Tapping in to 12V dash lighting
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 176
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From: Buffalo Grove Illinois
Tapping in to 12V dash lighting
I am installing Autometer boost and fuel pressure gauges. Has anyone used the dimmer switch harness to source their 12V for gauge lighting?
I was going to use the brown wire on that harness but have some concern about getting the pug back on the dimmer after I solder the power wire to the dimmer harness. There isn't much room along side the tach-speedo cluster housing, the A/C vent and the side of the dash. I unplugged it to see if I could access it and spent 15 minutes getting the plug back on the dimmer switch. If you have done this how hard was it?
I was going to use the brown wire on that harness but have some concern about getting the pug back on the dimmer after I solder the power wire to the dimmer harness. There isn't much room along side the tach-speedo cluster housing, the A/C vent and the side of the dash. I unplugged it to see if I could access it and spent 15 minutes getting the plug back on the dimmer switch. If you have done this how hard was it?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
From: Buffalo Grove Illinois
Is that button/brown wire tied to the dash lights? I hav a coupe - no trunk. I will look at the hatch switch though.... thanks.
Last edited by TwinTurboZ51; Mar 22, 2011 at 02:59 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I have two Cobalt gauges on my 02 and the lights are hardwired to a 12v source. They are very bright at night. Too bright.
From what I have read, there is a cream colored wire on the end of the HVAC connector that powers the backlights for the panel. You have to remove the center dash/console but it's not that difficult to do.
Use a ScotchLok connector to splice the gauge light wires to that wire and the gauge illumination should vary with the brightness you select.
Here's the link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1551129579-post8.html
From what I have read, there is a cream colored wire on the end of the HVAC connector that powers the backlights for the panel. You have to remove the center dash/console but it's not that difficult to do.
Use a ScotchLok connector to splice the gauge light wires to that wire and the gauge illumination should vary with the brightness you select.
Here's the link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1551129579-post8.html
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
From: Buffalo Grove Illinois
Great tip on the trunk button. I have my driver's side knee panel off and checked and the illuminated driving light & coupe hatch buttons dim with the dimmer. That is a lot easier to tap than pulling the console/radio bezel to tap the climate control illumination. It is hanging in my face!
