12V power source (switched, W201)
 

Hey folks -- just posted this in the Tech forum, but you folks always respond more quickly <G>. Sorry for the non-diesel question, but you guys are my favorites!

I got a set of euro lights for my 88 190E (2.3) and would like to hook the little 5W city lights up to come on with the ignition (as daytime running lights) rather than just hook them in with the side marker lights. Is there an easy way to do this? Anyone know of a suitable 12+ volt supply that could be tapped for this purpose?

Many thanks!!!

Chris

I don't have a circuit diagram for the 190E, but it seems to me there are a number of items connected to the ignition switch, and I believe there are some extra terminals for each position on most cars. If not, you can try the radio power supply with a suitable fuse. These lights are pretty dinky. Sorry I couldn't be more definitive, good luck, Jim

Thanks Jim! If anyone else knows of a switched source in the engine compartment, please let me know!

Chris

The best bet is to run a line off a switched terminal in the fusebox. Find a high capacity line (i.e. a fat wire) and crimp your new wire to the supply (prefuse) side of the fuse and attach a new, inline fuse on your line as close as possible. Then run the line down to your lights from there.

That's a good idea... I'll get out the voltmeter and see which one is switched; thanks! Any ideas on what the proper fuse size ought to be for a 5W city light bulb?

Thanks!

Chris

Your only drawing 1 Amp of power.

Power (Watts) = Current (amps) X Voltage

Thus Current = Power divided by Voltage 10/12<1

I would feel comfortable tapping into any switched circuit - just check the owners manual to see what fuses protect what and used a 'Least Strained' circuit.


Stephen

I would try to find a circuit that is powered only when the engine is running. But that is just me. Some of your circuits are engineered to cut-out as the voltage drops after your alternator fails. It would be nice if the lights dropped out of the circuit at a reasonable point. You want your fuel pump next to the last and emergency flashers to be the last active circuit.

Rear lites
 

For the rear running lights, why don't you tap into the trunk lite circuit? Should be pretty simple to do and easy to run the wires. Would this work?

Henry