Aftermarket Daylight Running Lights

[Chippymintern]

To all autoelectricians and the knowledgable out there, I am considering installing some DRL's but here is the rub......

I currently have angel eyes fitted which replace the side lights, now what I want to do is switch the DRL's off when I switch side and main lights on.

I am thinking of fitting an inline diode but I am having difficulty in getting my head around the circuitry.

Can anyone give me some advice on this, and is the inline diode the way to go, and if so what rating and an idea of how the circuit should look like.

Thanks

Derek

P.S. Posted this on the other forum that shall not be named, although I usually get a good response off this one.:silvertri

[Gavin]

Re: Aftermarket Daylight Running Lights

Think you'll be wanting a relay in there somewhere, not a diode.

[10:45PM]

Re: Aftermarket Daylight Running Lights

Are the angel eyes your proposed DRL's?

Yes , a DPDT relay would/could switch in (or out) another circuit (drls) when the first circuit (side and heads) gets energised.

A diode would be useful (required really) strapped across the coil of the relay in question (Normal practice to kill/snub the pulse generated each time you connect/disconnect the relay coil.)

[10:45PM]

Re: Aftermarket Daylight Running Lights

like so on my roughly painted circuit

[Chippymintern]

Re: Aftermarket Daylight Running Lights

The angel eyes will be separate, I am thinking of putting the DRL's in the small orrifices (or is that orrifi?) where the external temp sensor is which of course will be relocated.

That's really useful to know about relays and correct use of the diode, I shall have a play in the next couple or three weeks with some temporary wiring and bulbs, thanks both.

[davros7760]

Re: Aftermarket Daylight Running Lights

The vast majority of relays already have the suppression diode built in -no real need to worry about fitting another(on more thing to go wrong)

[10:45PM]

Re: Aftermarket Daylight Running Lights

IF there isn't a diode in place across the coil of the relay, you must fit one, in my circuit above it would need to be pointing north (cathode (or the line) nearest to the 12V (relay activation))

a 1N4002 will do the trick.

[lalli_d1]

Re: Aftermarket Daylight Running Lights

when your done could you post the wiring cos im intrested in having DRL. itll stop my dad shouting at me for hacing my lights on!

[10:45PM]

Re: Aftermarket Daylight Running Lights

updated the ^^ attachment ^^ to include the diode if required

[Chippymintern]

Re: Aftermarket Daylight Running Lights

Hi Trouble (and anyone else),

I have yet to try out the wiring diagram but I now have all of the bits. From the understanding of your drawing (and my lack of technical knowledge) I have a standard 12v 4 pin switching relay with integral 30a fuse.

I have studied your diagram and have assumed the following:

DRL Wiring.JPG


Does this look right? or am I completely barking up the wrong tree? Weather permitting I am probably going to do the job on Thursday.

Cheers

Derek

[BBE]

Re: Aftermarket Daylight Running Lights

Ditch the diode, it does not belong in that place.
Will still work, but not needed.
A diode normally goes in paralell to the relay coil (between 85 and 86) as a spike supressor, but again not strictly needed.
If you add it to this place, then you need to turn it around so that the catode is towards pin 86 in your case.
Bjorn

[10:45PM]

Re: Aftermarket Daylight Running Lights

Ditch the diode, it does not belong in that place.

Of course it does.....

Unless as suggested the relay already has one fitted as an extra by the manufacturer.
It suppresses the reverse EMF which is generated across the coil when the coil is switched in and out. This EMF can damage other items on the same circuit.!!!

A diode normally goes in paralell to the relay coil (between 85 and 86) as a spike supressor, but again not strictly needed.

It IS across the coil in my circuit !!!

If you add it to this place, then you need to turn it around so that the catode is towards pin 86 in your case.
Bjorn

Cathode points to the + supply side, again, as in my circuit !!

85,86

I didn't mention using automotive relays:wag:

[Mr T]

Re: Aftermarket Daylight Running Lights

Hi Trouble (and anyone else),

I have yet to try out the wiring diagram but I now have all of the bits. From the understanding of your drawing (and my lack of technical knowledge) I have a standard 12v 4 pin switching relay with integral 30a fuse.

I have studied your diagram and have assumed the following:

[ATTACH]2813[/ATTACH]


Does this look right? or am I completely barking up the wrong tree? Weather permitting I am probably going to do the job on Thursday.

Cheers

Derek

From your drawing the DRL's will only be on if you've got your sidelights on.
Is this what your trying do achieve?
If not, you need to use a relay with a normally closed contact, which will open when you switch the side lights on therefore turning the DRL's off. :goodlk:

[10:45PM]

Re: Aftermarket Daylight Running Lights

I've completely missed chippyminterns post and attachment.

The diode is def. in the wrong place in your picture.
As said spin it round and stick it across the coil (to have it 'pointing' at the supply

As Mr T says, you've also got the wrong sort of relay .... it's a NO (normally open) , I was using a changeover NC (normally closed) type in my example
Normally closed With no power to the coil, as shown/assumed in my pic, these contacts are connected, when power is applied that connection breaks and the connection is then made to the other terminal (The lower one in my circuit)
You make whatever circuit you want from that.

You don't need to use an automotive relay, any 12V DC one will do.. Maplins etc should have one for you (single or double pole changeover type)

Sorry BBE , thought you were referring to my pic and not chippys

[Chippymintern]

Re: Aftermarket Daylight Running Lights

Cheers Mr T I'll pop over to Maplins tommorrow and pick one up.