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      02-25-2013, 07:27 PM   #1
lair12
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Re-wire headlight switch for always on instrument lights?

I really want my instrument lights on during the day and evening hours before the automatic-on headlights kick in, but I have found no coding option to allow this.

The only way to have them on during the day right now is to manually turn the headlights to "ON" instead of "AUTOMATIC".

But I realized that I might be able to modify the headlight switch in some way to make the instrument lights go on with the switch set to "AUTOMATIC".

Anyone have any thoughts on if this would be possible and how or what to do to get this function? I have no problems delving into the switch wiring.
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      02-26-2013, 10:44 PM   #2
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Don't some of the instruments dim with the lighting on? I would think it would just make them harder to see.

This isn't a Chevy, there are probably more electronics in there than you think. I've noticed the lighting has a few different levels of being "on" where the displays turn from white to orange, etc. You might be able to ground a pin or something to get them to turn on, but I would just leave the lights in the "on" position if that's what you really want.
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      02-27-2013, 08:13 AM   #3
lair12
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What I find is that on heavily overcast days, turning on the instrument lights really brightens up the visibility of the dash, but that does not happen without me turning on the headlights. Almost all my other recent cars seem to have the dash lit during the day as well as night.

But, yes I am worried that it is not as simple as jumping a pin in the headlight switch to make the instrument panel lights "think" that the headlights are on. I'd love to have this be the solution but need the pin out wiring for the switch first. Any ideas?
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      02-27-2013, 10:31 AM   #4
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are u aware of the wheel knob on the headlight switch that controls the brightness of the dash/screen along with instrument panel
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      02-28-2013, 08:50 AM   #5
lair12
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That does not turn on your instrument panel lights. It only dims or brightens them if they are turned on (which only occurs when the headlights are actually on).
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      02-28-2013, 09:56 AM   #6
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what car did u see this feature on?

i suggest u leave that idea alone, u dont want to go on adventure figuring this out and cause a damage u will regret. these cars are very expensive, not a simple plug n play, it requires programming every time module gets replaced
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      02-28-2013, 09:18 PM   #7
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how about setting the switch to parking lamps/corner lamps on? That'll turn on your DRLs/halos though.
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      02-28-2013, 09:51 PM   #8
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I'm sure there are a bunch of switches kicking around after all of the rear fog light conversion. I'd be willing to donate my old switch and I'm sure someone in your neck of the woods would offer their previously enjoyed switch for testing.

Quote:
Originally Posted by lair12 View Post
I really want my instrument lights on during the day and evening hours before the automatic-on headlights kick in, but I have found no coding option to allow this.

The only way to have them on during the day right now is to manually turn the headlights to "ON" instead of "AUTOMATIC".

But I realized that I might be able to modify the headlight switch in some way to make the instrument lights go on with the switch set to "AUTOMATIC".

Anyone have any thoughts on if this would be possible and how or what to do to get this function? I have no problems delving into the switch wiring.
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      04-12-2013, 12:18 PM   #9
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I have just ordered a 35D X3 and wondered if anyone can confirm what is illuminated as DRLs - Just lights on the front or anything more. My VW Polo is a right pain as DRLs comprise full dips on the front and rear lights as well.
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      04-12-2013, 12:57 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rik762 View Post
I have just ordered a 35D X3 and wondered if anyone can confirm what is illuminated as DRLs - Just lights on the front or anything more. My VW Polo is a right pain as DRLs comprise full dips on the front and rear lights as well.
Just the angel eyes, if equipped. If you don't have angel eyes, I believe the high beams run partial power for the DRLs, but I could be wrong on that. Nothing in the rear illuminates.
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      04-12-2013, 04:08 PM   #11
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Many thanks RZ
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      04-12-2013, 08:47 PM   #12
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Got Xenons? You have rear DRLs too.
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      04-12-2013, 08:54 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 02420X3 View Post
Got Xenons? You have rear DRLs too.
I have Xenons and nothing in the rear illuminates.
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      04-12-2013, 09:25 PM   #14
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Oh? They may have changed it for '13, but '11s and '12s with Xenons have rear LED bars illuminated when DRLs are on and the headlight switch is in Auto.
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      04-12-2013, 09:32 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 02420X3 View Post
Oh? They may have changed it for '13, but '11s and '12s with Xenons have rear LED bars illuminated when DRLs are on and the headlight switch is in Auto.
That's strange, I have those same bars but they only turn on with the parking lamps or headlights. When the DRLs are on during the day they aren't lit up.

At least I don't think they are, I guess I should check tomorrow afternoon...
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      04-12-2013, 09:43 PM   #16
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I recognize the features of other F25s from the rear in the daytime by their rear DRLs or lack thereof. I look and say Xenon, or I look and say non-Xenon. I'm occasionally wrong with a Xenon that doesn't have DRLs enabled.
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      04-13-2013, 01:52 AM   #17
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Do you know what is used for DRLs in the non xenon versions?
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      04-13-2013, 09:48 AM   #18
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I sent my old switch to lair12 and he pulled it apart. He may be able to offer some insight.
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      04-17-2013, 08:37 PM   #19
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http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=819458

Here is my post, but probably not that helpful. Switch seems pretty simple, so most of the control is in the computer.
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