SMY and Defi Gauges install - great pics if you want them! - Page 19

AFP520 · 02-22-2013, 10:55 AM

Hey guys,

Haven't had my car long but will be doing this soon. I wanted to let you guys know that you might be able to add your own dimmer switch to the gauges by using a potentiometer. http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2102789

*NOTE* This should only be used on your illumination wire!!!! I have no idea what could happen to your gauges if you put it on another wire. Make sure you are 100% positive you hook it up to the correct one! It works by reducing the amount of power that flows to the lighting on the gauge. It's pretty adjustable, so should allow you to find that perfect spot. I had 2 Autometer C2 gauges both hooked up at the same time to the same one and they worked fine for months. Worth a shot for the few bucks IMO. Definitely has helped me avoid unnecessary attention when cops were following me. Those gauges are extremely bright when fully lit.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Bradrcr · 02-23-2013, 10:54 PM

Just curious, but how do you wire up a potentiometer? They all seem to have 3 terminals but no labels?

AFP520 · 02-25-2013, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bradrcr

Just curious, but how do you wire up a potentiometer? They all seem to have 3 terminals but no labels?

I would start by buying yourself a test light. It really helps when it comes to wiring things up.

I'm pretty sure only 2 of the terminals get used. You would put this between the illumination wire that runs from your car to your gauges. Turning it will adjust the amount of electrical flow to the lighting on the gauge. Again, some might act funny because I'm not really sure how every manufacturer of gauges does their lighting. I can only attest that I've had the 2 autometer gauges hooked up and I was able to adjust the brightness using a potentiometer.

gsrcrxsi · 02-25-2013, 08:04 AM

Pots with 3 terminal:

1. Input
2. Variable output
3. Fixed output

If you hook up 1 and 2, varying the pot will vary resistance (and hence voltage. If you hook up 1 and 3, you will have fixed resistance and varying the pot won't do anything.

Apedz215 · 02-27-2013, 10:08 PM

Looks good

subi400 · 03-10-2013, 09:54 PM

Been looking at getting a Defi Racer series white LID oil pressure gauge for my gf8 wagon. Finally pulled the trigger since I want a gauge that is going to work perfectly and be accurate. From what I have read, the Defi gauges are worth money in the long run

My friend has done some wiring but I have not so this thread should help a bunch when I finally get to instal the gauge and such. I am putting the oil pressure sensor unit where the OEM one is under the alternator. Not sure where I am putting the gauge inside the car yet. Will have some time to think about it...

So, I need to buy 1 or 2 fuse taps? I have an AutoZone here so I probably will get them there. Also have some heat shrink wrap some where. Will be posting some pictures if I can and asking questions if and when I have some.

Yeeman19 · 03-11-2013, 01:05 AM

Great install guide

It was a big help installing my STRI boost gauge and control button. Feeding the wire through the firewall was a lot easier on my bugeye

Apedz215 · 03-11-2013, 08:14 PM

So at idle my oil pressure gauge also defi is reading around 20, then steady drive is 80, is this common

jaxx4k · 03-12-2013, 08:38 AM

good read.. thanks for the info.

kakarot09 · 03-12-2013, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apedz215

So at idle my oil pressure gauge also defi is reading around 20, then steady drive is 80, is this common

Yep. The pump pressure raises with rpm and generally speaking the rule of thumb is you want it to be at least 10 psi per 1000 rpms. So at 7000 rpm you want at least 70 psi.

Jay C · 03-12-2013, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MancinosUn4gvn

Installed this today, I usually keep my headlights on, and my brightness on the gauges up, I've noticed since the headlights are on the gauge dims, is there anyway to hook up so the gauge doesn't dim, and is at full brightness at all times?

I was having the same issue, I found a thread on iwsti that said if you just disconnect the white illumination wire completely they won't dim. Just gave it a shot today and it works perfectly. Gauges are at full brightness with lights on and off.

http://www.iwsti.com/forums/gr-inter...e-install.html

Elky · 03-12-2013, 02:08 PM

Wanted to chime in and say thanks for this thread, it helped me a lot.

SATSTI · 03-15-2013, 11:24 PM

Yep....I'll be using this thread soon as well. Good job OP.

