Daytime Running Lights

Mk3 Daytime Running lights

Background

This Mod basically turns on the Sidelights/Dipped Beam headlights as soon as the ignition is in the accessory position or the engine is running even with the headlight switch set to the OFF position.

This mod is switched off as soon as you turn the headlight switch to any other setting than the OFF position.

Parts

Required

Single Pole Single Throw Relay.

Wire ( The amount required will change depending on where you mount the relay ).

Crimp Connections ( types & amounts change depending on how you wire it )

These make life easier for fitting

Scrapyard Headlight Switch Plug ( for the connection plugs from it )

Method

Wire up the relay as shown in the following diagram ( using suitable connectors from the headlight switch plug for pins 4 & 15 of the headlight switch one of these connectors can also be used on C501 too )

Connection to C500 in the diagram is via your preferred method of joining wires.

the connection C500 & C501 you need is shown in the following image

Once those connections are made & the relay is in place then that should be it complete.

Odd Quirk's You Need To Be Aware Off

If you have the drivers door open when you turn the ignition on then you will get a single chirp from the Lights Left ON warning system before it figures out what's happening & switch's off, with the door shut this problem does not happen.

Auto Dipped Beam Lights Add-on

if you have Xenon headlights ( either factor fit/retro-fit ford units or a kit system ) then you may not want the xenons running all the time during the day so this little add-on will help keep the wear & tear of the bulbs to a minimum by only bringing the xenons on when they are needed.

Parts Required

Light Sensor Kit ( Maplins £6 ) Soldering Iron & Solder Wire

Method

this is a quick diagram of the new Daytime running Light Circuit

Build the kit as the manual describes with just 2 minor changes :-

1. Instead of fitting the provided connection pins solder 2 wires direct to the circuit board ( 1 for the ground & will need a ring connection on it & the other needs looping round the the block connector to pickup the power from the running light relay - see later piccy )

2. fit the light sensor diode to a length of wire & not directly to the circuit board. ( i used about 30cm per wire & i had plenty to spare with the unit sat behind the glovebox )

you should end up with something like this thats ready for fitting to the car

the daytime running light relay powers both the circuit board & provides the feed that needs switching by the relay on the circuit, then when the switch activates at the desired level ( adjustable via the dial on the circuit board ) the relay completes the circuit to the fusebox & brings on the headlights.

the tiny light sensor can be placed wherever you want it to be placed to get the best function, i chose to fit it under the dashboard airvent grill in a similar position to the ford sunload sensor & so far it seems to have worked a treat ( its a begger to get a piccy of but you get the idea from the following piccy )

after final tweaking of the sensor circuit to get the desired activation level on a night you should ( hopefully ) not have to touch the headlight switch again.

Submitted by Compuwiz_uk