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Topic: 88 Autolamp... new addition no worky (Read 1683 times) previous topic - next topic

88 Autolamp... new addition no worky

I finally got my complete autolamp setup in my car a couple weeks ago.  Rear view sensor, harness down to kick panel, dimmer switches, harness from switches to 2 relays on tree by right knee - and to firewall harness - and to light sensor in dash.

Lights still work perfect in manual mode but not automatically.  I cranked the 'dimmer' to max and covered the sensor with a glove (yes, keys on).  I don't have my evtm...  anyone have a good place for me to start?
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats

88 Autolamp... new addition no worky

Reply #2 –
thanks...  Ok try to troubleshoot this weekend...  Hope all my JY pieces are ok!
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats

88 Autolamp... new addition no worky

Reply #3 –
Quote from: V8Demon;179892
This should help ;)  http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=15760


ahh, thats where that link went to but the name was goofy so i had a hard time finding it.
link added to my DIY link.

88 Autolamp... new addition no worky

Reply #4 –
Ok, step one, tested potentiometers.  I don't think it looks good.  First off, No continuity is when my DVM says " 0.0L " and 0 ohms would be "00.00" right?  Ok, well, here are the numbers:
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats

88 Autolamp... new addition no worky

Reply #5 –
You should make these checks with the cable disconnected from the switches.

What vintage vehicle is the autolamp feature from? The 84 EVTM shows one relay for autolamp. 84 has no autodimmer feature.
The 87 EVTM shows three relays, two for autolamp and one for autodimmer.

88 Autolamp... new addition no worky

Reply #6 –
idk what year, it was an elan.  Either way, it had 3 relays and swapping out the potentiometers fixed the problem...  so far (haven't tried the auto dim but dont think I'll use it anyway)...  thanks for the input though, softtouch
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats

88 Autolamp... new addition no worky

Reply #7 –
I used the auto-lamp system out of an 86 elan in my 88 and everything worked fine.. so no issue there. 

My DVOM says "----" when I have no continuity, 0.0k would be no resistance at all.
One 88

88 Autolamp... new addition no worky

Reply #8 –
Quote from: CougarSE;181252


My DVOM says "----" when I have no continuity, [COLOR="Red"]0.0k[/COLOR] would be no resistance at all.


not to be confussed with open circuit.

the 0.0L or OL is a typical way fluke made the led's indicate an open.

when you just turn your meter on ,, what does it say?  If is says 0.0L, thats open.

0.0 is a  good short or continuity.  They are making so many meters today , you just gotta get use to what yours is telling you.

Besides, dont use a digital meter on pots,, the cheapy buttstuffog meter is an ace for pots.

as for not using the auto dim ,,,?  your a mad man!  i love that part, make it work.

88 Autolamp... new addition no worky

Reply #9 –
Quote from: booksix;181250
thanks for the input though, softtouch


one of the most amazing people on this board btw.  i have a list of people on here that amaze me,, btw, bondocougar is another but you wont hear from him unless it involves o-scope level scientific R&D reverse engineering of the quantum physics behind these cars:hick: