Adding day time running lights

[Joe Bob]

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.

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.

[targa44]

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.

[Joe Bob]

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.

[tirwin]

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.

[Joe Bob]

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

[Joe Bob]

Under the grill....

[tirwin]

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.

[Joe Bob]

Yes, please....

[tirwin]

I will look first thing mañana and let you know.

[A horse with no name]

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

Running/Park Lights On All the Time, and Off with Key

[Joe Bob]

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

[smurfbus]

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.

[merlinfe]

Double post

[merlinfe]

The lighting slippery slope...



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

[Uwon]

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!





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

[tirwin]

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:

Ignition Headlight  Behavior
    ON      OFF     DRL on
    ON      ON      DRL off

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.



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

[Joe Bob]

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......

[tirwin]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

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......

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.

[Joe Bob]

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

[tirwin]

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. It's just taking up space right in a drawer right now.

It's probably overkill for what you need though.