Buzz
Consider installing daytime running lights (DRL) to enhance visibility for oncoming drivers when your headlights are off, or simply for a stylish upgrade! An effective method to equip an older vehicle with DRL is by purchasing a universal-mount LED-bulb DRL kit. After selecting your kit, position the lights, connect the control box to the lights and the vehicle's battery, and enjoy a safer and more fashionable drive with your DRL illuminating your path.
Procedures
Attaching the Lights and Control Box
Outline the screw placements using a pencil. Universal-mount DRL kits typically come with 2 LED light bars that fit into separate mounting brackets. Position a bracket (without the light bar) against the vehicle's surface at the desired location, mark the screw holes with a pencil, and repeat for the other bracket.
- To ensure a pleasing aesthetic, take the time to measure and mark symmetrical locations (usually below and slightly inward from the headlights) for the brackets.
- Be aware of local vehicle safety regulations governing DRL placement, such as requirements for height, distance from the vehicle's edges, and angle relative to the headlights.
- While these instructions are generally applicable, they are specifically tailored to one of the most popular DRL kits—the Philips LED Daylight 8 kit. Always adhere to the instructions provided with your specific product when installing running lights.
Securely fasten the brackets to the vehicle body. Align the screw holes in one bracket with the pencil markings, then use an electric screwdriver to insert the provided screws through the holes and into the vehicle's body. Repeat this process for the other bracket. Alternatively, use a power drill to create holes at the pencil marks, then position the bracket over the holes and secure it with screws using a manual screwdriver.
- Another option is to forgo the mounting bracket entirely and attach the light bar directly to the vehicle body using heavy-duty, outdoor-rated double-sided tape. This method may be suitable if you're installing the lights under an air intake grille, for example.
Attach the kit's control box near the vehicle's battery using screws, zip ties, or tape. Regardless of the brand, your kit should include a small control box (usually black) with at least 5 wires extending from it. This control box serves as the central hub of the kit and should be positioned close to the vehicle's battery. Use screws, zip ties, or mounting tape (provided in the kit) to affix the box near the battery, away from heat sources in the engine compartment.
- Look for a location along the perimeter of the engine bay that is within approximately 1 ft (30 cm) of the vehicle's battery.
Guide the wires from the light bars into the engine compartment. Take hold of the wire emerging from the back of one LED light bar and thread it through the back of the bracket, then into the nearest grille or other access point into the engine bay. Pull the wire up and out of the top front of the engine bay for now, and repeat this process with the wire from the other light bar.
- In certain instances, you may need to remove and reinstall the vehicle's front grille to route the wires into the engine bay. Typically, the grille is secured with several screws, but consult your owner's manual for specific instructions.
Insert the LED light bars into the brackets. With most brands, this simply involves pushing the light bar straight into the bracket until it snaps into place. Now that the lights are installed, it's time to focus on correctly wiring everything!
Wiring the Lights, Control Box, and Battery
Connect the wires from the light bars to the corresponding labeled wires from the control box. Typically, two wires from the control box will have clear plastic plugs that snap together with matching plugs at the ends of the wires from the LED light bars. After making the connections, use zip ties to secure the wires along the edge of the engine bay, away from any moving parts or heat sources.
- Consult your product manual to ensure accurate connections.
Detach the cable from the negative terminal of the vehicle battery. Utilize a socket wrench or crescent wrench to loosen the nut securing the thick cable to the negative (black) battery terminal, then remove the cable from the terminal and set it aside. Next, loosen the nut holding the other thick cable on the positive (red) battery terminal, but keep the cable in place.
- Removing the cable from the negative terminal is a safety precaution to minimize the risk of accidental shock.
Connect the red and black wires from the control box to the respective battery terminals. Identify the red and black wires with fork-shaped metal ends emerging from the control box. Slide the prongs of the red wire over the red, positive (+) terminal of the battery, then tighten the nut to secure both the red wire and the thick cable. Similarly, place the prongs of the black wire over the black, negative (-) terminal, reposition the thick cable, and tighten the nut securely.
- Some brands may not feature fork-shaped ends on the wires. Refer to the product manual for specific instructions.
Connecting to Side or Marker Lights
Locate the positive wire for the battery-side marker or side light. Side lights are typically positioned inward of the headlights, while marker lights are commonly found outward. Identify the side or marker light on the same side as the battery, then locate the wires leading into the engine bay. Consult your owner's manual to determine the positive wire, and optionally mark it with tape.
- Depending on your vehicle's make, model, and local automotive lighting regulations, you may have side lights, marker lights, or both. These lights activate when the engine is running without headlights and turn off when headlights are on.
- The objective is to connect your running lights to one of these lights, ensuring they illuminate and switch off simultaneously. Some regions may require running lights to deactivate when headlights are on. If not mandated and you're comfortable with running lights being on whenever the engine is running, you can skip this section entirely.
Overlap the marked wire from the box with the positive wire you located. There should be a single remaining wire (often colored orange) originating from the DRL kit’s control box. Route it around the edge of the engine compartment until it intersects with the positive wire for the battery-side marker or side light.
- This is where you'll join the 2 wires using a T-tap connector, typically included with your kit. If not provided, you can purchase one from an automotive supply store.
Secure one part of the T-tap onto the identified positive wire. T-tap connectors consist of 2 components—a top and bottom part forming a T shape. Open the top portion, place the positive wire inside, and firmly close the top part over the wire.
- Follow the specific instructions provided with your DRL kit or the T-tap connector purchased separately when making this connection.
Secure the control box wire and connect the 2 sections of the T-tap. Open the bottom part of the T-tap, lay the wire from the control box inside, and close the bottom part. Then, join the 2 sections of the T-tap together. The positive wire and the control box wire are now successfully linked.
- Use zip ties to fasten any excess control box wire along the edge of the engine compartment, away from moving components or heat sources.
Shut the hood, start the engine, and test your newly installed running lights. With the headlights off, the DRL should activate immediately upon starting the engine. When you switch on the headlights, the DRL should deactivate within 2-3 seconds. Upon turning off the engine, the DRL should switch off within 15-20 seconds.
- If the lights aren't functioning correctly, review your work based on the product instructions. If you're still unable to identify the issue, seek assistance from a certified mechanic.
Recommendations
- If you're considering installing lights on the running boards instead of daytime running lights, opt for a kit designed specifically for that purpose. While some installation steps may overlap with a DRL kit, always adhere to the product instructions for accurate installation.
