S5 Dimmer Fix
#1
S5 Dimmer Fix
After purchasing 3 different working used FC66 CPU's over the last 4 years, I got fed up. The late Icemark told me that he didn't even rebuild FC66 because they were too unreliable even after he rebuilt them.
So, with a little inspiration from RotaryRocket88 and from the Safety Inspection Station that wouldn't pass me with the gimpy dimmer switch, I decided to end this feud once and for all.
After examining the schematics for the failed latch circuit, I realized that the overcomplicated latch circuit was doing nothing more than switching the signal to ground.
A Freakin' push on/push-off SPST switch will do the same thing!
So, I verified that the dimmer relay worked correctly.
Then I backprobed the CPU and found the correct wire that leads from the dimmer relay to the CPU.
So, with a little inspiration from RotaryRocket88 and from the Safety Inspection Station that wouldn't pass me with the gimpy dimmer switch, I decided to end this feud once and for all.
After examining the schematics for the failed latch circuit, I realized that the overcomplicated latch circuit was doing nothing more than switching the signal to ground.
A Freakin' push on/push-off SPST switch will do the same thing!
So, I verified that the dimmer relay worked correctly.
Then I backprobed the CPU and found the correct wire that leads from the dimmer relay to the CPU.
#2
Cut the wire!
Then, I cut the wire. I connected a push on/push off SPST switch that I had laying around. Here is a picture the type of switch. BTW, I did NOT attach lead for the internal led light.
One lead connects to the dimmer wire, one end goes to ground. I didn't take a pic of the connections, but If you need a picture of a couple of crimped connections, you shouldn't consider trying this!
One lead connects to the dimmer wire, one end goes to ground. I didn't take a pic of the connections, but If you need a picture of a couple of crimped connections, you shouldn't consider trying this!
#5
Success !
First of all, the switch worked electrically. It's not rocket science.
Secondly and most importantly, the same inspector that wouldn't pass me a couple of days ago checked the dimmer and passed me. He then commented that he hadn't noticed the extra switch until he was scraping the old sticker off the windshield. You just reach and pull the dimmer as if the switch is not there. You naturally get the button. It works almost completely without notice.
Secondly and most importantly, the same inspector that wouldn't pass me a couple of days ago checked the dimmer and passed me. He then commented that he hadn't noticed the extra switch until he was scraping the old sticker off the windshield. You just reach and pull the dimmer as if the switch is not there. You naturally get the button. It works almost completely without notice.
Trending Topics
#9
Brap Brap Brap
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 981
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This might be an old thread but dear god thank you for posting this jackhild59! I fixed my high beam problem in less than hour thanks to you and it couldn't have came sooner, I get my vert inspected tomorrow morning!
#12
Senior Member
Here's where I'm at: The dimmer relays upfront were tested and are good. I then backstabbed that one white wire that connects to that pin on the CPU you highlighted to ground, and the high beams came on... great!
I then tried wiring the same aftermarket switch (PepBoys $9.95) by
1:connecting the black wire to ground
2:white switch wire to other white wire and no go.
I then switched the white switch wire for the red wire, and still no go. Also the blue switch light came on under both attempts, and you'd mention that wired it somehow so that it didn't.
Can you please point me in the right direction and clear up where I went wrong?
Thanks in advance
Last edited by RichRotorhead; 11-27-15 at 05:28 PM.
#13
My job is to blow **** up
iTrader: (8)
you know, i think i have this problem... in my s5 vert..
this is for high low beam headlights righht? dimmer makes me thing of the gauge cluster brightness
i know i have a high/lo beam problem that by passed a few years ago while trying to diagnose the true problem
good to know its the ecu, and there is a fix.
this is for high low beam headlights righht? dimmer makes me thing of the gauge cluster brightness
i know i have a high/lo beam problem that by passed a few years ago while trying to diagnose the true problem
good to know its the ecu, and there is a fix.
#14
Guess I'm one that shouldn't consider doing this, But I have no choice.
Here's where I'm at: The dimmer relays upfront were tested and are good. I then backstabbed that one white wire that connects to that pin on the CPU you highlighted to ground, and the high beams came on... great!
I then tried wiring the same aftermarket switch (PepBoys $9.95) by
1:connecting the black wire to ground
2:white switch wire to other white wire and no go.
