hey all, i was looking for some info. i was thinking that i generally drive with my lights on, always have, but in the TS there is no warning to say that you have left them on :nuts: and every now and again i leave them on :redface: i have the driving lights wired in with the parkers so they stay on and drain the bat pretty fast.

so here is my question. its there something that only get power when the engine is running (and dont say wheels :belt: ) cos i would like to wire them up such that the relay is triggered when the engine is running, not just when the key is in the on possie.

any ideas?

Nothing for when the engine is running, but you could wire it through accessories power, so the key needs to be in and turned at least 1 click for the headlights to operate.

Trigger it off your fuel pump ;)

Your ECU will run the fuel pump for 3 seconds when the key is switch to on, and then whenever it detects RPM. Make sure it is just to trigger a relay, or you will burn out the fuel pump/EFI fuse.

Is that what you are chasing?

PS: Driving lights are for tossers, and it's illegal.

If you like, i can draw a diagram with the pin to connect to and what needs 12v. Remember the ECU switches earth, so don't put 12v on both sides of the relay or you will damage the fuel pump transistor or blow fuses.

Trigger it off your fuel pump ;)

Your ECU will run the fuel pump for 3 seconds when the key is switch to on, and then whenever it detects RPM. Make sure it is just to trigger a relay, or you will burn out the fuel pump/EFI fuse.

Is that what you are chasing?

PS: Driving lights are for tossers, and it's illegal.

If you like, i can draw a diagram with the pin to connect to and what needs 12v. Remember the ECU switches earth, so don't put 12v on both sides of the relay or you will damage the fuel pump transistor or blow fuses.

yeah, thats the kind of thing that i'm after, i often have just my sterio going or have my ipod charging in the carso i leave it on acc often so i was hoping for one that comes on with the engine, that way i dont have to worry about it.

the driving lights are not aftermarket ones, they are the ones in the diamante front bar (see profile pic) so i dont think they are illegal, i have driven past cops with them on heaps of times and been pulled over once with them on, never mentioned anything. i just generally drive with lights on and if i could figure out how to do it automatically then that would be awesome.

so could you show us how its done, that would be great:D

yeah, thats the kind of thing that i'm after, i often have just my sterio going or have my ipod charging in the carso i leave it on acc often so i was hoping for one that comes on with the engine, that way i dont have to worry about it.

the driving lights are not aftermarket ones, they are the ones in the diamante front bar (see profile pic) so i dont think they are illegal, i have driven past cops with them on heaps of times and been pulled over once with them on, never mentioned anything. i just generally drive with lights on and if i could figure out how to do it automatically then that would be awesome.

so could you show us how its done, that would be great:D

driving lights also known as 'fog lights' or wanker lights are illegal to use during normal weather from memory the NSW fine is 3 points and a 75 dollar hit. Its not worth it to have them on because you will eventually get fined for it and it annoys the crap out of a lot of motorists on the roads.

You could also put in a buzzer that once you open the door it buzzes to tell you the lights are still on, 3rd gens have this feature but you can buy the buzzers for 10 bucks or so from an auto shop.

They're fine when used in the right time and place, not to mention they're factory Mitsubishi lights. "Driving lights are for tossers" is just a bit uncalled for. Although I can see what you're getting at, having 2 massive lights blaring in your face from a car coming the opposite direction.

wow, i had no idea ppl got so touchy about driving lights :confused:

after speaking to a mate of mine who is in training for the motorcycle department of the cops he said as long as they are not too bright and aimed properly then its fine. mine are the standard globes and are aimed down, light up about 2-3 m infront of the car, and are not as bright as my normal headlights. thats why i want to wire them up, not the main lights.

i drive with them on cos i always have, my parents do, all the driving courses i have done have told me to. so i do. i dont think its a wank factor at all, see and be seen :cool:

Yeah Doug's right for here in SA. I asked a few boys in blue that have come through my work. The problem could be when you get one in a bad mood as there is no leagle line as to what is too bright.

I know in QLD you are only allowed a certain amount of wattage for head lights. Most standard head lights are rated for this wattage, and any addition forward facing lights must then have 0 watts :) High beams are unlimited, hence you can have them on when your high beams are on.

I'll draw up your diagram now mate, wont be long.

Oh, does anyone know if the factory switch switched earth or 12v?

Are you any good with a multimeter Doug?

Hmmmmmmmmm I had my diamante bar lights on for a good six months, never got pulled over while driving with them on even driving around police... I'd expect the bulbs are the correct wattage to be used in conjunction with headlights as they don't burn your eyeballs when you're driving in front of a magna with a diamante bar. I had my switch as a relay triggering from high beam current with a switch, which afaik is the legal way to wire them up. That said, they still worked with standard headlights.

+1 to triggering headlight alert off fuel pump

Oh, does anyone know if the factory switch switched earth or 12v?

Are you any good with a multimeter Doug?

yeah mate, I can handle one, dont have one but im sure i can borrow one from somewhere.

Okay well do you want a over-ride or just if the switch is on and the car is running then the lights are on?

wouldn't mind a switch but if if thats too hard then dont worry about it. but i was thinking that i would just put a switch on the trigger line as i run it through the cabbin.