Daytime Running Lights

[05unlimited]

I just finished the install of a DRL (Daytime Running Light) module in my '81 Scrambler. Works great, no more dead batteries due to leaving the headlight switch on.
During the day, only the headlights come on. There is a photo sensor mounted on the bracket that holds the VIN plate that activates when the sun (or a tunnel)
causes a low light condition, then the parking lamps and dash lights come on. There is also a connection to the wiper motor switch so that when you turn on your wipers,
your headlights come on. There is no need to even touch the headlight switch now. The system I installed is the Directed Electronics 545T Nite-Lite System D

 

[Bad Karma]

Very cool.

personally, I have always deactivated DRLs on all my vehicles. (they are required by law from the factory in Canada). I had a DRL module melt and catch fire in a Grand Cherokee that I had. Since then I have always been paranoid.
One habit I always have done, I always look back at my vehicle when walking away. Never forget your lights on that way!

 

[05unlimited]

I installed a wire harness with relays awhile ago that power the headlights (low and high) directly off of the battery, effectively removing all of the high current that ran through the stock headlight switch. This also made my headlights a lot brighter, So now the switch is just a means of energizing the headlight relays via 12vdc. I attached the module connections that power the lights on the HL switch side so the module acts the same way, as just a switch, no high current. The only splice I needed to make was the running lights and they don't draw too much current. Both the headlight as well as the running light power connections are fuse protected. I also added a fuse to the ground connection.

 

[cdvcj8]

Cool I'll have to look into this myself 👍

 

[jammer1]

Here's a tread on headlight relays. The guy makes a very good setup. Well worth checking out. http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f7/an...-pre-made-head-light-upgrade-harnesses-19110/

 

[05unlimited]

Well, it happened. I fell into the old habit of pulling on the headlight switch on the way home from work Friday. When I got home I didn't remember to push in the switch and left the lights on all night long (the auto headlight switch only works if the light switch is left off). So, now I will build a timer circuit based on a 555 timer and install this circuit in the +12DC power feed into the light switch. Now when I accidently turn on my lights, the timer will cut power to the switch after 30 seconds after the ignition is switched off and turn off the headlights.