Hi -

2005 Odyssey

When headlights are turned on the DVD backlighting and dashboard lights dim. I like to drive with my headlights on all the time. So the kids yell when they can't see the DVD screen.

Any easy way to disable the dimming? Better yet, any way to add a switch so I can choose to dim?

thanks

 

the reason all your accessories dim is because the headlights are about the biggest load on your car other than your starter. you can run a parallel battery setup to remedy this,a deep cycle would be the best way to go.

 

thanks for reply.

It's not a power induced dim, it's designed dimming so that screen and console lights aren't so bright in the dark.

I'd like to disable this auto-dimming "feature".

 

if memory serves me correctly, hondas dont have an autodimming feature. it's just the load created by the headlights. if you want to verify my hypothesis. just disconnect the headlights and turn on your headlights while the cars running. if you're interior lights dim, it's a relay dimming your car. if not, it's just natural load (the same reason headlights dim in cars with crazy sound systems)

 

Not familiar with the oddy, but isn't there a switch that will allow you to select the intensity of the dash lights when the headlights are on? Or does that not do much?

 

No help here, but here goes.

Which model do you have? On the Touring, there is a light sensor on the front of the dash that is used to turn on-off the headlights. On non-touring (like my 09 EXL-RES), that sensor would "control" everything else as far as dimming. I don't believe that sensor is on LX and not sure on the EX (for 09).

However, by turning the lights on - perhaps it cancels out the auto-dimming features. It figures you know better if you need light or not.

Just wondering, was DRL standard on your 05? (can't recall Honda added DRL. 06+ I think). Is that why you are turning on your lights?

Get some rear pull down shades to darken the interior. $20 per at Walmart or Baby-R-Us. Just don't roll the rear windows down while it's up, since it's held on by suction cups.

 

ok, I think I've got it. The reset tripometer stem by the odometer turns and dims the dash lights. If you turn it all the way to one side to max bright, it will make a beep. At that point when headlights are turned on, dash lights don't dim. If you turn the stem the other way, it'll beep again and dash lights dim. At this point when headlights are turned on, dash lights go very dim.

I didn't get a chance to see if the dvd backlight works but based on dash lights, I think we have a winner.

thanks very much for your help.

 

you could wire in some relays and create daytime running lights that will remedy the issue of turning the lights on. other than that the dimming feature is triggered with the turning on of the parking light. i feel your pain as my clock dims when my lights come on and is hard to see in the daylight. but im no help as i dont know how to bypass, sorry.

 

hey blackskunk, looks like we posted at the same time. check out my previous response and see if that'll work for you also.