Adding day time running lights
 

In an attempt to be more visible in my white low slung vehicle amid all the SUVs, I am contemplating adding daytime running LEDs up front. Discreet but bright....

Too many asshats claiming that they didn't see me coming when cutting me off. :eek:

Has anyone done this? Better to have a dash switch or hook into a circuit that comes on with the ignition switch.....if so what fuse location should I use in my SC?

BTDT opinions valued, other speculation not needed unless it is intelligent. ;)

Thanks in adavance.

Daniel Stern used to sell kits. But, it's been a while since I've heard about him. Perhaps this will jog some memories out there to help locate something for you.

I've got the lights, looking for suggestion on hooking up. I currently use them for interior light. Under dash, frunk and engine bay. They are rated for exterior use. China made, inexpensive but rugged. If they fail, no loss as they are an easy replacement. Rated at 4 watts so very easy on the alternator.

I have been looking into the same thing recently. What I did for now is to replace the SC fogs with Hella 450 amber fogs. Kinda underwhelmed with the results though.

I also did the H4 city light conversion and used some bright LEDs for the bayonet city lights. That gives some additional visibility, but not a lot.

I know you have a longhood but I can't remember if you kept the SC fog mounts. If so look at myhellalights.com and check out the 3 LED DRL. My question is will that mount work to make the lights face forward. I think the bracket is meant to be perpendicular and not directly behind the fixture so I'm not sure it will work.

Another more spendy solution is to go with an HID kit that has angel eyes. Pelican FOZZY sells them.

I'm interested in other ideas too.

I will place them in the crevice between the f/g bumper and fender.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485322378.jpg

Under the grill....
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485322550.jpg

I was typing when you replied that you already had the lights.

I have a set of the DRL relays that Stern sells. Somehow I ended up with two sets. You want me to see if I can scrounge up the wiring diagram? They are intended to come on with the ignition IIRC.

Yes, please....

I will look first thing mañana and let you know.

Hi Tim/Joe Bob...This post may be of interest to you.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/899788-running-park-lights-all-time-off-key.html

Thanks.....

Here is the Amazon link. 5 bucks a pair....cheaper on flea bay but longer shipping time,

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M6PO3CI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I like the idea of SPOKE led flashers (just bought those) that are white all the time except when used for blinkers (oringe) but I guess you in US need the oringe on all the time? Stock look FTW.

Double post

The lighting slippery slope...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485341893.jpg

At least you'd be safe in traffic in this one.

Move your parking lightens/or headlight power lead in the fuse panel to ignition switch power and the just leave light switch on all the time. Been doing this for 20 years. Better yet, get these LED parking light inserts from Spoke on this board and voila!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485345691.jpg



Spoke also makes them for short hood cars. Great quality and service.
Cheers,
Johan

I found the DRL relay installation instructions.

The DRL unit I have is from WebElectric Products (WebElectric Products - Sequential Turn Signals, Sequential Taillights, Sequential Tail Lights, Dynamite Stick Sequential, Pulsing Brake Light Pulser Flasher, One Touch Convertible Top, Dynamite Stick, One Touch Turn Signals, Daytime Running Lights, L)

Click on "Daytime Running Lights" on the left column menu and then
"DRL-1 Universal Daytime Running Lights Module" at the bottom.

I bought this a long time ago and never got around to installing it. I forgot that it was intended to be used to make the turn signals into DRLs. I don't think this is what you're after but here is the info just in case. When the ignition is on, but the headlights are off, it enables the turn signals. They still flash correctly when the turn signal stalk is activated. When the headlights are on and the ignition is on, they turn off and the running lights turn on as usual.

For your purpose, wouldn't you want a relay that does this:

Maybe this DRL unit could be wired to directly to your DRL lights instead of the flashers? I'd have to think more about it.

Here is a quick pic of the wiring diagram.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485355199.png

I scanned the instructions. You can download the full PDF here.

What does the DRL module do except drain $$ from yer wallet? I was thinking after all the comments and a few PMs to just hang a wire to the plus side of a fuse that energizes with the ignition turned to on fuse and ground the other lead......:rolleyes:

I bought this many years ago. At the time it was the only way I could find to get a DRL function. There weren't nearly as many LED options back then.

