Dim radio only with beams and not DRLs

NdG1977 · May 19, 2023

Hi Guys!
Any clues on where can I tap a "beam on" signal?
I installed a new radio and it dims every time I turn on the lights (1st step on stalk) I'd like it to dim only when I switch to beams (2nd step).
Do I have to go up to the stalk or there is something around the fuse box?
Thanks!

D.

miktdish · May 19, 2023

What ?

NdG1977 · May 19, 2023

Sorry mate...not easy to understand how I explained it...

I installed a new radio and it dims every time I turn on the DRL (first step on the light stalk lever on the left), that happens every morning and I go to work with a dimmed radio.
I'd like it to dim it only when it's night and that's when I turn on the beams (2nd step on the stalk lever).
The connector has the DRL wire connected by default so I have to cut that and tap a signal that's ON only when the light beams are ON and OFF when the DRLs are ON, but don't know where. The stalk lever has the signal, but I'd rather avoid running a wire up to there and was asking if there is anything in the fuse box. That would be easier.

miktdish · May 20, 2023

Which car do you have ?

NdG1977 · May 20, 2023

Defender 90 td5 2002.

miktdish · May 20, 2023

Don't know the configuration of the TD5 as well as the 300tdi however i'm sure there is a fuse for the dipped beam from which you could get a supply.

According to the internet it's Fuse 22 in the passenger compartment (not under the seat).
You'd need to check that when turning on main beam the fuse stays live.

To be honest I didn't know the defender had DRL's ? (mine doesn't nor my mates TD5).

Brown · May 20, 2023

Yes, the DRLs must have been fitted later, so it's anybody's guess where the supply comes from. Unfortunately many people's approach to auto electrics is simply to splice their way into any wire that looks like it might be live at the right time, often with self piercing 'scotchlock' style connectors. So it looks like a bit of circuit tracing might be the best plan.

marjon · May 20, 2023

I am guessing by DRL as the first turn on the stalk its sidelights, which is what its supposed to do, is it not

, not real DRLs unless some other lights have been wired in to that circuit.

As @miktdish sure you could find a take off at the fuse box. Or even at the connectors by "depining and then piggy back to another pin.

An afternoon with plenty of coffee/tea breaks a DMM and a bit of paper would sort it

.

J

mystery · May 20, 2023

the feature you describe seem senseless why would you dim the radio illumination ,surely you would brighten the illumination at night ,is this feature not programable on the radio

Kev12 · May 21, 2023

mystery said:
the feature you describe seem senseless why would you dim the radio illumination ,surely you would brighten the illumination at night ,is this feature not programable on the radio

Its normal for radio illumination to dim at night else it's too bright.
Easiest option here is don't use sidelights until its a bit darker

NdG1977 · May 22, 2023

Yes sorry! called them DRLs but are actually the side lights. I use to turn them on anyway so that's why I wanted to tweak the dimming!
I'll try the fuse 22 one of those evening and let you know if I found it!

Thanks!!!

FlyingPete · Jun 1, 2023

My old 90 had DRLs... but that's because I fitted brake lamps up front behind clear lenses and wired the brighter filaments as DRLs.

Dim radio only with beams and not DRLs

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