Stop the pop... (How to keep headlights down on sidelights?)

Discussion and technical advice for 84-89 AW10 & AW11 MR2. 3A-LU, 4A-GE, 4A-GZE.

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Goto10
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Stop the pop... (How to keep headlights down on sidelights?)

Post by Goto10 »

I'd like the headlights to stay down when using sidelights (but still flash/retract normally)
On my Mk2 I simply cut a wire (..and installed a switch to enable me to return it to default for bulb changing etc) - is it the same process for the Mk1? If so, which wire do I cut?
Cheers!
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Lauren
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Re: Stop the pop... (How to keep headlights down on sideligh

Post by Lauren »

Goto10 wrote:I'd like the headlights to stay down when using sidelights (but still flash/retract normally)
On my Mk2 I simply cut a wire (..and installed a switch to enable me to return it to default for bulb changing etc) - is it the same process for the Mk1? If so, which wire do I cut?
Cheers!


Yep its a matter of simply snipping a wire. Interestingly the headlamps do not rise on JDM or pre-revision cars when the sidelights are on.

Forgive this guide it was via an email i got from Rufus years ago. unfortunately the pics don't work anymore:

om, "rufusa.rm" <rufusa@r...> wrote:
> I think I've solved the problem of how to drive with just the
> sidelights on and no pop-ups.
>
> *DISCLAIMER*
> This isn't fully tested, I have no wiring diagrams, so do so entirely
> at your own risk. Also removing the Dim Dip functionality may breach
> the 1989 Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations etc.
> This Mod only applies to later UK spec Mk1s with Dim Dips.
>
> Overview:
> It is possible to switch the sidelights on (without pop-ups) with the
> ignition on Acc. However the moment the ignition is turned to On, the
> pop-ups rise. A relay called the "Dim Dip relay" appears to provide
> the Dim Dip functionality, and my theory was if you could find the
> wire that told it when the ignition was On, and cut this, the lights
> would not rise.
>
> I have located and cut this wire, and the headlights, taillights and
> sidelights function as normal with the exception that there is no
> longer a Dim Dip (e.g. Dim headlights and pop-ups raised when on
> sidelights with ignition on).
>
> Instructions:
> The Dim Dip relay is next to the fuse box under the front bonnet.
> You'll need to remove the plastic trim behind the spare wheel to
> clearly see it. Mr T kindly made it bright green, and it can be seen
> in the centre of this picture.
>
> http://www.imoc.co.uk/users/upload/DimDipLocation.jpg
>
> Next undo the bolt holding it to the fuse box - 10mm:
>
> http://www.imoc.co.uk/users/upload/DimDipBolt.jpg
>
> Then move it so that the connector can easily be accessed.
>
> Remove the connector, and you should see a plug with the following
> pattern:
>
> http://www.imoc.co.uk/users/upload/DimDipConnector.jpg
>
> On my car, the pinhole that appears to show 12V when the ignition is
> on is at position 2 (when viewed from the side that plugs in to the
> Relay), and has a red wire with a purply-blue stripe.
>
> To verify you have the correct wire connect a multimeter between the
> position on the connector and an earth point on the body work. Switch
> the sidelights on, with the ignition on ACC. This pin should read 0V.
> Next switch the ignition to ON, and check voltage switches to 12V.
>
> All you need to do now is strip back a bit of the insulating tape,
> and cut the wire:
>
> http://www.imoc.co.uk/users/upload/DimDipCutWire.jpg
>
> Ensure the live end of the wire is properly insulated, or better
> still, install a small switch between the two cut ends.
>
> Finally reconnect the Dim Dip Relay and test thoroughly that the
> lights behave as you expect.
>
> Sorry about the poor picture quality - bl**dy camera phones.
>
> One thing to note is the pop-ups stay up with sidelights on if you
> flash someone. Might need a mod similar to the Mk2 headlight one for
> completeness.
>
> Rufus.


HTH
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mong

Re: Stop the pop... (How to keep headlights down on sidelights?)

Post by mong »

cool!!!!!

was thinking bout this also!!!! so will get on with this too!!!! if i ever get the time!!!

thanx

tony
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LimeyMk1
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Re: Stop the pop... (How to keep headlights down on sidelights?)

Post by LimeyMk1 »

I've got a switchable, replacement relay for this. Don't know if Kelvin makes them up anymore.
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Lauren
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Re: Stop the pop... (How to keep headlights down on sidelights?)

Post by Lauren »

Limeymk1 wrote:I've got a switchable, replacement relay for this. Don't know if Kelvin makes them up anymore.


Wasn't it Jimi that made up a box for this so you could switch it?

I must admit, i simply snipped the wire on my old MK1 and it worked fine.

Obviously have a MK1a now so headlights don't come on with sidelights anyway.
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Goto10
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Re: Stop the pop... (How to keep headlights down on sidelights?)

Post by Goto10 »

Lauren wrote:
Limeymk1 wrote:I've got a switchable, replacement relay for this. Don't know if Kelvin makes them up anymore.


Wasn't it Jimi that made up a box for this so you could switch it?

I must admit, i simply snipped the wire on my old MK1 and it worked fine.

Obviously have a MK1a now so headlights don't come on with sidelights anyway.


Cheers for that, job for Bank hol when I have a day off! :) (Along with other trackday preps, new pads/oil etc)
Incidentally, mine is a Mk1a but the lights popup on sides, although I believe it's right on the a/b changeover from what Si told me (e.g. a 'bitsa' mongrel, earlier engine, later brakes, air filter in boot etc)
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Lauren
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Re: Stop the pop... (How to keep headlights down on sidelights?)

Post by Lauren »

Goto10 wrote:
Lauren wrote:
Limeymk1 wrote:I've got a switchable, replacement relay for this. Don't know if Kelvin makes them up anymore.


Wasn't it Jimi that made up a box for this so you could switch it?

I must admit, i simply snipped the wire on my old MK1 and it worked fine.

Obviously have a MK1a now so headlights don't come on with sidelights anyway.


Cheers for that, job for Bank hol when I have a day off! :) (Along with other trackday preps, new pads/oil etc)
Incidentally, mine is a Mk1a but the lights popup on sides, although I believe it's right on the a/b changeover from what Si told me (e.g. a 'bitsa' mongrel, earlier engine, later brakes, air filter in boot etc)


If your car is a t-bar it is defo a MK1b. My first MK1; "Yummy" was an early 87 car was defo all late parts apart from engine and box. And the headlights popped up on sidelights with that one.

Sounds exactly the same as Yummy. Basically late everything ie shell early engine and box were the only MK1a parts.
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ldavies83
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Re: Stop the pop... (How to keep headlights down on sidelights?)

Post by ldavies83 »

www.mr2oc.co.uk has a "know your 2 section" and they have a pitured example of this for the mk1.

Hope this helps :)
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