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Lights dim when applying brakes: Capacitor in Dimmer

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Old 05-08-09 | 07:50 PM
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DMoneyRX-7's Avatar
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Derek
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Lights dim when applying brakes: Capacitor in Dimmer

So I read that Hyperite put in a .01 farad capacitor in his dimmer switch to remedy the gauges dimming when you apply the brakes.

Well i got a capacitor and am trying to figure out where the hell I would solder this in. I got my dimmer switch disassembled and see the Power, Ground, and Illumination pins.

Do I solder the capacitor in the switch or in the wiring harness that plugs into the switch?
Old 05-08-09 | 08:16 PM
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poor ground can also play a role
Old 05-08-09 | 09:05 PM
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Derek
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my car is very grounded.
Old 05-09-09 | 04:49 AM
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Derek
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no one has addressed the problem of lights dimming when you apply the brakes.

If Hyperite did this I'm sure some other people have in a similar way
Old 05-09-09 | 11:29 PM
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weak alternator, weak connection somewhere along the lines, something. because your brakes are not drawing that much current.

Something is amiss.
Old 05-09-09 | 11:32 PM
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in both of my RX7s I've noticed that the headlights slightly dim when the brakes are hit.
Old 05-10-09 | 01:53 AM
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Derek
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well my headlights don't dim. Just the gauges and the A/C temp lights.

I have a very small battery relocated in my rear bin. I put in a rebuilt alternator not long ago. Maybe it is weak idk. My voltage stays pretty constant when I have checked it before. I'll check my voltage as I press the brakes when I get my interior back together

I also have LED's for lights now so that could make a difference
Old 05-10-09 | 10:05 AM
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i would think that the leds would draw less current than regular bulbs. i like the Deadmau5 avatar btw.
Old 05-10-09 | 10:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Aeka GSR
in both of my RX7s I've noticed that the headlights slightly dim when the brakes are hit.
Yeah, my guage cluster SLIGHTLY dims too. Not alot and there is no affect on idling or driveability with the headlights on but you can def tell the difference.
Old 05-10-09 | 10:56 AM
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Originally Posted by catch-22
i would think that the leds would draw less current than regular bulbs. i like the Deadmau5 avatar btw.
That's the thing. I thought they do to. I'm actually 80% sure they do. But here is the thing. My gauges dimmed pretty bad before I put in the LED's. I just think it wasn't as noticeable because the lighting wasn't as bright.

Dude, love mau5.

Yeah, my guage cluster SLIGHTLY dims too. Not alot and there is no affect on idling or driveability with the headlights on but you can def tell the difference.
Ya, I'm thinking alot of peoples FD's do. Either it's because bad grounding, weak electrical system, etc. But alot of people encounter this problem. The deal with mine is that I have Greddy pullies, a small battery, and an audio system.

So can anyone give me an answer as to where I am supposed to solder this thing? I guess Hyperite barely gets on anymore.
Old 05-10-09 | 11:37 AM
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If you want to use a capicator to help regulate voltage drops, add it in parallel to the voltage + and - wires.

Crappy ASCII art (ignore the periods):


V+.....V-
|......|
|......|
|--|(--|
|......|
|......|
V+.....V-


V+ and V- can be PWR and GND

Last edited by NeoTuri; 05-10-09 at 11:41 AM.
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