Bi-Color LED Switchback Turn Signal DRLs

[Labman2012]

I have been working on the wiring for this and I do not think it is possible without relays. The problem that I had with the setup that you see in the video was power back feeding to the other lights when the running lights were not on. So everytime you get into the vehicle you have to manually turn the light switch to the running lights. I am in a slow process of creating harnesses for these headlights that allow all functions, drl, running lights, turn, ect. This harness will be plug and play. I can help with questions you may have but I don't want to supply the wiring diagram because it is not correct as of this point.

 

[jebt2921]

From the original posting a few years ago on the Hybrid Tahoe that this was done to, it does look like it was wired in a way that you had to manually turn on the DRL's. I guess when your headlights automatically turn on then the DRL's will be on always as well unless you turn them off? But then will the turn signals/hazards still work with the DRL's off?

I might be okay with having to manually turn the DRL's on to get this function, but a simple plug and play harness would be outstanding. Could you answer my questions above? Do you have an ETA on the harness?

I have been working on the wiring for this and I do not think it is possible without relays. The problem that I had with the setup that you see in the video was power back feeding to the other lights when the running lights were not on. So everytime you get into the vehicle you have to manually turn the light switch to the running lights. I am in a slow process of creating harnesses for these headlights that allow all functions, drl, running lights, turn, ect. This harness will be plug and play. I can help with questions you may have but I don't want to supply the wiring diagram because it is not correct as of this point.

 

[Labman2012]

In my setup the drl was eliminated, I used the white from the bicolor as my drl and the amber from the bicolor as my turn signal. I'm not sure on the wiring harness, I could already have it done already but work and school has been killing my free time. I have my setup back to stock now because when I did have it how you see it in the video the leds were too white compared to my headlights so when I change it back I am going to get new headlights as well.

 

[jebt2921]

That totally makes sense. I really appreciate the quick replies. I definitely want to upgrade my hi/lo's as well but thought I'd do this switchback LED project first. I'm contemplating buying them off of V-LEDs or sifting through eBay and buying a similar setup there. Did you use an LED bulb that each LED was bicolor or did it actually have 1/2 amber LEDs and 1/2 white LEDs and they switched back and forth? I've ran across this question multiple times and I'm thinking it might not matter as long as the bulb is quality...

In my setup the drl was eliminated, I used the white from the bicolor as my drl and the amber from the bicolor as my turn signal. I'm not sure on the wiring harness, I could already have it done already but work and school has been killing my free time. I have my setup back to stock now because when I did have it how you see it in the video the leds were too white compared to my headlights so when I change it back I am going to get new headlights as well.

 

[Labman2012]

The switchbacks that I used had half of each. I bought these off of eBay, just make sure they are the correct switchbacks because there are two types. I believe type two are the ones that you need.

 

[jebt2921]

Perfect. Thanks again.

Also I ran across this module http://store.ijdmtoy.com/Auto-LED-Daytime-Running-Light-On-OFF-Switch-p/aa1070.htm that you can install when adding DRL's to a vehicle which will auto turn on/off and wondering if it could help with the manual process your setup had....

The switchbacks that I used had half of each. I bought these off of eBay, just make sure they are the correct switchbacks because there are two types. I believe type two are the ones that you need.

 

[bigmiker21]

Labman let us know if you get that harness worked up, I'd like to add switchbacks to mine

 

[vt_hokie2008]

So here are my ideas. One is the easy way (no DRL, just works with park lights and signals) and the other "should" give you DRL as well as making the sidemarker function as a signal light. This is just a schematic from my head, I don't recall how many wires are on each socket etc. Please let me know if you see something that doesn't make sense or probably wouldn't work. I haven't tried this yet, but plan to.

My main question/concern is I'm not sure if what I have in the schematic would actually work for stopping power from the DRL to enable signaling without the white portion of the LEDs from being lit. Feel free to grab the files and modify them or let me know of some changes and I'll edit them.

These sockets should work to replace the DRL sockets: http://tinyurl.com/l725or2 (or just search amazon/ebay for 3157/4157 Bulb Socket Brake Turn Signal Light Harness Wire LED Pig Tail Plug)

Thanks! Between all of us we can hopefully figure this out.

 

[vt_hokie2008]

No one?

 

[jebt2921]

No one?

I just saw your recent postings here. Have you made an attempt on any of these or are you still in the thought process?

 

[vt_hokie2008]

I just saw your recent postings here. Have you made an attempt on any of these or are you still in the thought process?

I haven't tried it yet due to not being home on weekends (best time to do this stuff) recently and I need more switchbacks (have 2 currently). I'd like to get the idea solidified before I pull the bumper off again, but I figure I'll just be pulling it off and trying things to see what works. I already have the sockets, just gotta buy bulbs and get to work.

 

[jebt2921]

I’m going to sit down with a friend auto mechanic/engineer and try to layout a wiring diagram as well. Keep me posted on anything new you come up with. I'm almost inclined to just bypass the DRL's and have to turn them on manually to run during the day.

I haven't tried it yet due to not being home on weekends (best time to do this stuff) recently and I need more switchbacks (have 2 currently). I'd like to get the idea solidified before I pull the bumper off again, but I figure I'll just be pulling it off and trying things to see what works. I already have the sockets, just gotta buy bulbs and get to work.

 

[vt_hokie2008]

I’m going to sit down with a friend auto mechanic/engineer and try to layout a wiring diagram as well. Keep me posted on anything new you come up with. I'm almost inclined to just bypass the DRL's and have to turn them on manually to run during the day.

