moreMPG

Hello all,
I have a manual 92-95 era Civic. Installed an automatic cluster.
What I want--> the "3" lite to illuminate when I'm in 3rd gear, for ex.

How do I go about doing this?
Those [1 2 3 4 N R P] lights would look cool for us stick owners!

I'm new at all this by the way.
Thanks.

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

thats not gonna be easy, since on the auto those lights are controled by the computer. i dont think its even possible to do on a manual without an elaborate computer setup and some sensors.

moreMPG

Ok, but how does the computer on an automatic 'know' what gear was selected? There must be switches sensing the arm position, yeah? And do you think I could remove a computer from an auto, and install it in my manual (just for the sake of the lights)? Also, how are the lights illuminated? Relays? What voltages? Are they LED or little incandescent bulbs? Lastly, will I need additional wires/harnesses/connectors or was the CX already pre-wired at the factory?

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

they are just bulbs in the older clusters. all the logic is done by the ecu and the multiplex control unit, none of which you can just use for the light controls (not to mention they cost thousands of $$). i believe the ecu also uses input from the auto transmission to determine the gear to display.

moreMPG

Ok. I got it. Thanx for the info. So instead of orchestrating it the automatic ECU way, I guess I'll have to lift up the gearshift boot and somehow attach/mount microswitches of some kind to each gear slot (when arm engages in position). Six switches.
I'd do 7 if I want the [N] to illuminate when not in gear...but that could get annoying, and an [N]-on-light between shifts sounds too complex of a circuit, me thinx.
Since I was kicked out of my electronics class for devising devious devices, I didn't get to learn enough about simple IC Chip 101 circuitry. Does anyone want to:
1. draw up a schematic for me, or
2. tell me what Voltage those bulbs are?
Unless you convince me otherwise, I'm planning going the primitive route: 6 switches, each dedicated to an individual bulb.
Whaddya think? Comments?...pessimism? (.....encouragement even?)

P.S. has anyone ever inquired about this light idea before me? (j.curious)

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

you may want to take this over to hidplanet.com leds forum and ask there. its over my head already lol.