does anyone with an electrical background know how to dim our actual headlights? Ive tried dimmer switches from home depot and also potentiometers. I need help!!!!
With all the computers and stuff in our trucks I don't think I'd do that. Why do you want to dim the lights? Lowering the voltage to your bulbs will make the bulbs burn out a lot quicker. The higher your voltage is, the more life you'll get out of your bulbs.
You could always get different bulbs which dont put out as much light. If you are saying they are too bright I know what you mean. I feel like im blinding everyone im behind. Lol
no way are the light too bright, i bought PIAA Super White bulbs and the difference is absolutely remarkable, best $120 I spent for matching fogs and heads!!
If my lights are too bright, you're too old. I'm not dimming my lights for anybody.
Amen!
I'm waiting for the day someone thinks I didn't dim the high beams so I can flip them back on and light up there car. hehe
The lights in this truck are soooooo much better than my car, and I still want extras for off-road or back roads at night. Coulda used them last night avoiding foot-deep standing water here and there.
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With all the computers and stuff in our trucks I don't think I'd do that. Why do you want to dim the lights? Lowering the voltage to your bulbs will make the bulbs burn out a lot quicker. The higher your voltage is, the more life you'll get out of your bulbs.
So, why when I install 130v light bulbs in a house, the lifespan is 2,3x longer? Also, why do bulbs last longer on dimmers?
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Actually it's the opposite PB. Think of the light bulb as a heating element. The more current you put through it the hotter it get, hence brighter light. Wattage and light output is determined by the size or thickness of the filament. There are higher rating bulbs but I don't recommend it since our headlights are made of ABS plastic.
Only high end cars like BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus have the light control module talk to the ECU/ECM. Most cars/trucks like ours the circuit is independent of everything else. Though our trucks. The ECU, ABS, and whatever your vehicle is equipped with all talks to each other via the CAN bus system. But in this case, by putting a dimmer swtich (like those you can find at Radio Shack). You won't fried anything or throw a CEL code.
But I still don't understand why you want to "dim" your headlight.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pb
With all the computers and stuff in our trucks I don't think I'd do that. Why do you want to dim the lights? Lowering the voltage to your bulbs will make the bulbs burn out a lot quicker. The higher your voltage is, the more life you'll get out of your bulbs.
does anyone with an electrical background know how to dim our actual headlights? Ive tried dimmer switches from home depot and also potentiometers. I need help!!!!
Everyone has already given you their criticism so I won't. I'll just simply try to help you.
Your headlights are turned on via a relay in the engine bay fuse/relay box. If you place the dimmer on the headlight switch wires, the headlights will only shut off or turn on.
The dimmer needs to be placed on the headlight wires coming from the relay in the engine bay.
Note: You will need a high wattage dimmer(potentiometer) to do this.
I know from MECP schooling that if you have a poor electrical charging system that puts out less than 11 volts it will shorten the life of all your electronics.
Voltage does not hurt bulbs (up to a point), what causes bulbs to wear down is Amperage. The higher your voltage is, the lower your amperage pull will be.
Lets say you have a 100 watt light bulb
On 6 volts: I = P/V = 100 W / 6 V = 16.66 amps
On 12 volts: 100 W / 12 V = 8.33 amps
The bulb on 12 volts will pull less amps, and it will last longer.
Everyone has already given you their criticism so I won't. I'll just simply try to help you.
I'm just trying to save the guy from having electrical problems. I just don't think the advantage is worth the risk. But if you are going to add a potentiometer then it needs to be inline between the relays and the bulbs.
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I'm not dimming my lights for anybody.
So, why when I install 130v light bulbs in a house, the lifespan is 2,3x longer?
Also, why do bulbs last longer on dimmers?
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