Aftermarket DRLs

[RedD250]

Does anybody know of a switched power source under the hood? I just need a single wire connection to get the LED strip in my headlights to work, but I'd rather not run more wires into the cab. After my gauges and stereo, the clutch pedal hole is pretty well stuffed, and my fuse box has so many add-a-curcuits that it won't even fit where it belongs any more. The truck is US spec, so no DRL module.

Ordinarily, I would not worry about it, but when it rains during the daytime, I have to turn on the headlights, which causes my navigation screen to automatically switch to night mode, and it's hard to see it like that during the daytime. I figure the DRLs will let me comply with the lights on when raining law without interfering with my touch screen.

 

[Topzide]

DRL wont satisfy that law. You need headlights and tail lights when it's raining. That's why it say headlights and not DRL's. Being seen from behind is just as important as being seen by oncoming traffic! Wishful thinking though. Kinda spoiled with the setting in my truck that when wipers are on, lights are on also!

 

[RedD250]

Yeah, my Elantra is like that too. All those modern conveniences and comforts... heated seats, automatic wipers, automatic high beam control, automatic headlights, nice quiet cabin, smooth comfortable ride... and I still take the truck 9 times out of 10. Might as well sell the car lol. More money to spend on the truck!

 

[AnonEd]

I doubt your LED strips pull much amperage...you may be able to simply add to an existing ign-on circuit--use a relay if you're worried about it, and have you confirmed your nav doesn't have a display option like day/night/auto?
Where I am the rule is wipers on continuous for headlights so I rarely get past intermittent and Rain-X. Just fogs (which let my truck be seen as well or better than headlights) has driven me past plenty of state police in the rain...they usually have something bigger to worry about.

 

[AH64ID]

I’d install an oil psi switch to power the DRL’s.

 

[RedD250]

Yeah, it's an aftermarket one. I can set it to be on permanant day or night or set it to auto where it goes to night when I put on the headlights. The problem is that when it's sunny out, I can't see the screen if it is on night mode. And at night, it's too bright to leave it on day mode.

AH64ID, I'm not sure what you mean by an oil psi switch?

 

[AH64ID]

AH64ID, I'm not sure what you mean by an oil psi switch?

A switch that closes when there is oil pressure in the engine. Basically your DRL’s would operate whenever the engine is running, much like OEM DRL’s.

 

[RedD250]

Oh, OK. That's a good idea. Thanks.

 

[AEdelheit]

Another option is to put a switch in line with the lighting signal on your radio so you can turn it to full brightness.