A straightforward mod to add DRL's

[wjlknew]

We recently purchased a 2010 Rogue SL with only a couple of accessories added. We wanted a quality basic vehicle and are delighted with our choice. This forum helped us make the buying decision. I want to thank everyone and return the favor if I can.

The only thing I didn't like about the Rogue was the lack of daytime running lights, so I researched after market generic mods but was underwhelmed by what I found. That isn't to say these mods are not quality products, but every one I found has some undesirable "side effect" ... like losing use of the high beams, etc. What I really wanted was the Canadian DRL system (a simple but clever wiring scheme that uses the high beams at half power as DRL's), but quickly decided that adding the components (relay, fuse, wiring, reprograming the body control module, etc). simply was not feasible.

However, it looked like if the Canadian system couldn't be practically duplicated, it could be easily imitated by simply inserting a SPDT relay into the right high beam circuit and using the parking light circuit as a sensor for the relay. I did just that and it works like a charm at a cost of approximately $10 US. Here is how: I mounted a standard automotive relay on a body brace under the hood at the right front just under the windshield washer fluid storage bottle using a metric #6 x 1" round head machine screw. (There are two unused threaded holes already in the brace.) The relay comes with a prewired 5 wire socket. I then tapped the right parking light +12v and ground wires just behind the light socket using scotchloks ... white relay wire to gray parking light wire and black relay wire to black parking light wire. I then cut the black ground wire to the right high beam (about half way between the light socket and its wire bundle) and connected the normally open and normally closed relay wires to each exposed end of the high beam ground wire also using scotchloks ... yellow relay wire to the cut end nearest the wire bundle and blue relay wire to the cut wire nearest the light socket. Then all that was left was to supply a +12v source with ignition on to the red relay wire ... I tapped the accessory socket just below the heater/ac controls on the center console because it was easy to get to AND it finished the mod staying away from the "intelligence" wiring altogether, also by doing it that way every wire from the relay is already fused. That was it.

The result works almost identically to the Canadian system When the engine is running, the DRL's are on. When the light switch is on (at night or in really low visibility) the relay activates turning the DRL's off and returning the high beams to their normal operation. The sequence is automatic.

An earlier thread on a DRL mod pointed out there MAY be a need to turn the DRL's off ... like at a drive in theatre or parking on Lovers Lane (in weather either hot enough or cold enough to require the engine running) where DRL's on wouldn't be terribly desirable. The last time I did either of those things was in 1957, so I don't see that as a big problem. However, if someone does all you need do is insert an appropriate "DRL On/Off" switch in the +12v wire from the center console. (I would avoid the parking brake switch to again stay away from the more sensitive wiring.)

I apologize for the length of this post, but the install is really simple. I have a combination schematic/wiring diagram and a photo of the installation which I will be happy to email if anyone is interested ... or paste the link below into your browser to see diagram and photo.

Thanks again for your unknowing help in deciding on the Rogue. I look forward to being a member of the forum.

picasaweb.google.com/wjlknew/RogueDRL?feat=directlink

Modified by wjlknew at 12:43 PM 12/29/2009
Modified by wjlknew at 12:55 PM 12/29/2009

[ozymandyaz]

I fully intend to give this a try on an '08 Rogue and will give an update once complete.

[Pescakl1]

First of all, Welcome to the forum.

Nice and cheap mod, congratulations, that is impressive.If you could put the pictures on this thread, it would be nice for other members that want to do this mod which probably will go in the FAQ.

One last thing, but that is just a detail: In Canada, DRLs are switched off only when the Low beams are on. When you turn the parking lights on, the DRLs are still on. So, if you want to be strictly like the canadian DRL, you just have to link the relay to the low beam wiring instead of the parking lights.

Thanks for sharing.

[wjlknew]

Thanks for the welcome.

I would have posted the photos to this thread, but did not know how to accomplish that. I have since deleted the photos from my PC, so I suppose the link to Picasa is the best I can do.

I was not aware of the Canadian requirement for daytime running lights when the parking lights are on, but since I was always taught that parking lights are one thing only ... parking (and living in the States)... that was not a consideration for me. You are right in that the low beams can be tapped just as easily. The two connectors are within inches of each other.

