Dimming the High Beam instrument lamp

[skipdh]

Hi All

Maybe it is just me but when I am drving along with the high beams running I find the blue indicator on the instrument panel to bright and distracting. It appears in my model (07, 4.8, ST) that it is not dimmed like all the other instrument lamps.

So I found the right wire and inserted a couple of 33 ohm resistors in series with the lamp. So total 66 ohms. I used 1/4 watt resistors which are suitable as the dissipated wattage is only 0.19 watt each.

First a schematic of where we are breaking into the circuit.
highbeam dimming.jpg
Next find connector and right wire. We are looking for red wire with blue stripe on M21.
highbeam dimming 2.jpg
Which is located here behind the kick panel on drivers side.
highbeam dimming 3 pic m21 location.jpg
So we need to cut this wire.
highbeam dimming 4 pic red blue wire E127.jpg
And I used a screw terminal to mount the resistors on.
IMG_3911.JPG

Now the lamp is about a third of the brightness as before and much more easy on the eyes whilst driving at night.

Hope someone finds this useful. It has been annoying me since I've had the car.

Skip

[threedogs]

Why not just use the dimmer ????
My 04 has one

[paulyg]

Threedogs,I think the op is saying it does not dim with the other dash lights.
''It appears in my model (07, 4.8, ST) that it is not dimmed like all the other instrument lamps''

[Alitis007]

You have actually just made your car un roadworthy because its supposed to be bright so you are aware that the high beams are on so you don't forget they are on.

[skipdh]

Hi Alitis007.

You highlight an important point. I am not proposing the indicator is disabled. The indicator is still performing its function and is still visible. Can you help with what the specifications are for "brightness" so that I can ensure I comply with the relevant ADR?

Thank you
Skip

[threedogs]

Gee you'd have to be wearing dirty pants to be pinged for that.

[Alitis007]

Hi Alitis007.

You highlight an important point. I am not proposing the indicator is disabled. The indicator is still performing its function and is still visible. Can you help with what the specifications are for "brightness" so that I can ensure I comply with the relevant ADR?

Thank you
Skip

During a RWC inspect its generally carried out during the day so if the inspector cant see it coz its not bright enough then it fails. I have to look into it further and read up what the book says so i'll have to get back to you...

[MC97GQ]

Altis007,

Mate whilst I dont doubt that you know what you are talking about,

I think you are drawing a pretty long bow on this one.

Mate in the the 30 years I have been driving and the many cars that I have owned the Hi Beam indicator light on all of them have had varying degrees of brightness. So as long as the light is working I don't see how they could ping you for it not being bright enough.

My wife's car Honda CRV the Hi Beam indicator is actually dimmed when the headlights are turned on(this goes for all the indicator lights). So by what you are saying the Hi Beam indicator should be tested when the head lights are off, but the problem is when you flick the hi beam on to test the hi beam indicator light the light is automatically dimmed by the fact the headlight circuit has been activated.

So as long as the light on the original posters vehicle is working and visible, I don't see how your vehicle could be failed for it not being bright enough.

Mark

[NissanGQ4.2]

During a RWC inspect its generally carried out during the day so if the inspector cant see it coz its not bright enough then it fails. I have to look into it further and read up what the book says so i'll have to get back to you...

What!!!!! the inspectors in Melbourne actually sit inside your car, Fark these Sydney inspectors are lazy, I have never has an inspector sit inside my car, I sit in it and turn the indicator lights / high and low beam, brake etc........... on for them. Next rego i'm going to tell em to do it themselves!

[threedogs]

Where on the rwc report does it say tick this box if not bright enough.
I cant remember seeing it as a question to be answered
High beam indicator light tick,,oh wait not bright enough ,,,,,you fail
WTF