Gauges don't dim with headlights?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Gauges don't dim with headlights?
I thought until tonight that my gauge lights got dimmer with the headlights on now they are the same brightness with headlights on or off....
Whats the real deal?
Thanks,
C. :crazy:
Whats the real deal?
Thanks,
C. :crazy:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Re: Gauges don't dim with headlights? (86PACER)
Have you changed the stereo-from the stock Bose system? According to Bob Gloden at batee.com if the stereo is changed you loose the dimming on the AC display
because it's controlled by a pulse with modulation feed from the stock Bose system.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: Gauges don't dim with headlights? (rick lambert)
Have you changed the stereo-from the stock Bose system? According to Bob Gloden at batee.com if the stereo is changed you loose the dimming on the AC display
because it's controlled by a pulse with modulation feed from the stock Bose system.
because it's controlled by a pulse with modulation feed from the stock Bose system.
Did anybody else notice? He didn't even crack a smile, when he posted that! Good job, Rick.
RACE ON!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Re: Gauges don't dim with headlights? (The13Bats)
Digital Display has two inputs for dimming: headlight switch and the photocell in the upper left hand corner. To test the photocell, place your thumb or a piece of electrical tape over it. Brightness should dim. Next, shine a flashlight into it. Brightness should increase. To test the switch, verify the integrity of the Instruments Lamp fuse and that it's getting power. Turn on the lights and turn the ****. The display and the lighting for the radio, a/c, wiper switch and gear selector controls should also dim/brighten.
As long as the headlights or parking lights are on, the photocell is overridden and dimming should be through the light switch only. With the lights on, you can again cover the photocell only this time, there shouldn't be any change. You can also check the voltage signals at the display from the headlight switch. The dimmer signal is at Pin C9 and should be variable as you turn the ****. Lights on is at Pin C6 and should be 12 volts with the parking lights or headlights on.
To my knowledge the Bose option for your year has nothing to do with dimming. The dim/lighting signal is a direct feed from the headlight switch to the Instrument Lamps fuse and then out to the Display with splices to everything else it controls including the radio.
I think I've seen the photocell through the aftermarket, so if isn't working, you may be able to replace it. Otherwise, assuming it's busted and not available, you'll need to exchange the Display.
As long as the headlights or parking lights are on, the photocell is overridden and dimming should be through the light switch only. With the lights on, you can again cover the photocell only this time, there shouldn't be any change. You can also check the voltage signals at the display from the headlight switch. The dimmer signal is at Pin C9 and should be variable as you turn the ****. Lights on is at Pin C6 and should be 12 volts with the parking lights or headlights on.
To my knowledge the Bose option for your year has nothing to do with dimming. The dim/lighting signal is a direct feed from the headlight switch to the Instrument Lamps fuse and then out to the Display with splices to everything else it controls including the radio.
I think I've seen the photocell through the aftermarket, so if isn't working, you may be able to replace it. Otherwise, assuming it's busted and not available, you'll need to exchange the Display.
