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Has anyone done automatic lights?

B

BeaterSVT

CEG'er
Joined
Feb 7, 2012
Messages
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I've looked at the fog/running light mod and would like to do that, but what I'd really like is for the lights to ALWAYS be on. I'd like the running lights, as well as the fogs, to always be on from startup. Or even just switch them on, but they turn off automatically when the key is turned off. Has anyone done something like this, and have a suggestion for the wiring?
 
I have DRL's that are always on But I don't think that is what you are looking for.In order for you accessory of choice to be on all the time I would find a circuit that already does this (Maybe the radio) Tap into it to power a relay and use the relay to power your accessory.
 
I just always turn the parking lights and fog lamps on anytime I start the car. Its habit at this point in time.
 
BAD SVT said:
When i clicked on this thread, my assumption was u wanted to mirror what is done in today's cars where the lights automatically come on when it gets dark outside. Anyone done that b4?
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I don't see why it couldn't be done. Would need a sensor to monitor light. I can only guess, but when the condition is meet a circuit is either opened or closed so that the headlights are turned on.

My new Focus has automatic headlights. Not sure if I like them or not. The advantage of using them is the headlight delay and having them automatically turn on when the wipers are turned on.
 
my s60 has auto lights on it. you could probably look into the wiring on it and see what it would take.
 
BrApple said:
I just always turn the parking lights and fog lamps on anytime I start the car. Its habit at this point in time.
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my VR4 does this for me automatically. I can just leave the switch on and when i turn the car off the lights turn off, then the next time i turn the car on the lights turn back on.
 
cheesecake said:
my s60 has auto lights on it. you could probably look into the wiring on it and see what it would take.
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That's exactly what I was going for. On my wife's S70, she leaves the headlights on and they turn off and on with the vehicle. I wish the running lights did the same though. If I switch it to running lights they will stay on even when the key is off.

I'll have to pull the wiring diagram for my wifes car to see what it looks like.
 
The auto on light sensing setup is on my list of ideas, I'm trying to find a way to build an electronic module to do it among other functions (these are the things I daydream about in my automotive electricity class :)) I have read that others have done it in GMs by pulling a body control module out of a newer car and wiring it into an older GM (I think it was a fiero) to also get keyless entry.

Having said that, it should be (at least I say with my experience level, YMMV) extremely simple to use a "hot on run" circuit to trigger the fog light relay, but then you will be committing to always have the lights on in run, unless you wire in a switch to bypass. One idea I am working on is similar to a setup I have seen on a blazer, where you can override the auto lights by a sucession of on-off cycles on an existing switch, in that case, tapping the domelight override switch on and off three times rapidly shuts off the auto lights and rings the chime for a second. But for simplicitys sake, a simple toggle switch in between the "hot on run" and fog light relay would allow control. Long response, but I think it helps..
 
Looks like the DRLs are run by a relay with a built in pulse width modulation circuit to run them on (half?) power. Ill have to look on alldata and find the location of the blocking diode to see if I have one, but does the car come with it from the factory, or do you need to add it when you add the DRL relay?
 
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