Gauge affects dimming of interior lights? Is this normal?

[gengo]

When the car is first turned on, the car displays the nighttime dimming for the clock and instrument panel like when you turn your lights on. Once the HF3-gauge fully lights up the dimming returns to normal.

Now this isn't a big deal, but when the gauge indicates low fluid level, I cannot get the daytime lighting for the gauges... meaning the car acts like my lights are on. Is this normal and expected? Any ideas?

cheers!