Connecting new guage lights to panel dimmer

[MCiardi]

On my 2006 3500, just installed new Boost, EGT and transmission Temp. guages but the hardest part of the job appears to be connecting the guage lighting to the instrument panel light dimming circuit. Is there an easier location than pulling out the Instrument Panel and splicing into the lighting circuit there? My original plan was to connect to the Dimmer Switch but in reading I find the switch only sends "a pulse to the CAM BUS". Since I'm not sure how that works I though I would ask for help instead.

 

[JApol]

On the truck listed below I spliced into the dimming wire coming out the back of the dimmer switch. I don't know the color code right off hand but with a test light probing the connector you should be able to find the one you need.

 

[JimBob24]

On my '06 3500 I also spliced onto one the dimmer wires coming from the headlight/dimmer switch. There were two identically marked wires side by side. I think they were orange & brown. Only one of them will dim the lights. I think it was the one closest to the passenger side of the vehicle. You can check them with a voltmeter to be sure.

 

[TFlory]

On my '06 3500 I also spliced onto one the dimmer wires coming from the headlight/dimmer switch. There were two identically marked wires side by side. I think they were orange & brown. Only one of them will dim the lights. I think it was the one closest to the passenger side of the vehicle. You can check them with a voltmeter to be sure.

I installed gauges Sat night and JimBob is correct about the wiring.

You can access the pigtail without dash disassembly from the side by removing the plastic panel.

TIM

 

[FourBarR]

There is an easier way. dont have to cut wires. go to auto supply store and ask for Add A circuit. remove the fuse for the interior lights,plug in the add a fuse,then the original fuse and a new fuse of the correct size. hook the red wire from the add a fuse to the gauge lights and other wire to ground. hope this helps.

 

[JimBob24]

There is an easier way. dont have to cut wires. go to auto supply store and ask for Add A circuit. remove the fuse for the interior lights,plug in the add a fuse,then the original fuse and a new fuse of the correct size. hook the red wire from the add a fuse to the gauge lights and other wire to ground. hope this helps.

If you come directly off the fuse, aren't you bypassing the dimmer circuit? Seems like you would just get 12V full brightness. Anyway, I didn't cut any wires, I just used a Scotchlock "T" tap.

 

[MCiardi]

Thanks for all your help!

Thanks everyone. One of the Orange/Brown wires off the dimmer is for the dimming circuit according to the Dodge Manual but I didn't know whether tapping into it would cause problems. Based on your experience this is certainly what I'll do. I really appreciate all your responses and being a member of this forum.

 

[JOdell]

I tapped into my dimmer from the ash tray light bulb. I used LED lights for my gauges so I am really not worried about the draw from them. -Jason

 

[donnier]

Are the LED bulbs available from Isspro? or from somewhere else??

Thanks.

 

[JOdell]

I got mine somewhere else. Chris Epp sells them on here. His handle is Cepp -Jason