Adding Daytime Running Lights
 

My question about adding daytime running lights is in the context of a new law in California that requires headlights to be on when the windshield wipers are on. The reference for this is a revision to California Vehicle Code §24400, which goes into effect July 1, 2005. Basically, there is no way that I will remember to turn on headlights when I have my wipers on, so this seems a good way to avoid a ticket.

I've seen adding daytime headlights as a job in the 126 service manual, and it states it applies to Canadian cars only. Has anyone retrofitted this to their car? If so, has it been successful? I remember reading the actuator for these is not 100% reliable.

Since I have the E-code headlights on my W126 with the "City" lights connected, I thought I could have the City lights be the daytime running lamps, much like American cars. The hardware looks minimal and adding the circuit didn't appear too difficult. Any thoughts?

Most obliged,

Casey

I always turn my fog lights on in the rain - much easier just to do that and make it a habit than try to rewire the car.

It will be interesting to see how this new law is enforced. For sure most are not aware or will forget to turn on lights when they turn on the wipers.

This will give police another "probable cause" to stop you if your lights are not on and it's raining. I think the intent is good, but the actuality will be much different than the intent.

Duke

I turn my lights on everytime I get in my car (just fogs or all). Been doing it for years. Just habit. My version of Daytime-runners.
I did add bulbs in my euro reflectors for "city" light effects that look sweet for daytime lights.
Jus my 2c.
-M-

Hey guys, how about giving the rest of the driving public a break and don't add the extra lights that only serve to blind the oncoming drivers. The stock headlights are made to conform to US standards and if everyone stayed with those I and most everyone I know won't have to be annoyed and possible put in a hazardous situation from extra-bright and poorly aimed boy's toys.

If you want to stand out, add a bumper sticker or curb feelers, I'm tired of squinting while driving at night. (It is fun to vent!)

Tim

ccooper

Our local Canadian Tire ( same as your Autozone ) sells Daytime running light modules.
They cost about $ 20.00, and activate your headlights, as soon as they monitor an rpm signal ( via an inductive wire wound around a coil-or sparkplugwire).
Only problem is " real " DRL's only turn on the headlights at about 60 % intensity, to avoid replacing bulbs too often, while also reducing glare. ;)

Well said! I get an (angry) kick out of the ricer kids who have to drive up and down our well-lit main drag with their fog lights burning.

As for making daytime running lights happen, I was planning to make the city light bulbs in my eurolamps serve this purpose. Since they are 5w bulbs, I figured I could just splice them into any 12V+ lead at the fuse box that is switched with the ignition.

Good luck!

Chris

Hey Tim,
The extra bulbs in mine are very dim and only serve to make the headlights "glow" slightly when just the fogs are on. Just like the ones that come standard (w124 euros) in the fogs that make them glow when just the headlights are on. Just for looks, and my own safety so people see me , wouldn't effect anyone elses vision.

The Hella driving lights you see under the bumper in my avatar are a different thing entirely! :cool: Blind the hella out of anyone, but I only use them at night w/ the highbeams on country roads (and never on the freeway, unless I'm in Montana or the desert somewhere :D ).

I believe that ccooper is just trying to find a way to get his headlights to come on when the car is running. Nothing more or less. Just trying to avoid tickets and bee seen, so he doesn't pull a James Dean....

-M-

The "wipers on - lights on" rule has been a NJ law for several years now. It's really no big deal to remember. Once you start seeing a lot of other cars with their lights on in the rain, a light will come on in your head, just like in the cartoons, to remind you to turn the headlights on. :sun_smile

All that said, I drove to work in the rain last week with my lights off & didn't notice 'til I hit the parking lot. Well, it WAS only four miles, but I forgot. duh. I also went by a cop at 50mph in a 35 zone :eek: this AM & he didn't care. Thank goodness for small favors. :P

There is no way a cop will actually get out of the car while it is raining, unless the infraction is really severe or there is an accident.

Daytime Running Lights (kit)
 

You can get a kit from Automotive electronic accessories. It applies a reduced voltage to your low beams. The cost is $38.50, the web site is www.automotiveelectronicaccessories.com

Running reduced voltage shortens the life-span of
halogen bulbs. Big deal-- they are cheap.

Turn off your fog lights if it is not foggy.
Turn off your headights unless it is dusk-dark.

As a motorcyclist, I constantly experience acts of omission/stupidity/
negligence by car drivers.

Motorcycles have been mandated to run the headlight for years, as well as
emergency vehicles.

When every vehicle on the road is running fog-lights or DRL's,
people get lazy and tune out the lights.

Not conjecture, I've seen it on a regular basis.

The life you save may just be someone you care about.
Or it may be me.

If you doubt the "saturation effect" I describe,
look around a parking lot the next time a car alarm goes off--
Does anyone react?

Todd.
2001 Moto Guzzi California EV
I RODE to Wisconsin from Houston for the weekend last summer--
(Not a Harley poser)

Todd,

Well said. In 1983 I made two roundtrips from Dallas to Chicago non-stop on my 1980 CB750F. That was with a Ontario Moto tech 864 kit, stage 3 cams, 900F valves (1mm larger) a hand built D & D pipe (a 900F fitted to 750 head), MTC rods, Keihin 33mm Smooth bores, undercut trans, Fox shocks, Cal-Fab swingarm, EPM magnesium wheels and it was geared for 155mph at redline and I hit it on several occasions. The seat was cut down which made for a lot of soreness. Serious biking. Made more serious by a lot of idiot drivers.

Tim