(How to:) 07 Tahoe Gauge backlighting on all the time

[AZSCTACO]

Thanks to Fiatdale, I was able to keep my gauge lighting on all the time while the vehicle is running. It drove me nuts for years that the gauges could hardly be seen during the day. I think GM realized this and changed it for the 08'+.

It is a very easy mod and took about 20 minutes. See below for the video on how to remove the gauge cluster and then I attached a schematic of the wiring harness for the gauge cluster. If the mods feel like sticking this thread, it might help others that have the same issue I had on not being able to see the gauges.

 

[fiatdale]

Happy to help Amigo!

 

[93blkongreenpro]

I might have to do this! Turning on my fogs to turn on the headlights dims my double din. Then I can see the gauges, but not my radio!

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

 

[AZSCTACO]

I might have to do this! Turning on my fogs to turn on the headlights dims my double din. Then I can see the gauges, but not my radio!

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

I had that issue also.....could barely see the screen.

 

[moab]

Thanks for this write up. I have the same issue. Can you accomplish the same thing by leaving the lights on and on manual all the time? Haven't tried it and it's pouring cats and dogs right now. don't feel like going out in it. Sounded like someone above did the same thing with their fogs. I'm gonna have to check that when I have my Din 2 unit put in. Make sure all the lights work without any dimming or effecting anything else.

 

[93blkongreenpro]

Thanks for this write up. I have the same issue. Can you accomplish the same thing by leaving the lights on and on manual all the time? Haven't tried it and it's pouring cats and dogs right now. don't feel like going out in it. Sounded like someone above did the same thing with their fogs. I'm gonna have to check that when I have my Din 2 unit put in. Make sure all the lights work without any dimming or effecting anything else.

You can go in the radio settings and turn the auto dim feature off and manually dim them and i even have an option on my pioneer nex 4200 to set a time frame when mine dims automatically, but i rather it work automatically like it is supposed to

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

 

[Malik112099]

Just came across this looking for an alternative to the dim gauge cluster TSB (only had my 07 for a year). I will give this a shot over the upcoming weekend. I cant see my gauge cluster for shit with sunglasses on during the day.

 

[Malik112099]

I couldn't wait. Took about 20 minutes and was easy to do. Worked like a champ.

 

[Scott Barrett]

I couldn't wait. Took about 20 minutes and was easy to do. Worked like a champ.

View attachment 201314 View attachment 201315 View attachment 201317

This may be a dumb question but will the dimming function still work on the gauges? I drive a lot at night and I like to dim the gauges on long road trips at night.

 

[Malik112099]

This may be a dumb question but will the dimming function still work on the gauges? I drive a lot at night and I like to dim the gauges on long road trips at night.

Hmm... Probably not since you are taking the dimming control out of the loop. I don't drive enough at night to worry about it though.

 

[Elmo]

Thanks to Fiatdale, I was able to keep my gauge lighting on all the time while the vehicle is running. It drove me nuts for years that the gauges could hardly be seen during the day. I think GM realized this and changed it for the 08'+.

It is a very easy mod and took about 20 minutes. See below for the video on how to remove the gauge cluster and then I attached a schematic of the wiring harness for the gauge cluster. If the mods feel like sticking this thread, it might help others that have the same issue I had on not being able to see the gauges.

View attachment 64744

 

[Elmo]

Can you get to the wire bundle to make the splice without removing the whole gauge cluster?

 

[Malik112099]

Can you get to the wire bundle to make the splice without removing the whole gauge cluster?

No, it is directly behind the gauge cluster. There isn't a ton of room to work even after the gauge cluster is out. It is super easy though.

 

[ken97put]

just bought a 07 yukon xl denali 7 months ago. after realizing this an issue with the 2007's. info from this post, i'm gonna try adding 12v zener diode soldered to wire 5 to wire 8 without clipping any wires. ordered diodes today. we shall see.

 

[ken97put]

and if the diode doesnt work out. i'll just wire up little relay to the circuit that switches when night illum circuit being used.

 

[Actifenpleinair]

and if the diode doesnt work out. i'll just wire up little relay to the circuit that switches when night illum circuit being used.

Which way did this work for you ken97put?

 

[Fless]

Which way did this work for you ken97put?

That member hasn't been on here since October 2020, unfortunately.

 

[mikez71]

You can also adjust backlighting by simulating the solar sensor.
(White signal wire to sensor connect to ground with a resistor)

Less than 3Kohm the backlight will be daytime. More than 5kohm will be nighttime.
A value of 600ohm should disable auto headlights.

For awhile I had a relay switch modes, activated by the parking light circuit.
Currently I de-sensitized my sensor by adding a resistor in parallel... But it's still dim at dusk or early dawn..

-BUT!- many fix their issue by replacing the light sensor with a new one...

 

[89Suburban]

Wow I didn't know about this mod. On the bucket list.

 

[mikez71]

#PIT4328B: DRL DISABLE PROCEDURE - KEYWORDS DAYTIME HEAD HEADLIGHT HEADLAMP LAMP LIGHT (DEC 3, 2008)

"Procedures to disable to auto headlamps:

Unplug the ambient light sensor and put a 600 ohm resistor in place of the sensor. The resistor will command the TBCM to turn the auto headlamps off. The headlights will now have to be manually turned on with the headlight switch. Secure the resistor and connector to prevent rattles.etc. Notie:Vehicles equipped with Automatic HVAC (RPO CJ2) may have a light sensor that also includes the sunload sensor for the HVAC system. Make sure the resistor is wired into the ambient light sensor signal wire (Circuit 278) and ground (Circuit 1851). This can be achieved by backing out pin 2 at the light sensor and removing the terminal and adding the resistor to the wire and then splicing the other end of the resistor to the ground wire 2 inches from the light sensor."

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Only thing about that... I'm pretty sure your backlighting will be daylight bright all the time..