Clock dims when in drive on '04 Camry

[gemineye]

I recently finished a mod of my '04 Camry where I replaced all the lights with LEDs with the exception of the high and low beams. The low beams are an HID kit. I also modified the stock blinker flasher module by reducing the resistance of the metal that detects if a bulb is burned out. I didn't want load resistors and I didn't like the features that are missing from 3rd party flasher modules.

In the past when I would turn on any exterior lights other than my daytime running lights my dashboard and clock would dim, presumably so at night those instruments wouldn't be too bright. I've now found that when I put my car into drive, the clock dims regardless of what exterior lights are turned on. This makes it really hard to see the clock during the day.

Does anyone have any ideas why this would happen only to the clock and only when in drive? I did find that if I switch my parking lights on and off quickly, sometimes the clock will blink back to full brightness when the car is in drive, but immediately go back to being dim.

[LE05]

possibly whatever you did with the flasher relay?

i once wired my remote start confirmation to my hazards, and i tapped into that wire at the clock wiring harness. The clock module has more to it than you realize.

[gemineye]

The modification I made to the flasher didn't actually change any of the electrical connections. It just makes it think that the LEDs are functioning within the expected wattage of standard incandescent bulbs. I followed the instructions here.

http://vleds.wordpress.com/2010/12/0...k-with-v-leds/

I mentioned the flasher mod because I have no clue if it could actually have this type of side effect, but I'm hoping someone would know more about how the dimmign is implemented on the clock light and be able to tell me definitively if this is the reason, or if there's another possible cause to look into.

[LE05]

I see. yeah, I don't see how the flasher mod can affect the dimming of the clock now that i see the mod for myself. did you make sure to blow off any dust from the grinding (possible short)? does only the clock dim? have you tried anything with the dimmer switch?

[Luna2]

Originally Posted by gemineye

The modification I made to the flasher didn't actually change any of the electrical connections. It just makes it think that the LEDs are functioning within the expected wattage of standard incandescent bulbs. I followed the instructions here.

http://vleds.wordpress.com/2010/12/0...k-with-v-leds/

I mentioned the flasher mod because I have no clue if it could actually have this type of side effect, but I'm hoping someone would know more about how the dimmign is implemented on the clock light and be able to tell me definitively if this is the reason, or if there's another possible cause to look into.

Put at least one dash light bulb back in and see if it corrects the clock issue. LEDS may not provide the proper high or low state to the clocks trigger wire. It appears to be on the edge of the trip point, be it a high or low level. I do not have a wiring diagram to tell you which it is.

[LE05]

Originally Posted by Luna2

Put at least one dash light bulb back in and see if it corrects the clock issue. LEDS may not provide the proper high or low state to the clocks trigger wire. It appears to be on the edge of the trip point, be it a high or low level. I do not have a wiring diagram to tell you which it is.

correct me if i'm wrong, but doesn't the 04 have leds in the speedometer from the factory? at least for the 05, the only incandescent bulbs i know of in the dash that turn on with the parking lights are in the hvac controls, glove box, and shifter.

there are the map lights and dome lights as well, but they don't dim or turn on with the parking lights.

I have replaced most if not all of my bulbs with LEDs as well, and have not noticed any issues with my clock. i think... i may have to check tomorrow!

[gemineye]

All electrical connections are good. The dimmer switch doesn't effect the clock, only the dash lights. In this case putting the car in drive only effects the clock.

The interior bulbs I've change out are the glove box, the dome light, the map lights, the two HVAC lights, and the gear shift light. I did add two LED strips powered from the dome light that are in the front foot wells and will add two in the back for the rear foot wells once I figure out the right velcro to use. I can start putting some of the bulbs back and see if that makes a difference.

[LE05]

very odd issue! I would try the gear shift light first, seeing how putting the car in drive dims the clock. just my logic... chasing electrical gremlins are a pain in the ass!

[gemineye]

I just realized that when I put the car in drive and the clock dims, none of the LEDs I installed are even on. The only lights on are the dash lights that indicate what gear I'm in and I never even went into the instrument panel.

[LE05]

hmm... where did you get your LED bulbs from? possibly some of them are polarity sensitive, but it still wouldn't take out the whole circuit like that; they just wouldn't work.

[gemineye]

My LEDs come from v-leds.com and superbrightleds.com. Yes, most of them are polarity sensitive but they are all installed correctly and work.

[Luna2]

I work on a system that applies a voltage to a line to trip a sensor 1500 feet away. When the voltage is high, it shuts the whole system down. Without the light bulb (functioning as in not burned out) being used as an indicator that the disable mode is activated (light is on), that line will float high without the bulb and trip the disable sensor. So the light bulbs filament keeps the line below the trip point of the sensor when the voltage isn't connected. It might be the same type of effect in your car. The shifter light in the console might be the easiest to replace and test it out. A few minuets of time and you will have your answer, good or bad.....