3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

Lights dim when applying brakes: Capacitor in Dimmer

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 8, 2009 | 07:50 PM
  #1  
DMoneyRX-7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Derek
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,011
Likes: 4
From: Treasure Coast, FL
Lights dim when applying brakes: Capacitor in Dimmer

So I read that Hyperite put in a .01 farad capacitor in his dimmer switch to remedy the gauges dimming when you apply the brakes.

Well i got a capacitor and am trying to figure out where the hell I would solder this in. I got my dimmer switch disassembled and see the Power, Ground, and Illumination pins.

Do I solder the capacitor in the switch or in the wiring harness that plugs into the switch?
Reply
Old May 8, 2009 | 08:16 PM
  #2  
silverfdturbo6port's Avatar
500+hp club
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (26)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,211
Likes: 4
From: .
poor ground can also play a role
Reply
Old May 8, 2009 | 09:05 PM
  #3  
DMoneyRX-7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Derek
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,011
Likes: 4
From: Treasure Coast, FL
my car is very grounded.
Reply
Old May 9, 2009 | 04:49 AM
  #4  
DMoneyRX-7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Derek
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,011
Likes: 4
From: Treasure Coast, FL
no one has addressed the problem of lights dimming when you apply the brakes.

If Hyperite did this I'm sure some other people have in a similar way
Reply
Old May 9, 2009 | 11:29 PM
  #5  
Monkman33's Avatar
Goodfalla Engine Complete
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (28)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,243
Likes: 42
From: Kennewick, Washington
weak alternator, weak connection somewhere along the lines, something. because your brakes are not drawing that much current.

Something is amiss.
Reply
Old May 9, 2009 | 11:32 PM
  #6  
Aeka GSR's Avatar
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 31
From: Riverside, CA
in both of my RX7s I've noticed that the headlights slightly dim when the brakes are hit.
Reply
Old May 10, 2009 | 01:53 AM
  #7  
DMoneyRX-7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Derek
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,011
Likes: 4
From: Treasure Coast, FL
well my headlights don't dim. Just the gauges and the A/C temp lights.

I have a very small battery relocated in my rear bin. I put in a rebuilt alternator not long ago. Maybe it is weak idk. My voltage stays pretty constant when I have checked it before. I'll check my voltage as I press the brakes when I get my interior back together

I also have LED's for lights now so that could make a difference
Reply
Old May 10, 2009 | 10:05 AM
  #8  
catch-22's Avatar
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
i would think that the leds would draw less current than regular bulbs. i like the Deadmau5 avatar btw.
Reply
Old May 10, 2009 | 10:47 AM
  #9  
1QWIK7's Avatar
White chicks > *
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (33)
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 13,146
Likes: 1
From: Secaucus, New Jersey
Originally Posted by Aeka GSR
in both of my RX7s I've noticed that the headlights slightly dim when the brakes are hit.
Yeah, my guage cluster SLIGHTLY dims too. Not alot and there is no affect on idling or driveability with the headlights on but you can def tell the difference.
Reply
Old May 10, 2009 | 10:56 AM
  #10  
DMoneyRX-7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Derek
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,011
Likes: 4
From: Treasure Coast, FL
Originally Posted by catch-22
i would think that the leds would draw less current than regular bulbs. i like the Deadmau5 avatar btw.
That's the thing. I thought they do to. I'm actually 80% sure they do. But here is the thing. My gauges dimmed pretty bad before I put in the LED's. I just think it wasn't as noticeable because the lighting wasn't as bright.

Dude, love mau5.

Yeah, my guage cluster SLIGHTLY dims too. Not alot and there is no affect on idling or driveability with the headlights on but you can def tell the difference.
Ya, I'm thinking alot of peoples FD's do. Either it's because bad grounding, weak electrical system, etc. But alot of people encounter this problem. The deal with mine is that I have Greddy pullies, a small battery, and an audio system.

So can anyone give me an answer as to where I am supposed to solder this thing? I guess Hyperite barely gets on anymore.
Reply
Old May 10, 2009 | 11:37 AM
  #11  
NeoTuri's Avatar
The shy megalomaniac
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 881
Likes: 79
From: Atlanta, GA
If you want to use a capicator to help regulate voltage drops, add it in parallel to the voltage + and - wires.

Crappy ASCII art (ignore the periods):


V+.....V-
|......|
|......|
|--|(--|
|......|
|......|
V+.....V-


V+ and V- can be PWR and GND

Last edited by NeoTuri; May 10, 2009 at 11:41 AM.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jeff20B
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
73
Sep 16, 2018 07:16 PM
The1Sun
New Member RX-7 Technical
5
Sep 15, 2015 04:45 PM
The1Sun
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
0
Sep 7, 2015 10:21 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:54 PM.