Flash to pass pop-up headlight modification

Archives of Posts to the NZ MX5 List back in 2005
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DBM58
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Flash to pass pop-up headlight modification

Post by DBM58 » Wed Dec 21, 2005 3:05 pm

Reading from various web-sites about fitting the flash to pass pop-up headlight modification, I see that the suggested diode to use is a 2.5A high current diode. However, when I look in the Dick Smith range, they only appear to offer 2A or 3A. Can anybody advise as to whether either or both of these would still work without causing any damage to the car's wiring / electronics.


Thanks


David Moughtin
David

Grant
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Flash to pass pop-up headlight modification

Post by Grant » Wed Dec 21, 2005 3:31 pm

The 2amp diode should be ok. If I remember correctly when I did mine, a 1amp
diode was ok (I've got a large number in my junk box) as the current
required is quite low. The only damage you will do if the diode can't handle
the current is to the diode itself. It will fail by going open circuit due
to heat. You will not damage the car in any way.

Grant.
Red 2006 NC Tiptronic
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Ian
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I count 5-s in my sleep
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Flash to pass pop-up headlight modification

Post by Ian » Wed Dec 21, 2005 5:20 pm

Hello from ChCh...

Anyone got or know of a NA 'low line' factory rear spoiler for sale
(preferably in umm, err, gee, gosh...red!)???

Ian
93 1.8,intake/ex mods,Megasqirt PNP,torsen ,konis,GC coilovers,Nitto-01,cage,sparco seat,Schroth harness.

MX5PWR
Need, more, 5-ing, time....
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Flash to pass pop-up headlight modification

Post by MX5PWR » Wed Dec 21, 2005 6:56 pm

Hi Dave, here is the article from the Oct/Nov 2004 topdown. diode is
numbered IN5404 DC.

Cheers Nigel
Fitting your "Flash-to-pass" Headlight Diode


If you have a pre 1993 MX5, you may not have the ability to flash your head
lights using the head light stalk. This simple addition will allow you to
have the flash facility. All you need is a small diode that can be purchased
from Dick Smith or Jaycars for about 50c. The diode has the numbers IN5404
DC on it.


1) Remove the steering wheel shrouds (4 cross head screws beneath
lower shroud)


2) Locate a white plug, immediately behind and a little above the
'root' of the headlamp switch.


3) Unplug the white plug. (You must squeeze the locking catch, under
the plug)


4) Locate two of the wires. Red/White (ie Red with a White tracer)
and White/Black (ie White with a Black tracer). Ensure that you
have found the correct wires.


5) Look at your diode. You will see that it is a black cylinder,
with a wire protruding from either end, and a silver bar marked
on one end of the cylinder.


6) Push the wire protruding from the "Bar" end of the diode into the
back of the socket, next to the White/Black wire (ie into the
same terminal hole as the White/Black wire) You might find it helps to
flatten the end of the wire a little to help push it in.


7) Push the wire protruding from the other end of the diode into the
Red/White wire terminal. It will be necessary to bend the wires
from the diode to achieve this.


8) Ensure that the diode wires are pushed fully home - this needs a
firm push, and the wires in just the correct location. It is
essential that the diode is positioned the correct way round - ie "bar" end
to the White/Black wire.


9) Replace the plug - push it fully home until it clicks.


10) Pull your headlamp stalk towards you - the headlamps should rise
with the headlamps on (on main beam). When you release the stalk, the
headlamps should go off and retract.


11) Replace the steering wheel shroud.


You will find that you need to be more deliberate and make a longer 'flash'
than you would with a car equipped with non-retracting headlights.

zorruno
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Flash to pass pop-up headlight modification

Post by zorruno » Thu Dec 22, 2005 11:11 am

on 21/12/2005 3:05 p.m. David Moughtin wrote:
Reading from various web-sites about fitting the flash to pass pop-up
headlight modification, I see that the suggested diode to use is a
2.5A high current diode. However, when I look in the Dick Smith
range, they only appear to offer 2A or 3A. Can anybody advise as to
whether either or both of these would still work without causing any
damage to the car's wiring / electronics.
on 21/12/2005 6:56 p.m. Nigel Every wrote:
Hi Dave, here is the article from the Oct/Nov 2004 topdown. diode is
numbered IN5404 DC.
it is actually a 1N5404, not IN... in case you are searching.

2A is fine. 3A or above just as fine. Anything with higher voltage
spec fine also e.g. the 1N5408 is 1kV and unless you are mounting it in
a modified Delorean, anything above 100V rating or so will be fine.

Dick smith stocks the 5404 and 5408 for a horrendous 50c or so.

Just make sure you wire it around the right way...

cheers
H
(z)

DBM58
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Flash to pass pop-up headlight modification

Post by DBM58 » Thu Dec 22, 2005 4:16 pm

Grant, zorruno and Nigel,

Thanks for the information.

David

David Moughtin
David

tim.maggie

Flash to pass pop-up headlight modification

Post by tim.maggie » Thu Dec 22, 2005 6:57 pm

I have removed my 'flash to pass' mod. I found that it often caused the
healights to pop up when I used the indicators and I unintentionally
slightly pulled the stalk back at the same time. About as annoying as when
you get into a euro car after a jap or oz one and turn on the wipers when
going to corner! Tim.

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