLT trim updated 10/21/15

- Idaho City, ID, USA

The Ford F250 has no provision for illuminating the dashboard instruments in daylight. All of the controls for headlight, parking light, etc. Require the sensor on the dashboard to be reporting dark conditions similar to night time. This observation was confirmed by Ford service personnel who added that they have had many complaints about this condition. Even on bright days, the shadows on the instrument panel can be deep enough to prevent their being read. These instruments include the speedometer, temperature and fuel gages, and on-board warning/display. This is a deliberate design change from earlier models. Ford service personnel said, " I can't imagine why they would do this". the instrument lights can be made to light during daylight only by blocking the dashboard light sensor. A crumpled black plastic bag is effective. There does not seem to be a valid reason for keeping the instrument lights off whenever any of the headlamps are on. The inability to read the instruments is a constant distraction and reduces the driver's effective view of the road.

- Box Elder, SD, USA

The contact owns 2013 Ford F-250 platinum. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the headlights failed without warning and the contact had to utilize the high beam switch to activate the headlight. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was stated that the dash senor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.

- Altaille, CA, USA