Finicky Brightness settings for instrument panel?

[Surly]

Greetings, I have a 2011 with about 600 miles on it. I've noticed the 2 buttons for the instrument panel brightness, in the upper right, sometimes seem to simply not work.

Sometimes I have no problem using them to bump up and down the instrument brightness, while driving, parked, etc... other times in seemingly the exact same instances they do not respond, at all, quick touches, holding one down, etc... both the panel brightness and the computer do not show them being adjusted at all.

Anyone else experience this? Am I missing something?

I've checked the service manual and it seems very cut and dry and should work as long as the power is on and any light setting except off is active.

Stumped.