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

[scotricker]

While reading through the LED tail lights thread, it was mentioned that someone had modified a car so that the Run/Park lights were ON all the time, and OFF with key.

In original condition, the Run/Park lights must be turned on with one click out, and stay on even if the key is turned off, possibly resulting in a dead battery. Ask me how I know.

So, to be seen better, etc, I did a simple re-wire to leave them on all the time and off with key.



Remove switched 12v incoming to run/parks on the right at the top.
Get fused/on with key 12v bottom left from washer pump circuit, and run behind
and over to top right. I taped off original wires .

It works just as expected. Lights on anytime key is on, and off when off.

Then for even more fun, I put tiny LEDs in the H4 headlight bucket running light, and hooked them to the same switched power. Now all glowee, all the time.

[Hoss911sc]

Cool post Scot. Would you be able to post a photo showing the H4 "city lights"? Also, do the flashers still work with the key off?

[scotricker]

good idea Dave, to check that, too.

But it is a curious situation.

The turn signals are different bulbs/fixtures than the run park lights, so I would think they would not be affected. But there is now a difference.

Remember the Euro feature, leave the turn signal on, and one side signals stay on but don't flash? Like for parking on a dark street. I actually used that feature once.

But now that feature does not work. So, key off is no signals, and no Euro park side indicator.

But the Hazard Flashers still work as usual, when the key is off.

Pics of H4 city lights

off



glow

[DaveMcKenz]

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

[nixtfy]

If I want the headlight running lights.(Small bulbs) Do I have to run new wire or just pigtail to headlight wire.

[scotricker]

You want to run a wire up from the running lights in the bumper. Not the headlights

[nixtfy]

Thanks Scott.
Where do I get the tiny LEDS?