Wiring your Auxillary Lights In-Dash Indicator

by Bob Kolandar

Step 1 - remove the dash panel

Unscrew the dash indicator panel, and slowly pull it out of the dash. There will be a total of 6 plugs & wires connected to the back of the indicator panel (for U.S. spec D90's).

figure 1

Step 2 - unplug the 4 connecting wires & 2 white plugs

There will be four separate wires that plug directly into two special indicator lights, (2 wires per special indicator light). These wires attach to the "overheating" indicator light and the "oil pressure" warning light (I think). Make a note of which bulb they are connected to and disconnect them.

That leaves you with the two long, white female plugs with 10 slots each - these provide power to the rest of the in-dash lights. Unplug them. (figure 2 below shows the white plug towards right side of the dash).

figure 2

Step 3 - run connecting wire

Run wire from your auxillary switch to the #4 slot (see figure 2 for slot location) of the white plug (on the right side of the dash). This is the slot to provide power for the auxillary light indicator. Then splice the other end of your wire into the "accessory" line of your auxillary light wiring.

figure 3

Step 4 - test your connection

You should now have correctly wired the auxillary light indicator. To test it, you have to plug the dash panel back into the white plug (you only need to plug in the right side to test - this completes a circuit and grounds the dash panel). Re-attach your auxillary switch, turn on your lights, and then turn on your auxillary lights. The auxillary light indicator should illuminate (see figure 4).

figure 4

If it illuminates, congratulations and re-assemble all your pieces.

If not, check the following:
1. You have spliced into the proper supply line from your auxillary switch.
2. You have inserted enough wire into the #4 slot of the white plug.
3. Your ignition is turned to the point to allow your headlights to turn on.
4. The white plug is in full contact with the dash panel.

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