Power Mode Selection

[SVX8588]

Originally Posted by Chuckls

my D doesn't work either..I just play it off as "Hey, at least I know I'm in Drive"

I've been saying: "hmm, I wonder what gear I'm in!". When I got the car the indicator on the shift lever itself didn't work either, but now that's fixed.

It's just weird that none of them work even though the other six bulbs are good. Makes sense that D would be out. It's the bulb that's lit the most

[92snowmachine]

i would start by removing the aftermarket alarm. if it's anything like the usual best buy hack job install then it's likely to be part of your problem.

[oab_au]

Originally Posted by SVX8588

I guess I should have started a new thread. I just took the instrument panel out and tested some bulbs. The power and manu bulbs are fine. Also checked the gear indicator bulbs (none have ever worked for me), and the only one blown was the "D" bulb.
So it seems that I have a bigger problem than blown bulbs.

Here's what doesn't work:

1: gear indicator lights in dash. All bulbs except "D" are good.

2: Power light / mode. I'm sure the bulb is good, but it doesn't even come on momentarily when I start the car. I have never seen the bulb light, and have not noticed any significant change in shifting when I "mash the gas"

3: Manual light / mode. I have played with the manual button and shift lever several times and it doesn't seem to make any difference no matter what combination I try.

4: a few other random illumination bulbs (defroster, cruise, etc). I think these are just blown bulbs, but I figured I would note it anyway.

5: the ABS doesn't work. I think it's just missing a relay. although I have noticed the air bag light on as well...

6: the security system. the light comes on when I push the button but I can't get it into programming mode so I'm not sure if my keyfob works. I don't think the electric locks work either. I think there was an aftermarket security system installed at one point because there is a black box under the steering column that says Astroflex on it.

Most everything else electrical seems to work.

Any thoughts?
Thanks!

P.S. I'll start a new thread if that would be better...

Hi can't tell you much more, but all those lights get their power from the dimmer control. What ever that is.

Harvey.

[SVX8588]

Originally Posted by 92snowmachine

i would start by removing the aftermarket alarm. if it's anything like the usual best buy hack job install then it's likely to be part of your problem.

Good idea. I'll try that first and hopefully won't mess anything else up in the process

I'll have to check a wiring diagram to see where the illumination control is. I mean dimmer control. Thanks for the tip Harvey.

[dannmarr]

Are there any photos for the instalation with the switch? The first posts photos were removed.

[kjoyes]

hi, just wonder if this would be a workable switch to try to make this mod look as stock as posible. i have a ob2 with out a light and this switch is lighted so i will no it on.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NISSAN-PATHF...sories&vxp=mtr

[dannmarr]

Can someone clear up the installation process? After reading 41 pages I got lost Some hooked the wires without a switch or to the cruise control or to an after market switch or the manual switch or added a ground, or other. I would like to hook it up to the manual button but also use it when needed. Photos would be helpful.

[Subix]

Originally Posted by dannmarr

Can someone clear up the installation process? After reading 41 pages I got lost Some hooked the wires without a switch or to the cruise control or to an after market switch or the manual switch or added a ground, or other. I would like to hook it up to the manual button but also use it when needed. Photos would be helpful.

I made a video a while back: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOeMhfqHJvA

Even put a switch in between it because you certainly don't want to be driving in power mode while on the highway but after about 3 months of using power mode during regular driving my transmission died. Can't really say this did or did not contribute to the premature failure of my transmission but I'm guessing it sure as hell didn't help anything.

If you're going to do it, just ground it like I did with a switch in-between somewhere so you can turn it off when hopping onto the highway... don't make it harder to install if you don't have to. Granted, you'll definitely be more compelled to drive the SVX a lot harder with the power mode because it's just so much more fun to do so.... that could have been the actual reason behind my tranny kicking the bucket as well. You tend to just take advantage of it after it is installed and drive the **** out of it.,,, as I did. In my case, I should have changed the transmission fluid sooner and being there is 209k miles on the car, it's hard telling how long that transmission was on the car itself so it very well may have been a coincidence... a rather **** one at that.

[dannmarr]

I did the install but I got no Power light. It lights up on start up, but not when I use the switch. I hooked up A4 to a toggle switch, then to the blue wire under the kick panel. Am I doing something wrong? Do I need a specific type of switch?

[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by dannmarr

I did the install but I got no Power light. It lights up on start up, but not when I use the switch. I hooked up A4 to a toggle switch, then to the blue wire under the kick panel. Am I doing something wrong? Do I need a specific type of switch?

Try connecting the pin directly to ground (any metal part of the car basically). Maybe you have a bad connection somewhere. You don't have to actually put in on the blue wire, anything that's grounded will work. Any kind of basic switch will work, but post a pic of the switch so we can take a look.

[Chuckls]

I still need to do this..

[Lookin4SVX]

Originally Posted by dannmarr

I did the install but I got no Power light. It lights up on start up, but not when I use the switch. I hooked up A4 to a toggle switch, then to the blue wire under the kick panel. Am I doing something wrong? Do I need a specific type of switch?

As long as your switch it a "toggle" (flip switch for continuous "on" or "off"), and not a "momentary" (push and hold for "on") type, then yes you have the right switch.

Run a wire from the other side the switch to a piece of metal frame in your car.
I used a ring terminal on one the bolts under there, I think it may have been the one that holds the TCU bracket, it was one them easy to get to bolts under there I used.

[dannmarr]

I removed the connection from the blue wire under the kick panel and used the metal frame of the car. It works! This explains why I was unable to clear engine codes with the blue wire, probably a bad connection.
Thanks to all for your help! I will test it tonight.
Another question: when should I use it?
When passing, getting onto the highway, going uphill, etc?

[oab_au]

Originally Posted by dannmarr

I removed the connection from the blue wire under the kick panel and used the metal frame of the car. It works! This explains why I was unable to clear engine codes with the blue wire, probably a bad connection.
Thanks to all for your help! I will test it tonight.
Another question: when should I use it?
When passing, getting onto the highway, going uphill, etc?

Mine is in Power Mode all the time, as it will still do the torque converter lock-up in that mode. I think the US one will not lock-up if the Power is on, so just turn it off when on the long cruise.

Harvey.

[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by oab_au

Mine is in Power Mode all the time, as it will still do the torque converter lock-up in that mode. I think the US one will not lock-up if the Power is on, so just turn it off when on the long cruise.

Harvey.

You are correct, it doesn't lock up if power mode is on.

Under 50 mph, I drive with the shifter in 3, with power mode on. If I'm cruising above 50, I put the shifter in D and turn power mode off. Sometimes on the highway if I'm trying to pass or just generally in a fast mood, I'll turn power mode back on. Cruising along in 4th with the torque converter locked up gives really good gas mileage, but it doesn't lock up until 50. And, driving below about 45-50 in 4th is not ideal for the stock transmission.