i want to use the 2002 computer to light my check engine bulb on the delta. will the bulb put too much strain on the setup?

what do you guys use?



http://www.cardomain.com/id/delta_ss

 

i'm using an 02 computer also and i believe the output is only 5 volts. you'll probably need to either use a relay to use the factory 12 volt light or get an LED from radio shack like i did. i mounted it in the OBDII port bracket.

 

You could always get a lower voltage bulb

 

I have my 2002 PCM turning on my BULB in the third gen, must work great because right now my ses lamp stays on all the time since i have not deleted some of the codes it needs. The PCM is only a switching ground for the ses lamp so i dont see it being a problem.

With my setup 12volts comes to the bulb and then the pcm grounds to light the bulb.

 

Why don't you just replace the bulb with an LED?

 

The bulb should have 12v to one side anytime the key is on. The PCM supplies ground to turn on the MIL so I don't see any probs.

 

It doesn't matter whether the PCM supplies a ground or +12 volts, once the circuit is closed the same current flows through it...

 

Ya but if the PCm was the supply on current, then when it hit gnd. the circuit would only be 5V. if the PCM is Gnd. and the light is hot 12V, then when PCM makes Gnd, the light is 12V. the pcm will supply Gnd. only.

 

I agree with those suggesting you just use an LED in place of the factory bulb.

Also, I went to your site and read about your Delta. It looks like a really neat project. Good work, man.

 

?????

 

i tried an led, but it was nowhere as bright...

and thank you. its a lot of fun. we are hopefully going to finish the exhaust this weekend, and then.....

 

Current in a series circuit is the same at all points it doesn't matter if you switch the positive or negitive. If the PCM is switching to ground to turn the light on it is seeing the "IT" or current total of the circuit.

 

PCM's have always had the job of turning on the SES lamp weather it was a bulb or an LED. I dont think the LS1 pcms are any weaker than the previous pcms in terms of amperage.

 

its the same huge transistor as half the other outputs on the car... the bulb isnt drawing anywhere near the amount of current needed to blow it... if thats your worry.


if the stock gauge cluster uses a LED (news to me....) its probly for bulb life...

 

Charlieled, you said that it dosen't matter if the computer supplies 12v or the gnd. it does matter cus above it was said that the computer may supply i think 5V. that will not light a 12V bulb too well. I said if the computer was the gnd, then you can supply the 12V to the bulb and the computer will supply the gnd. all will be fine.

 

Charlie was talking about current flow through the PCM causing PCM problems, not illuminating bulb problems.

 

I use a bulb on mine.