I then switched the white switch wire for the red wire, and still no go. Also the blue switch light came on under both attempts, and you'd mention that wired it somehow so that it didn't.
Can you please point me in the right direction and clear up where I went wrong?
Thanks in advance
Here's where I'm at: The dimmer relays upfront were tested and are good. I then backstabbed that one white wire that connects to that pin on the CPU you highlighted to ground, and the high beams came on... great!
I then tried wiring the same aftermarket switch (PepBoys $9.95) by
1:connecting the black wire to ground
2:white switch wire to other white wire and no go.
I then switched the white switch wire for the red wire, and still no go. Also the blue switch light came on under both attempts, and you'd mention that wired it somehow so that it didn't.
Can you please point me in the right direction and clear up where I went wrong?
Thanks in advance
#15
Senior Member
#16
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
For your switch fix to work the Black wire needs to be a serviceable ground for if it is not then it won't work. Run a known ground to the switch and see if it works and if it does then you'll know the Black wire you are using as a ground is not good, which would then make you think that it was the problem in the first place, and there really is no need for the added switch.
Last edited by satch; 12-01-15 at 11:29 AM.
#17
Senior Member
Ohhhhhhh kayyyy?
Well thanks Jackhild59 for the helpful suggestion of trying different wiring combos, because I finally got the switch to work. And for the benefit of future S5 Vert owners, who like me, need layman's wiring instructions, here's how to wire it up:
Connect the aftermarket switch's (A.S.) red wire, to the wire that connects to the pin (as shown at beginning of thread).
Next, connect the A.S. white wire to ground... Ta-Daaaah!!!!
I hope this will help many Vert owners who like me, when i comes to electricity needs it to be explained at most basic level
P.S. the aftermarket switch used is model # PL-SW28B made by Pilot
Well thanks Jackhild59 for the helpful suggestion of trying different wiring combos, because I finally got the switch to work. And for the benefit of future S5 Vert owners, who like me, need layman's wiring instructions, here's how to wire it up:
Connect the aftermarket switch's (A.S.) red wire, to the wire that connects to the pin (as shown at beginning of thread).
Next, connect the A.S. white wire to ground... Ta-Daaaah!!!!
I hope this will help many Vert owners who like me, when i comes to electricity needs it to be explained at most basic level
P.S. the aftermarket switch used is model # PL-SW28B made by Pilot
Last edited by RichRotorhead; 12-01-15 at 03:24 PM.
The following users liked this post:
skorcherbrorx7 (06-29-20)
#19
MECP Certified Installer
I was thinking, couldn't this issue be easily fixed using the factory switch by wiring up relays? If I remember correctly, the switch just pulses ground and you could use this...
Special Applications with SPDT Relays, Diagrams
Special Applications with SPDT Relays, Diagrams
#20
I was thinking, couldn't this issue be easily fixed using the factory switch by wiring up relays? If I remember correctly, the switch just pulses ground and you could use this...
Special Applications with SPDT Relays, Diagrams
Special Applications with SPDT Relays, Diagrams
#21
Senior Member
Update: finally made my way to the inspection station and just like Jackhild59, the inspector didn't even notice the mod... ha-ha-ha
...but unfortunately he did notice my massive exhaust leak, which is cool cause i've been meaning to intall an RB cat-back I have sitting in storage. But then he also noticed the biggie. The missing idiot light that for the blinking Airbag error code (whatever did happen to that light bulb?....hmmmm? ...hee-hee-hee).
Now on to tackle yet another electrical gremlim that i'll most like have to ask some to dumb down for me...
...but unfortunately he did notice my massive exhaust leak, which is cool cause i've been meaning to intall an RB cat-back I have sitting in storage. But then he also noticed the biggie. The missing idiot light that for the blinking Airbag error code (whatever did happen to that light bulb?....hmmmm? ...hee-hee-hee).
Now on to tackle yet another electrical gremlim that i'll most like have to ask some to dumb down for me...
Last edited by RichRotorhead; 12-16-15 at 07:52 PM.
#23
Dimmer Fix / CPU Replacement
Thanks for the post. I will be trying this fix for the highbeams on my '90 convert. Is there a separate fix for the key in ignition chime, door handle light and anti theft system failure to turn on? Does anyone know where I can find a 89-92 Horn CPU w/Airbag. Mazdatrix no longer has them and I have read that this might cure all of the issues. .
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post