I hope others will avail themselves of this mod. It really is easy and works perfectly. The main thing I like about this approach is that none of the "smart" computer wiring is utilized in any manner whatsoever.

Sorry about the photos.

[Elton Noway]

Thanks for the welcome.

I would have posted the photos to this thread, but did not know how to accomplish that. I have since deleted the photos from my PC, so I suppose the link to Picasa is the best I can do.

Here are your photos: (By the way... could you identify the "Part Number " of the relay you used and where you purchased it from?

SCHEMATIC

RELAY INSTALL

If you want a quick way to post pictures in the future and don't care about maintaining a online photo database… just use tinypic.com. Its super quick and requires no membership, no application, no user id and no need to provide your email address!

Simply navigate to tinypic.comClick on Browse (no need to enter Tags) Navigate to the picture on your computerClick on Upload Now

(the window below will appear) just follow the instructions (red text)

______________________________________________

If you want to an alternate way to post photos or want maintain a database of your photos then follow these most excellent step-by-step instructions. (as found in the Help section of this forum):

zer...tures

Modified by Elton Noway at 3:53 PM 3/10/2010
Modified by Elton Noway at 3:55 PM 3/10/2010

[Father Biff]

I dont know if this makes a difference, but just wanted to point out that the DRL on the canadian rogue uses the low beams only.

Also, why haven't DRL's become standard on american vehicles? It's a proven fact that they reduce accidents...

[wjlknew]

Elton,

Thanks for the info on uploading photos.

The part number and supplier are exactly as they appear in quotation marks on the schematic: "OEM style SPDT relay + harness 12V DC 40 amp"The supplier is Specialty Electronics. A search on EBay should turn it up. The cost was only $2.98 plus $2.98 shipping, and it arrived just a few days after I ordered. The other parts came from a local auto supply store ... screw, scotchloks, cable ties, about 10 feet of wire for the 12volt switched power, and a small grommet.

[wjlknew]

Father Biff,

Unless Nissan has changed its design, the Canadian daytime running lights are the high beams wired in series when activated, which would probably appear to be about the same brightness as the low beams. This mod utilizes that design.

[rjchoops]

Not to take anything away from this mod. The one I bought uses the high beans at 75% brightness and also allows the high beams to work properly at night.http://www.autobarn.net/des20013.html

[wjlknew]

rjchoops,

That is good if you feel the higher output is a plus. How simple is the installation? It looks pretty simple.

My mod also allows the high beams to operate normally when the light switch is on. The daytime running lights only operate when the light switch is off, but the ignition is on. Losing full use of the high beams was what I found objectionable in some kits.

[wjlknew]

Father Biff,

I don't know why daytime running lights are not standard on American cars. They are standard on probably all GM cars. I don't know about Ford. The imports are the ones where they are universally missing ... Nissan, Toyota, etc. I don't think it would cost Nissan more than $20 to put the Canadian design on all models. All it would take is a relay, a little wiring and reprogramming a control module. (The space for the relay is already in the fuse box.)

Who knows.

I do know one thing though. We are delighted with our Rogue.

[Elton Noway]

Not to take anything away from this mod. The one I bought uses the high beans at 75% brightness and also allows the high beams to work properly at night.http://www.autobarn.net/des20013.html

Yep... there was also a similar unit that was discussed at length in this forum... the Directed Electronics 545T Nite-Lite System. (DEI 545T)

o Automatic (on/off) headlight activation system triggered by Electronic Photo-Cell that automatically sense darkness (NOTE: System requires 5 seconds of darkness to turn headlights on and 30 seconds of continuous light to turn them off )

o Headlights are automatically activated when the windshield Wipers are activated. Lights will turn off 30 seconds after wipers are turned off.

o Includes the option of enabling Daylight Running Lamps with Ignition On for additional safety

o Headlights can be optionally activated by use of alarm trigger (activating or deactivating security system)

o Adjustable Turn-Off Delay feature for safety (between 1 and 150 seconds elapsed time) thus allowing headlights to light your path as you leave or approach your vehicle for added safety.