That seems pretty easy to do assuming enough power is provided for both bulbs (which I would think it should be given they're both LEDs). Perhaps I'll order the switchbacks and get to work. I'm planning to get them from here:

http://www.corvettemods.com/Corvette-C6-DRL-Switchback-LEDS_p_5537.html

Lifetime warrantied. My current ones are from VLEDs and they're screwing up now with erratic behavior.

 

[jebt2921]

Nice link. I was looking at VLEDs as well but these seem pretty legit.

On a different note, I haven't upgrading my lo's yet (or hi's for that matter) and ran across your thread as to installing yours (which look great). I know it's probably a pain but could you possibly send me a list of what you bought to do yours and specs? I'll PM you my email just in case you'd be willing.

The problem is there's too much online in regards to what you need to buy for a good setup and I'd rather go directly to the source of someone who's done it multiple times.

That seems pretty easy to do assuming enough power is provided for both bulbs (which I would think it should be given they're both LEDs). Perhaps I'll order the switchbacks and get to work. I'm planning to get them from here:

http://www.corvettemods.com/Corvette-C6-DRL-Switchback-LEDS_p_5537.html

Lifetime warrantied. My current ones are from VLEDs and they're screwing up now with erratic behavior.

 

[vt_hokie2008]

Can do, shoot me your email and I'll send you what my experiences have been and my advice due to those.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[jebt2921]

Not sure if my other PM went through but I sent it again just in case. Thanks again.

FYI I've got a hybrid tahoe for any reference needed. I've installed iPod/Bluetooth/USB integration as well as aftermarket roof rack. Lights are next in the agenda.

Can do, shoot me your email and I'll send you what my experiences have been and my advice due to those.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[vt_hokie2008]

Got your messages, Tapatalk told me after the fact haha. I'll send out the info tomorrow, will be easier on a computer rather than my phone

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[jebt2921]

So I've been doing some research on making both the DRL and turn signals on either side operate as both functions at the same time. Here's my thinking:

1) eliminate the DRL altogether.
2) splice in a new piece that's the same as the turn signal so that there are now two turn signals on both sides
3) use a white/amber AO switchback LED (http://autolumination.com/switchback.html) with resistors.
4) Install both blinker LED's in both the normal DRL spot as well as the normal blinker spot on both sides.

Isn't that problem solved? My understanding is that these switchback AO LEDs are lit as white always, then when the turn signal is engaged it blinks Amber - Off - Amber - Off then back to just white once the turn signal is not being used anymore. The mechanics are electric and built into the LED bulb itself.

Please correct me if I'm way off here. The only thing is you might have to turn them on initially when you start the car somehow to function as white for the DRL (or maybe these automatically turn on - I'm not sure about that yet). The last step that could possibly work is splicing in the DRL function WITH the above.

too much coffee this morning!!!

---------- Post added at 10:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:42 AM ----------

In order to have them turn on auto like the DRL are supposed to function might need four diodes for each side to keep the DLR and turn from back feeding to other circuits. My engineer dad says he's got it figured out but I've heard that before

 

[vt_hokie2008]

So I've been doing some research on making both the DRL and turn signals on either side operate as both functions at the same time. Here's my thinking:

1) eliminate the DRL altogether.
2) splice in a new piece that's the same as the turn signal so that there are now two turn signals on both sides
3) use a white/amber AO switchback LED (http://autolumination.com/switchback.html) with resistors.
4) Install both blinker LED's in both the normal DRL spot as well as the normal blinker spot on both sides.

Isn't that problem solved? My understanding is that these switchback AO LEDs are lit as white always, then when the turn signal is engaged it blinks Amber - Off - Amber - Off then back to just white once the turn signal is not being used anymore. The mechanics are electric and built into the LED bulb itself.

Please correct me if I'm way off here. The only thing is you might have to turn them on initially when you start the car somehow to function as white for the DRL (or maybe these automatically turn on - I'm not sure about that yet). The last step that could possibly work is splicing in the DRL function WITH the above.

too much coffee this morning!!!

---------- Post added at 10:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:42 AM ----------

In order to have them turn on auto like the DRL are supposed to function might need four diodes for each side to keep the DLR and turn from back feeding to other circuits. My engineer dad says he's got it figured out but I've heard that before

If the LEDs work that simply, then this could work. What I don't know is if the park lights are on and then you signal, does the park like wire lose power or does the LED switch to signal just from the signal being turned on?

 

[Labman2012]

If the LEDs work that simply, then this could work. What I don't know is if the park lights are on and then you signal, does the park like wire lose power or does the LED switch to signal just from the signal being turned on?

To achieve the look from the video that I posted previously here is what you will need, ** note this setup does require the driver to manually turn the running lights on (turn your light switch 1 notch clockwise - same for turning them off)

4 switchback leds
4 load resisters
2 bulb sockets
2 small pieces of wood

I will include links to the needed materials at the bottom

With the new bulb socket, splice into the existing turn signal wiring (not the drl wiring) when splicing into the turn signal wiring make sure to add in the load resisters otherwise the led will blink really fast. Also add the load resisters to the existing turn signal wiring. The resisters need to interrupt the positive feed to the bulb, this is easily found with a volt meter. You can then cut out the drl wiring and cover the ends so there are no wires shorting out. The new socket does not fit very easy but with some force it will fit and be sealed. If you do cut the drl wiring make sure you connect the grounds together because this is in a series. Once everything is wired insert the bulbs and check the lights to make sure everything works. Glue the thin wood pieces to the back of the housing, this is where you will mount the load resisters, if not mounted on wood they will melt the housing. The diagram that is uploaded May be confusing so if you have questions just ask.

Also I am explaining this from memory so don't mind the jumping around.

https://m.summitracing.com/parts/pco-5447pt

http://m.ebay.com/itm/111038976835?cmd=VIDESC

This is just a quick write up from my phone