Dash Light Connection on 2006 models

[TStinson]

Is there a safe way to connect the light on the Westach EGT/Boost combo guage (or any other type guage) into the dash light dimmer on my 2006 CTD?



I have been reading horror stories about causing $$$ damage to the electrical system on the new models when connecting into the factory harness. I provided power to the guages via a Painless add-on module that only connects directly to the battery terminal (has some always-hot and some ignition-on hot leads). So far, that has worked OK. I could wire the guage light direct, but would like for it to dim with the dash lights.



I had this same guage on my 1999, and had it wired directly to the dimmer switch lead, but the 2006 appears to only send a signal to the computer to adjust the lights, without directly modulating the 12v feed to the lights. Probably has at least solved the burn-out problem that existed with the old system anyways.



Any electrical wizards out there?

 

[KennethS]

Best check with dealer before hooking up any wires

When I installed a set of lights on the front of my 06 truck I did install the lights but went to dealer and he showed me where to wire the light so there was no trouble blowing uo any boxes. Just a safe way to do it.

 

[flyairam]

Yes, it's pretty easy to do. Take off the trim panel that holds the switch, find the dimmer wire with your voltage tester (I forget the color of the wire - but I think it's orange/brown) and use a scotch-lock on it. Viola, dimmed lights on your guages.



Randy

 

[DeezelDood]

Removing the dash trim panel on the 06 is not necessary. There is a triangular shape side access cover on the driver side of dash. Door must be open. Panel just pries off. Dimmer harness is right there, but you cannot access the pin connections to test them. There are two (2) orange wires with brown tracer, same as 05, but pin number has changed (#2 I think). Use a multimeter with a sharp probe or gently slice off a little bit of insulation with pen knife. 50/50 shot. Complete the circuit to ground. Headlights on. I got the wrong one at first: Rotating dimmer read inverse voltage (about 1. 5 to 5). This one goes to a lamp circuit. The other one, from the resistor bank, is the correct one. Rotating the dimmer reads 12 volts to 2 volts. There are a couple of convenient philips screws there for your ground connection.

 

[wcjp]

I used whatever directions that were listed in the TDR. Might've been issue 51? They did the Westech dual gauge install on an 06'.