Dimmer Access - Mazda 6 Forums : Mazda 6 / Mazda Atenza Forum

Ernie · 10-08-2009, 09:00 PM

Well, I just threw a meter on the info display and there's no wire that just goes up/down when you toggle the display.

I was hoping to tap the dimmer switch on the cluster that dims/lights the cluster & info display.

There's 2 pins registering 2.5v . . . any chance all of this is sent in simple data-bus language that I could get a translator for?

I'm out of ideas

-Ernie

michaelsteinbach · 10-08-2009, 11:52 PM

The dimmer signal is more than likely PWM which is better for LEDs than varying the voltage.

Ernie · 10-13-2009, 10:02 PM

I probably used the wrong word. I'm talking about the backlight toggle switch on the dimmer knob.

It's the "push-on/off" functionality I'd like to detect/relay.

-Ernie

michaelsteinbach · 10-14-2009, 07:31 AM

Dimming control is handled by the microcontroller inside the cluster. The Dimmer Cancel Switch connects ground to a pin on the micro. It doesn't connect directly to any external pins except the ground pin. Not much you can do with that unless you crack open the cluster and get fancy with a soldering iron.

Ernie · 10-14-2009, 08:52 PM

Ben there, done that, bought 3 new clusters on the last vehicle :/

Sounds like my best bet would be to add DRLs, run with the stock auto-headlights, and install a wiper sensor to turn the headlights on in rain . . . man this is complicated

michaelsteinbach · 10-17-2009, 05:39 PM

Here is a post on an electronics related forum. The OP had the same problem you have but with a car alarm.
Link

~Mike

10-08-2009, 09:00 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ernie Track Racer Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brookfied, CT Posts: 263 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: 0 reviews	Well, I just threw a meter on the info display and there's no wire that just goes up/down when you toggle the display. I was hoping to tap the dimmer switch on the cluster that dims/lights the cluster & info display. There's 2 pins registering 2.5v . . . any chance all of this is sent in simple data-bus language that I could get a translator for? I'm out of ideas -Ernie __________________ Car Domain Page with all Mods and upgrades: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3386678 (Not sure why it gets lower ratings than stock and rims-only cars . . . maybe I need a "TYPE R" badge) Personal Page (stereo changeout writeup): http://www.cynicalivy.com/MAZDA6/

10-08-2009, 11:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
michaelsteinbach Track Racer Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Carbondale, IL Posts: 481 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: 0 reviews	The dimmer signal is more than likely PWM which is better for LEDs than varying the voltage. __________________ 2009 Mazda 6 GT in Sangria Red.

10-13-2009, 10:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ernie Track Racer Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brookfied, CT Posts: 263 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: 0 reviews	I probably used the wrong word. I'm talking about the backlight toggle switch on the dimmer knob. It's the "push-on/off" functionality I'd like to detect/relay. -Ernie __________________ Car Domain Page with all Mods and upgrades: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3386678 (Not sure why it gets lower ratings than stock and rims-only cars . . . maybe I need a "TYPE R" badge) Personal Page (stereo changeout writeup): http://www.cynicalivy.com/MAZDA6/

10-14-2009, 07:31 AM	#4 (permalink)
michaelsteinbach Track Racer Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Carbondale, IL Posts: 481 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: 0 reviews	Dimming control is handled by the microcontroller inside the cluster. The Dimmer Cancel Switch connects ground to a pin on the micro. It doesn't connect directly to any external pins except the ground pin. Not much you can do with that unless you crack open the cluster and get fancy with a soldering iron. __________________ 2009 Mazda 6 GT in Sangria Red.

10-14-2009, 08:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
Ernie Track Racer Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brookfied, CT Posts: 263 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: 0 reviews	Ben there, done that, bought 3 new clusters on the last vehicle :/ Sounds like my best bet would be to add DRLs, run with the stock auto-headlights, and install a wiper sensor to turn the headlights on in rain . . . man this is complicated __________________ Car Domain Page with all Mods and upgrades: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3386678 (Not sure why it gets lower ratings than stock and rims-only cars . . . maybe I need a "TYPE R" badge) Personal Page (stereo changeout writeup): http://www.cynicalivy.com/MAZDA6/

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10-17-2009, 05:39 PM	#6 (permalink)
michaelsteinbach Track Racer Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Carbondale, IL Posts: 481 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: 0 reviews	Here is a post on an electronics related forum. The OP had the same problem you have but with a car alarm. Link ~Mike __________________ 2009 Mazda 6 GT in Sangria Red.