Beck2013STI · 03-16-2013, 03:39 PM

Awesome write-up! Thanks a lot.

crabsandwich · 03-23-2013, 10:09 PM

So when using these add a circuit fuse taps, I see there are two slots to add fuses. Am I correct in saying that the fuse you removed goes into the first slot, and a new fuse (i.e. 10 amp) does in the second slot?

kizzer505 · 03-24-2013, 02:37 AM

Yes but it's a small one. Mine are 3.5 amp.

crabsandwich · 03-24-2013, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kizzer505

Yes but it's a small one. Mine are 3.5 amp.

Does it matter using a smaller amp fuse(i.e. 3.5) versus using a slightly larger fuse (10 amp) to power the gauge?

S1CkWrx · 03-24-2013, 07:39 PM

subbd

Jellynuts · 03-28-2013, 01:47 PM

I installed my gauges last week into my GD and this DIY was very helpful. Thank you very much, Jon!

PS. What are you driving these days?

peekeesh · 03-29-2013, 08:03 PM

Quick question, how does your SMY clustermaker fits? Does it have gaps along the edges where it meets the dash?

mine has gaps and it isn't snug fit.

nmlittlebigman · 03-29-2013, 08:35 PM

^^^^ Mine's the same way on just one side. I forgot all about it. Other than that I really like the setup.

peekeesh · 03-29-2013, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmlittlebigman

^^^^ Mine's the same way on just one side. I forgot all about it. Other than that I really like the setup.

Does your's wobble or is it tight fit?

thanks for your reply...

Jay C · 03-30-2013, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peekeesh

Quick question, how does your SMY clustermaker fits? Does it have gaps along the edges where it meets the dash?

mine has gaps and it isn't snug fit.

Same issue on mine. I'm glad I bought it used and didn't pay full price.

TryHonesty · 03-31-2013, 02:37 AM

Just installed this on my 2013 WRX. It's a snug fit for me (the cluster).

DearDiaryJackpot · 03-31-2013, 03:28 AM

This is my next project. Maybe for my Bd but it will happen.

02-27-2013, 10:08 PM	#455
Apedz215 Scooby Newbie Member#: 328682 Join Date: Aug 2012	Looks good Last edited by Apedz215; 02-27-2013 at 10:34 PM.

03-23-2013, 10:09 PM	#465
crabsandwich Scooby Newbie Member#: 337442 Join Date: Nov 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Southeastern PA Vehicle: 2013 WRX Limited 5DR DGM	So when using these add a circuit fuse taps, I see there are two slots to add fuses. Am I correct in saying that the fuse you removed goes into the first slot, and a new fuse (i.e. 10 amp) does in the second slot? Last edited by crabsandwich; 03-23-2013 at 10:10 PM. Reason: typo

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02-22-2013, 10:55 AM	#451
AFP520 Scooby Newbie Member#: 102932 Join Date: Dec 2005 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NJ Vehicle: 2013 WRX PRM Sedan Plasma Blue Pearl	Hey guys, Haven't had my car long but will be doing this soon. I wanted to let you guys know that you might be able to add your own dimmer switch to the gauges by using a potentiometer. http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2102789 *NOTE* This should only be used on your illumination wire!!!! I have no idea what could happen to your gauges if you put it on another wire. Make sure you are 100% positive you hook it up to the correct one! It works by reducing the amount of power that flows to the lighting on the gauge. It's pretty adjustable, so should allow you to find that perfect spot. I had 2 Autometer C2 gauges both hooked up at the same time to the same one and they worked fine for months. Worth a shot for the few bucks IMO. Definitely has helped me avoid unnecessary attention when cops were following me. Those gauges are extremely bright when fully lit. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

02-23-2013, 10:54 PM	#452
Bradrcr Scooby Newbie Member#: 276382 Join Date: Mar 2011 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Seattle, Wa Vehicle: 2005 SaaBeeru OBP	Just curious, but how do you wire up a potentiometer? They all seem to have 3 terminals but no labels?

02-25-2013, 08:04 AM	#454
gsrcrxsi Scooby Specialist Member#: 236952 Join Date: Jan 2010 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Baltimore Vehicle: 2010 WRX Spark Silver	Pots with 3 terminal: 1. Input 2. Variable output 3. Fixed output If you hook up 1 and 2, varying the pot will vary resistance (and hence voltage. If you hook up 1 and 3, you will have fixed resistance and varying the pot won't do anything.

