Auto turning headlights on with ignition. Please help.

[sir911]

Hey everyone!

I just bought my first Porsche—a 1985 911 Targa—and I’m super excited about it! I’d like to set up the headlights to function as daytime running lights (DRLs), meaning the low beams turn on with the ignition. I’ve searched the forum but couldn’t find any info on someone doing this. Has anyone done this before? If so, could you share how you made it work?

By the way, I’ll be upgrading to Class Retrofit fuse box with built-in relays.

I need DRLs because I live in BC, Canada, where they’re required by law. Without them, I can’t pass a vehicle inspection or register the car. Unfortunately, I can’t use the fog lights, as DRLs need to be mounted higher than the fog light position.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Schulisco]

I recommend to add relays to operate low and high beams to relieve the turn signal switch because the full amps goes over it and cooking it's contacts over time. With the relays only the relay current is flowing over the turn signal switch. Also because of the full voltage is flowing from the battery directly to the headlights they will get brighter.

E.g. https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/924738-h4-headlight-relays-dummies.html

Also videos in YT are avail:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGiQmAf8Zck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKbnzhkmCos

Here you can connect the coil of the low beam relay directly to the ignition contact so that the relay gets powered as the ignition is turned on. Also it's pretty easy to remove this "bridge" to set back to original.

Wiring diagrams for the Carrera 3.2 you can find here:
http://www.911c1.de/porsche/Schaltplaene/plaene1-10_carrera_32.pdf

Thomas

[KMoore68]

Are you sure about needing DRLs in BC, that seems odd.

I have a 1977 911 S Targa and they don't have DRLs. I was able to get Collector plates via ICBC without any issues.

[sir911]

Thanks, Thomas.

The Classic Retrofit Fuse box has built in relays for the headlights, so I don't need an additional relay.

That sounds straightforward.

It would be great to see an actual picture of a fuse box with this setup. Would appreciate it if anyone who's done this can share.

[sir911]

Originally Posted by KMoore68

Are you sure about needing DRLs in BC, that seems odd.

I have a 1977 911 S Targa and they don't have DRLs. I was able to get Collector plates via ICBC without any issues.

It's been a thing since 2012. It's mostly an issue during ICBC motor vehicle inspection, which is required for out of province cars and performed by a mechanic. It wouldn't have mattered when getting a collector plate.

https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/loo92/loo92/26_58_01#:~:text=4.08A%20motor%20vehicle%20may,B.C .%20Reg.

[917_Langheck]

That reg says "may be..."

In American English that is not the same as "shall be," which is defined as a definite must do/comply.

You may fit vs. you must fit are vastly different down this way.

So, in Canadian English is "may be" a must comply code word?

(My reading of the safety act indicates that the Canadian government understood that cars manufactured before 1990 were not going to need to be retrofitted with technology they were not designed for, and the drl regs don't apply.)

[proporsche]

i did mine inside the rubber bumper with LED stripes..no relay necessary for them..
Ivan

[sir911]

I don’t think the grammar matters to ICBC, the licensing body. I’ve failed an inspection for not having a DRL. There are a bunch of mays in the motor vehicle act that is required when doing an imported vehicle inspection.

Side reflectors are optional on the Motor Vehicle Act too but required for out of province inspection. I tried to argue with the mechanic and was shown a document available only to inspectors that shows it’s required. Why not make the information public? I think it’s a money grab but that’s besides the point.

[sir911]

Originally Posted by proporsche

i did mine inside the rubber bumper with LED stripes..no relay necessary for them..
Ivan

This is creative. Thanks for sharing, Ivan. What fuse did you wire it to?

[proporsche]

any fuse which goes on with the ignition.....bottom part of the fuse and i use also inline fuse...
Ivan

get yourself older rubber .Replacing the rubber part is very easy

[proporsche]