How to make fog lights the DRL's - 997.1

[ShawnM]

Hi folks,

I have a US model 997.1 with sport chrono. DRL's are mandatory in Canada so my low beam headlights are always on.

I would rather have the factory fog lights take over that task and asked the dealer if they could change it when I was in for service last. They said they have some options, but could not do that with their system.

The service manager mentioned that someone who was very familiar with the codes and vehicle computer system could probably do it but they don't have that skill at the dealership.

Have any of you done this or know someone who has?

Cheers,
Shawn

[Paul K]

Fyi, that's illegal in most US states & Europe, I suspect it may be in Canada also. Don't give the police any more reasons to pull you over!

[Luxter]

Yes it can be done.
Illegal or not, it makes more sense to have fog lights on as DRL instead of expensive Xenons.

First, you need to have your DRL's disabled by your dealer.
Second, get the Dectane module TFLM03 (about $40) from Frank at Orange-Tuning in Germany.

Step 3, Follow the link below:

How to install a DRL module = EASY! - 6speedonline.com Forums

I already ordered the module did not receive it yet so cannot comment.
Many conbine the DRL mod with LED front and rear light assemblies from Orange as well to get to 997.2 look.

Shawn,
I am led to believe that you are in C-town as well. I discussed this very issue with my local dealer as well and got the same answer.
I am curious what "options" did the dealer give you, please let me know at your earliest.
Drop me an e-mail, we can get together and discuss once the module arrives.
Cheers,
=L=

[Uwon]

Hi fellow Canadian Pelicans,
Read your posts with great interest. I too have a U.S. purchased 997.1. In my case, the U.S. dealer very kindly turned on both the headlights and tail lights for me in about 2 minutes. So it can readily be done. Maybe the Rennlist or Renteck forums could be of help.
Hope that you fellows will provide an update on your install as I will be doing the same this winter so thank you for posting the link.
Insofar as the legality of fog lights, I agree with you Luster, it may be technically not legal but who will know the difference, except a fellow P car owner. A host of variations out there and most look like a fog light.
Cheers,
Uwon

[Luxter]

Gents,
I would like to actually see the legislature regarding DRL in Canada and/or US.
The actual technical requirements for the DRL.
Can anybody help in this matter?
Various manufacturers use high beams at reduced power, low beams at full or reduced power, or orange front contour lights.
Go figure why can't we have fog lights for this reason???

As far as Europe, I know for sure that you must NOT carry low beam, high beam or fog lights of any sort without tail lights on at the same time. That's why Porsche decided to have all lights on for DLR in NA (except for dash lights of course).

[Uwon]

Found it.
Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices (Standard 108) - Transport Canada

My layman interpretation concludes that Section 47.1 effectively allows the use of a fog lamp as a DLR according to this Transport Canada Regulation. The supporting SAE standards talk about angle and beam strength. Since fog lights point at the same angle as low beam, the remaining question is the bulb which is beyond me. I suppose that you can just look up the bulb strength on other current makes that do not use LEDs. But who cares.
You may also recall that the early Audis and several US minivans used the fog lamps (really low on the lower front valance) as DLRs.
I really don't think that this is now an issue either side of the border.

[Luxter]

Uwon, many thanks, brilliant!!
That's absolutely priceless.

Upon quick reading:

(52) A daytime running lamp may be optically combined with a front fog lamp that conforms to SAE Standard J583, Front Fog Lamps (June 1993), or to paragraphs 3, 4.2, 4.3, 5 and 6 of ECE Regulation No. 19, Uniform Provisions Concerning the Approval of Motor Vehicle Front Fog Lamps, Revision 3 (March 2, 1993).

I believe that Porsche fog lights do meet all mentioned regulations (issued in 1993).

Problem solved without guessing or assuming anything.

[Uwon]

Luxter, glad you picked up par 52. Clear as mud!
Keep us posted on your instal.
Uwon

[Luxter]

Originally Posted by Uwon

Luxter, glad you picked up par 52. Clear as mud!
Keep us posted on your instal.
Uwon

You bet I will. Just received my DRL module from Orange last night.
First, I will have to add an adequate relay to power 2 x 35W H8 fog bulbs. 2 x 35W = 70W = about 5-6A assuming 12-14V. I hear people replace stock 3A fuse with 5A fuse. I don't quite like that.
Second challenge is that I want the DRL lights to come on after my engine starts not when I turn ignition on prior to engine start. Will have to find the right source of power that comes on when the engine starts first.
I am kind of anal with electrical installs.
Any suggestions in this matter are most welcome.

It actually makes sense to change 997.1 front fog/signal light assemblies to LED's, less power required, pretty LED DRL's, etc. I don't quite like trading H8 powered fog lights that are actually useful for LED powered fogs that may not be quite to the task when you actually need them. That's my only reservation against LED's.
As you can see I am more after function rather than form in this case.
Comments welcome again...
Cheers,
=L=

[Uwon]

I don't know much about electricity but there must be a way hook up a delay module of say 10 seconds. Or hook up the relay to the clutch pedal switch ( the one under the dash that prevents you from starting the engine unless depressed). It would have to be one of those relays that are activated once the circuit is open. My description may be backwards- don't know the lingo.
I personally find the fog lights useless in any condition. We get allot of fog. At best they illuminate the concrete wall down the freeway but then we all know where it are anyway. So, giving up the fogs is an easy sacrifice for me.
M2CW
Uwon

[ShawnM]

Originally Posted by Luxter

It actually makes sense to change 997.1 front fog/signal light assemblies to LED's, less power required, pretty LED DRL's, etc. I don't quite like trading H8 powered fog lights that are actually useful for LED powered fogs that may not be quite to the task when you actually need them. That's my only reservation against LED's.
As you can see I am more after function rather than form in this case.

I have tested the stock fog lights out in local conditions and found that they didn't make a big difference. I am going with your thoughts above and switching to LED.

How did the relay perform for you?
Cheers,
Shawn

[jhc]

Here is a DIY thread on how to wire the fogs for DRL for $2. I haven't done this mod but I have installed the LED fogs and just turn onthe fogs:
$2 DRL solution for fog lights - 6speedonline.com Forums

This is a picture of my car:

[ShawnM]

Wow, well researched and well done. Thank you!

[ShawnM]

Originally Posted by Luxter

I am curious what "options" did the dealer give you, please let me know at your earliest.

They said one option was to tell the computer that the car is a Cayman, which would set the fogs as DRLs but cause a myriad of other problems. An option, but not a good one!

[Luxter]

Originally Posted by ShawnM

They said one option was to tell the computer that the car is a Cayman, which would set the fogs as DRLs but cause a myriad of other problems. An option, but not a good one!

Yeah, what a brilliant and elegant solution!
Frankly, my impression was that they don't know much about "creative or o/side of the box" programming, and they aren't interested in leading the charge in this area either.
More I look at the DRL issue, more I am convinced to have fogs permanently ON as DRL. This would not hold true with LED fronts lights, so in interim I will stick to manual operation.
I dropped you an email recently, hope you got it. Let me know if you want to get together at Distinctive Collection this Sat. around 11 AM.
Cheers,
Luke