03-10-2013, 09:54 PM	#456
subi400 Scooby Specialist Member#: 216984 Join Date: Jul 2009 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Hayden, ID Vehicle: 1996 Impreza outback Green	Been looking at getting a Defi Racer series white LID oil pressure gauge for my gf8 wagon. Finally pulled the trigger since I want a gauge that is going to work perfectly and be accurate. From what I have read, the Defi gauges are worth money in the long run My friend has done some wiring but I have not so this thread should help a bunch when I finally get to instal the gauge and such. I am putting the oil pressure sensor unit where the OEM one is under the alternator. Not sure where I am putting the gauge inside the car yet. Will have some time to think about it... So, I need to buy 1 or 2 fuse taps? I have an AutoZone here so I probably will get them there. Also have some heat shrink wrap some where. Will be posting some pictures if I can and asking questions if and when I have some.

03-11-2013, 01:05 AM	#457
Yeeman19 Scooby Newbie Member#: 8 Join Date: Jun 1999 Chapter/Region: HIIC Location: Honolulu,Hawaii Vehicle: 2012 WRX Ice Silver Metallic	Great install guide It was a big help installing my STRI boost gauge and control button. Feeding the wire through the firewall was a lot easier on my bugeye

03-11-2013, 08:14 PM	#458
Apedz215 Scooby Newbie Member#: 328682 Join Date: Aug 2012	So at idle my oil pressure gauge also defi is reading around 20, then steady drive is 80, is this common

03-12-2013, 08:38 AM	#459
jaxx4k Scooby Newbie Member#: 232010 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Shipping out of NYC/CT Vehicle: 2013 STI hatch SWP	good read.. thanks for the info.

03-12-2013, 02:08 PM	#462
Elky Scooby Newbie Member#: 303906 Join Date: Dec 2011 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Porter Square, Slumerville Vehicle: 2011 WRX Sedan Spark Silver Metalic	Wanted to chime in and say thanks for this thread, it helped me a lot.

03-15-2013, 11:24 PM	#463
SATSTI Scooby Newbie Member#: 341814 Join Date: Dec 2012 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Texas Vehicle: 2013 STI DGM	Yep....I'll be using this thread soon as well. Good job OP.

03-16-2013, 03:39 PM	#464
Beck2013STI Scooby Newbie Member#: 344006 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bakersfield, CA Vehicle: 2013 WRX STI Sedan White	Awesome write-up! Thanks a lot.

03-24-2013, 02:37 AM	#466
kizzer505 Scooby Newbie Member#: 168897 Join Date: Jan 2008 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Lakewood, OH Vehicle: 2009 WRX DGM	Yes but it's a small one. Mine are 3.5 amp.

03-24-2013, 07:39 PM	#468
S1CkWrx Scooby Newbie Member#: 325249 Join Date: Jul 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: New Jersey Vehicle: 2012 wrx dgm	subbd

03-28-2013, 01:47 PM	#469
Jellynuts Scooby Newbie Member#: 305774 Join Date: Jan 2012 Chapter/Region: W. Canada Vehicle: 2007 STi CGM	I installed my gauges last week into my GD and this DIY was very helpful. Thank you very much, Jon! PS. What are you driving these days?

03-29-2013, 08:03 PM	#470
peekeesh Scooby Newbie Member#: 316476 Join Date: Apr 2012 Chapter/Region: SCIC Vehicle: 12 WRX WRB	Quick question, how does your SMY clustermaker fits? Does it have gaps along the edges where it meets the dash? mine has gaps and it isn't snug fit.

03-29-2013, 08:35 PM	#471
nmlittlebigman Scooby Specialist Member#: 321409 Join Date: May 2012 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Arrey, NM Vehicle: 2011 WRX STi Sedan WRB Stage II T.P. tuned	^^^^ Mine's the same way on just one side. I forgot all about it. Other than that I really like the setup.

03-31-2013, 02:37 AM	#474
TryHonesty Scooby Newbie Member#: 346323 Join Date: Feb 2013 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Long Island, NY Vehicle: 2013 WRX WRB	Just installed this on my 2013 WRX. It's a snug fit for me (the cluster).

03-31-2013, 03:28 AM	#475
DearDiaryJackpot Scooby Newbie Member#: 343041 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: riverview Vehicle: 2013 wrx limited metallic silver	This is my next project. Maybe for my Bd but it will happen.