dimm dipped lighting

[joetow]

hello dos anybody know how to wire up a dimm dipped lighting system from scratch i have a 1 back in 1999 vehicle & it only has side lights or dipped headlights as per norm , i know they stopped using this lighting method back in 1990 but in laymans terms wot would i need to install it on my vehicle if i can rig somethink up at home as a test ie some relays a h4 bulb with a 12 volt supply then introduce it into the vehicles wiring system is this somethink that can be done or is it very complecated procedure any ideas suggestions on wot i mite need as in relays resistors or can i get these readily made in a complete relay box etc ? i was goin to put them aftermarket led lamps on that are used as daytime running lights but it means drilling holes which i dont really want to start doin thanks all ,,,, j.t

[paintman]

Best to start by saying what vehicle it is. Once you do you may find that someone can advise you how to do it or point you in the direction of a make specific forum where you are more likely to find a 'How to'.
More usual for people to want to remove dim/dip though so you may struggle.

Edited by paintman on Friday 27th December 13:55

[S0 What]

Check out the wiring for a sierra, they use a resistor block (similar to a heater fan resistor) and a relay fed by the ign and triggerd by the sidelights.
Dim dip started in the late 80's but was fazzed out late 90's due to the EU deeming it an illeagal requiremnet, (my G reg P100 and transit have it as does my 97 escort).

Edited by S0 What on Friday 27th December 19:42

[Doctor Volt]

You can add dim dip to your vehicle very easily
Acquire a Lucas or GM dim dip relay and wire it into your vehicle as per original wiring of the relay to specific vehicle it was designed for

Example - (please dont quote me on it as I am going back in time here but almost certain I am correct)

If you acquire a Lucas dim dip relay for an Austin Metro (The pink one if you are looking around a scrap yard for one) you will need to get hold of a wiring diagram for an Austin Metro with dim dip so as to be sure to connect it correctly

You should find that the Lucas dim dip relay needs the following wires connecting to it for it to work but I dont remember all of the terminal numbers hence I mentioned above about a diagram -

Earth (Terminal 31)
Fused Battery Positive (Terminal 30)
Fused Ignition Supply (Not sure about relay terminal but Terminal 15, 85 or 86 comes to mind)
Fused Side Light Supply (Terminal 58)
Dip Beam Wire From Headlight Switch (Not sure about relay terminal but Terminal 87 comes to mind)

Please note I am not sure because sometimes the Manufacturer of the relay will stamp numbers to terminals that dont follow a standard as in - Terminals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

If you do go ahead with this work please dont hesitate to post back with the numbers on the relay or about anything you are unsure of

[ch427]

Try to get hold of some wiring diagrams, fords used it a fair bit. I know a 1995 fiesta si had it for sure but can't remember How it was wired.

[Doctor Volt]

Having delved deeper on the Internet to jog my memory I suggest you acquire a GM Dim Dip Relay, I have no diagram for a GM Dim Dip Relay but am 99% certain it can be wired in as an addon rather than having to cut into your vehicles headlight wiring, thinking back, I remember that the Lucas Dim Dip Relay did break the supply to the headlights and connect the built in voltage dropping resistor in series from the power supply to the bulbs
When I ever came across a dip beam headlights staying on problem when diagnosing GM cars - The problem was always solved by disconnecting the Dim Dip Relay and no other work was required, a GM Dim Dip Relay from years gone by will help do the job for you without complicated work
"Jesus posting to this topic has made me feel old"