You could certainly do what you said. I was thinking you'd want them off with the headlights on, which would require a relay to turn off when the headlight switch is on. But that is optional.

What did the module cost, being a CSOB as it were....

I have no idea what I paid for it. The website says it's $39. I have an extra one and I only remember buying the one. If you want it I'll make you a CSOB discount. :D It's just taking up space right in a drawer right now.

It's probably overkill for what you need though.

PM'd you my email.

Since fogs are useless I rewired them to go on using the switch alone and pointed the fogs up just enough to produce the desired effect. Not sexy but costs zero and works great. Bonus they turn on and off with the ignition if switch is pulled.

I did this, its super bright for just a single light.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485383939.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485384066.jpg

I did this DLRL mod today, and want to thank Scot for describing it. Seems to work great. I always considered the Euro parking indicator thing a PITA. If you forget that your turn signal is on when you turn off the car, it will drain your battery, eventually. Good riddance.
Thanks,
Dave

So Tim and I cut deal so I will have lit parking lights AND LEDs......

Adding day time running lights
 

Wired my yellow fog lights up for DRL service.

They can be turned on/off with the foglight switch.

Yes, they run separately from the headlights or other lights.

Most importantly, yes, they turn off when the ignition is off, so there's no way to accidentally leave them on.

This is how the Hella 450s look. The car is angled downward a bit because of the driveway.

The problem is that the factory fog light mount is directly behind the light. The Hella mount can be upright or pendant (hanging)..

In the pendant position they can be angled more straightforward but they hang down lower than the factory lights. They were really close to the front spoiler lip so I was worried about the possibility of catching it on something. So I tried mounting it upright but there is only so much room because of the angle of the bumper. As you can see, it greatly limits how far forward they can project. But the point is really not seeing further -- the point is to be seen.

I have also tried a couple of different LEDs but so far they are too long to fit.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485395187.JPG

This is how it looks with the lights off.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485396859.JPG

Maybe I'm confused , but why not just turn on the headlights during the day?

Where's the fun in that?

You might forget.

^^ I made a habit of turning my lights on before I go.
Like seatbelts, I never forget those either.
Doesn't take long to get used to.

Agreed. I turn on the lights in every vehicle I drive and I don't forget. Plus I also have daytime running lights on the rear (taillights) for extra safety.

While my headlights DO turn off when the ignition goes off the parking lights will stay on. My SC does not have a buzzer that alerts me to the headlights being left in the "on" position.

The module that will run the daytime LEDs is a cheap alternative. I would prefer this over leaving the headlight circuit active after shutting down the motor or any other accessory. I do have a dash actuated switch for interior lights but they have a visual telltale that is right under the key switch.

I feel more comfortable with this set up.

My 1984 doesn't have headlight on buzzer either. It would be a nice addition.

I did remove the seatbelt buzzer though! That thing was annoying!

Something that I do that's super easy is set my fog lights up to turn on when my car is running. I think you have fogs on your car...?

I just moved the fog light trigger power wire (the heavy grey one) at the back of head light switch to pin 75 of the switch. This terminal is always powered whenever the car is turned on. Then I pull on my fog light switch and forget about it.

What will happen is that the fog switch will get power whenever the car is running and will trigger the fog light relay and turn on whatever lights you have on your fog light circuit. You will also be able to, perhaps if you're sneaking up your driveway late at night, turn off your 'daytime running lights' by just pushing in your fog light switch. But you could just leave your fogs on all the time and forget about them and they will automatically turn off when you turn off the car, and back on again when you turn the key and fire up the car.

This is exactly what I did! Very useful when set up this way! And it literally only takes a minute to do the mod.

I leave my fogs on all the time. Hopefully one day I'll find a good bright LED H3 bulb instead of the incandescent H3 bulbs I've been using.

Fog lights.
 

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485547712.jpg
^^^^^
Here is my "easy" fix.

Best,

Gerry

Fuse # 11
 

Hi Gerry... Without going to our car to have a look, could you please tell me/us what item(s) uses fuse#11?...Thanks in advance!


m

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485574161.jpg
^^^^^
Here you are.

Best,

Gerry