2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission gauge question

[BigBlackDodge]

Just helped put a set of Autometer Phantom series gauges on my buddies 01. We tapped into the "alum" fuse for the lights so they could be controlled by the dimmer. We went for a test drive and the dimmer switch area was getting warm to the touch and the dome light would come on almost as soon as you would try to brighten the dash lights up with the knob. The only time the gauges were lit up enough to really see them good was when the dimmer knob was up high but then the dome light kept coming on even though it was not in the dome light position. Is there a better fuse to tap into rather than this one? What else might be the problem. This was my first gauge install so treat my like the dummy I am! :-laf

 

[budctdca]

i dont know how you ran the wires, but when i did mine, i ran them behind the headlight sitch. and i used a testlight to find the dimmer wire and tapped into that one on the switch, this should solve your problem, if you want more info or pictures, pm me and ill take my dash apart to get them... . good luck

 

[nps]

I used the ashtray illumination wire. Pull the ash tray, remove 3 screws, and pop out the bulb holder. Easy to find the right wire with a meter - only 2 to choose from! The voltage varies from about 4-12 V depending on dimmer switch position.



Check your voltage on the meter. Perhaps the bulb isn't seated all the way in the socket?

 

[RHARVEY]

I use one of those Mini Fuse taps and go directly into the fuse panel. Those little items are great for doing the gauge lights...





Rick

 

[JRagland]

We tapped into the "alum" fuse for the lights so they could be controlled by the dimmer.

It sounds like you did tap the fuse directly as suggested. My only suggestion would be what was said about tapping the output wire directly, as it is coming out of the back of the headlight switch. That is what I did instead of using the fuse terminal itself. Mine illuminates in proportion to the rest of my lights. The small bulbs of the guages don't drain that one wire very much. I can't remember which wire it was. I kick myself every time I do a mod and don't take pictures.

 

[budctdca]

ohh, btw, I installed the phantom series as well. the lights work great and dim as they should. the nice thing about tapping into the headlight switch is that its easier to get into and its hidden. personally i hate messing with fuse panels because i have seen where people have done that and the panel always looks like a rats nest, factory is good... . you can also easily incorporate a fuse...

 

[BigBlackDodge]

Thanks for all the replies guys, we'll try it again Friday when we're off work.

 

[rivercat]

truth is it is not that hard to take the little panel with the head light switch out and fish your + light wire to that then posi lock to the tan wire in the bunch then stuff it all back in and your done. I used a existing bolt above the master cylnder that alredy had a ground wire on it to ground with a big eye, then used a fuse tap on the ciglighter circit for the power for the pyro. should work out for you.

 

[BigBlackDodge]

Figured it out, the door switch was out of adjustment on the drivers side so it thought the door was open which was making the dome light come on as soon as you tried to brighten the dash lights. The truck had been detailed the day before and the switch got bumped and out of adjustment.