Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community - FT86CLUB - View Single Post - Where can I tap into a “dimmed” instrument cluster power?

BigB_117 · 10-29-2018, 02:09 PM

Hi guys,

Probably a simple question for those who’ve done a lot of wiring.

I want to add a couple of switches in my 86 on the dash for a project I’m planning.

I would like to use illuminated buttons/switches.

Button example: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G00GHQ4..._I0Z1BbGGA944Q

I would like to wire the illumination on the buttons/switches separate from the on/off so that they are illuminated regardless of wether the switch is on or off. Basically so that I can find the switch/button in the dark.

Ideally I would like to power the leds in the switches with the dimming power that comes off of the instrument cluster/gauges and factory switches so that the switches illuminate when the headlights are on and dim with the factory instrument dimmer knob. Then I’ll use red led switches for a nice oem look.

My question is, is there a pair of wires that’s easy to tap into for this dimming power signal behind the dash?

Maybe off the back of the radio harness, clock, or the dimmer knob itself?

I will just be powering 3 small leds so I don’t think I need to add a fancy circuit of a fuse or anything, this is just to illuminate the switches themselves.

I did notice that the stereo has a “illumination/dimmer” wire in the 10 pin speaker plug, but I’m unclear if this provides the “dimmed” signal or just provides 12v to tell the radio to do its own dimming.

Can I use common ground with instrument cluster power? Or should I connect my negative back to a ground on the dimmer/instrument cluster circuit?

I’ve read repeatedly that Subaru uses a weird circuit for dimming so I want to make sure I do this right.

Thanks!

10-29-2018, 02:09 PM	#1
BigB_117 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Drives: 2015 Subaru BRZ limited Location: California Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Where can I tap into a “dimmed” instrument cluster power? Hi guys, Probably a simple question for those who’ve done a lot of wiring. I want to add a couple of switches in my 86 on the dash for a project I’m planning. I would like to use illuminated buttons/switches. Button example: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G00GHQ4..._I0Z1BbGGA944Q I would like to wire the illumination on the buttons/switches separate from the on/off so that they are illuminated regardless of wether the switch is on or off. Basically so that I can find the switch/button in the dark. Ideally I would like to power the leds in the switches with the dimming power that comes off of the instrument cluster/gauges and factory switches so that the switches illuminate when the headlights are on and dim with the factory instrument dimmer knob. Then I’ll use red led switches for a nice oem look. My question is, is there a pair of wires that’s easy to tap into for this dimming power signal behind the dash? Maybe off the back of the radio harness, clock, or the dimmer knob itself? I will just be powering 3 small leds so I don’t think I need to add a fancy circuit of a fuse or anything, this is just to illuminate the switches themselves. I did notice that the stereo has a “illumination/dimmer” wire in the 10 pin speaker plug, but I’m unclear if this provides the “dimmed” signal or just provides 12v to tell the radio to do its own dimming. Can I use common ground with instrument cluster power? Or should I connect my negative back to a ground on the dimmer/instrument cluster circuit? I’ve read repeatedly that Subaru uses a weird circuit for dimming so I want to make sure I do this right. Thanks!