Adjustable dash lights switch?

FITFOLLY · #1 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 10:27 PM

Thinking of installing a switch to trick the dash lights into thinking the headlights are on. Anyone know if this would be possible? I want to be able to dim down the stereo display at the drive-in movie theater.

Yes, I Vtec · #2 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 10:41 PM

why not just turn the knob if u want to dim the head unit light?

FITFOLLY · #3 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 10:45 PM

The lights are not adjustable when the headlights are not on. The headunit is stuck at full power for daytime usage, normally. At the drive-in I can't really turn on the headlights just to dim my head unit. :P

Yes, I Vtec · #4 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 10:54 PM

i understand now. I can see you being able to. maybe something just before the headlights you can flick off under the hood... not too sure about under the dash in the fit. I know you can in older vehicles for sure though

supaumar · #5 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 10:56 PM

Not sure, but can you dim the dash with the yellow lights? (1st click)

Rampage289 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 11:44 PM

yeah just use your parking lights and then dim em

FITFOLLY · #7 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 03:57 PM

Hm, I dunno if I'd wanna use my parking lights at the drive-in theater. When I'm there I'm usually having a little party in my car so I definitely wouldn't want to draw extra attention to myself, haha.

Yes, I Vtec · #8 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 03:59 PM

haha. 5% tint on all windows and don't bother?

FITFOLLY · #9 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 04:05 PM

Got 50% on the fronts, 5% in the rears... right now I just cover up the bright blue head unit display with a rag or hoodie or something. Do you guys think if I install a switch the easiest way would be an actual headlight / parking light kill switch? Seems like that might be simpler but a less ideal solution compared to a toggle switch that would instantly fool the ECU into thinking they're on somehow.

With the former method I would have to flip my fake-out switch and then turn on the lights, with the latter method I would just have to flip the switch once. Then again, if it's dark at the drive-in (usually) I'll be rolling up with my headlights on and putting them on again when I leave so maybe the first method is actually the smoothest. Should I take a look at the online service manual for this? Anyone know what wires I could use?

FITFOLLY · #10 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 04:44 PM

So I've been looking at a diagram of the headlight / foglight / parking light wiring system in a similar model of Fit to get ideas. It looks like the dimmer mechanism is probably triggered internally to the gauge cluster / the actual headlight switch. The headlights appear to draw power from a relay that's fed by a power wire that goes to the headlight switch. Presumably all I would have to do is interrupt that relay and the headlights would no longer get power, but if the dimmer is switched internally to the cluster / switch, then it should work at that point when I turn the switch on (but no lights). Sorry if none of this makes any sense.

FITFOLLY · #11 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 04:45 PM

If anyone's interested this is what I've been looking at: Wiring Diagram

FITFOLLY · #12 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 10:44 PM

Bumppppppppppppp

secondspassed · #13 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 04:37 AM

Bump for interest.

Black3sr · #14 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 06:23 AM

Why not just get a room then you can leave the lights on too?

Yes, I Vtec · #15 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 06:37 AM

find out anything?

FITFOLLY · #16 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black3sr

Why not just get a room then you can leave the lights on too?

It's not that kind of party, I'm still primarily there to watch a movie.

FITFOLLY · #17 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yes, I Vtec

find out anything?

I will have to find a diagram for the USDM Fit to make sure, but I think there is a wire that comes from the taillight relay in the engine bay, through the firewall, then powers the gauge cluster / interior lights. This wire must enter the cabin, and I should be able to add a switch that toggles between stock setting, daytime mode (disconnected), and nighttime mode (connected to a new circuit via an add-a-fuse in the cabin fuse box. Alternatively, I could add a kill switch for the ground wire coming from the light switch on the steering column. This would probably just kill all the lighting but leave the stereo on at full day-time mode, since I'm pretty sure the stereo gets its actual power from a different circuit.

Black3sr · #18 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FITFOLLY

It's not that kind of party, I'm still primarily there to watch a movie.

That's what I used to tell their mothers.

Good luck on your wiring.

FITFOLLY · #19 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 04:11 PM

I think I'm gonna try and swing by a Pep Boys today, see if they carry the '08 Fit Service Manual there. If they do I might try to take a peek inside... I know I can get this info online from Helm for $10, but it just seems like such a waste.

FITFOLLY · #20 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yes, I Vtec

haha. 5% tint on all windows and don't bother?

The intent behind this mod wouldn't be for privacy, but because when watching a movie in the car the head unit display is super distracting because it's so bright.