Kit includes Control Module, Photo-Cell, Two Relays, By-Pass Switch and wiring harnesses.

Here's the forum thread:

zerothread?id=434881

Always plenty of them on eBay:http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_n...l1313
Modified by Elton Noway at 11:17 PM 3/10/2010

[Leo2005]

In my opinion like I said before get a strip of leds and connect it to ignition wire. This way it would look better also it will be cheaper and easier (well...maybe not easier because you have to get a wire inside).Vehicle Ignition Wire (+): Pink as usual it is located underneath a steering wheel or behind a speedometer:

[ThandaPani]

Question:

Can I use a similar relay to connect an aftermarket fog light which will be triggered on when the low beam is on?

[Leo2005]

Question:

Can I use a similar relay to connect an aftermarket fog light which will be triggered on when the low beam is on?

Yes you can. You can even use next diagram but instead of ignition wire you will use headlight power and instead of the switch you can put a fuse (just in case).

[gpsmoucer]

Regarding the drive-in movie situation, how is that handled with cars that have DRLs? I previously had a car with them, but can't remember if they turned off when I turned the automatic lights off, or not.

[ThandaPani]

Thanks.... I don't know why I just couldn't get my head around this simple solution...I have an aftermarket Fog light which I intend to connect with a relay hooked up to the low beam for trigger. Will share my experience soon....

[ThandaPani]

Since it seems that there are people here who knows about car electronics quite a lot, I have this question that came into my mind.

I was watching someone hooking up LED lights directly to the headlight. Wouldn't it put pressure on the line and cause the fuse to be blown out? Or I am thinkning wrong?

[Pescakl1]

LEDs draw only few mA from the line. You will need to put a lot on the car (Think Carnaval type of car) in order to blow the fuse.

[bresna]

I have an aftermarket Fog light which I intend to connect with a relay hooked up to the low beam for trigger.

In some states, it's illegal to have fog lights on at all times. Not only that, but they can be very annoying to oncoming traffic if they are too bright.

[Pescakl1]

Not only that, but they can be very annoying to oncoming traffic if they are too bright.

How that?
Fog lights, if installed correctly (i.e. like OEM), cannot blind incoming traffic as they are aimed low and most of them have cut off to avoid any glare going up.
These lights are used to look under the fog, aiming them high goes against their purpose.

If I had fogs on my car, I would use them as DRL as they are less annoying to incoming traffic than high at half intensity (especially at dawn).

[m462140]

Hey Elton, what is "RP" and "RHI" and will this set up allow me to run my highbeams at a lower setting? I don't want to use my lowbeams since they are HID.

Thanks,

[zengshengliu]

I am planning to install an aftermarket DRLs to my Rogue.
http://www.carid.com/2008-nissan-rogue- ... 99582.html
I want to wire it so that it will turn on as soon as the engine is on, and off when engine is off
I know there are kits out there that takes power from head light, but it only works when headlight are off
(I want it on even when highlight is on)
I also saw another post about connecting it to the ignition wires, but I don't want to wire it to the dash.
Is there a power source under the hood which I could "borrow" the power?

[Leo2005]

That's expensive led set but probably worth it. Under the hood near the battery there's fuse box. Can't really tell you which fuse you should use because my car in body shop right now (someone hit my door) but you can check the voltage with volt meter. I'm pretty sure you can use fuel pump fuse source for it.

[zengshengliu]

Sorry I never tap a fuse before so I am not sure how to do it.
Is it possible to give me a more detailed instruction?
Also, I was looking at the instruction manual for the light
http://www.carid.com/images/xenon-hid-k ... lation.pdf
I see 3 wires but not sure what they are for.
Can you talk a look?

[Leo2005]

Looks like this setup has internal relay but not sure 100% what gray wire is for but I have a feeling if you have DRL in you headlights then you connecting black one to DRL/high beam and gray goes to low beam so this way when you turn the headlights on high beam goes off but led set will stay on. Other than that I don't see any use in this wire since you can simply connect black one to ignition source and put some tape on gray wire as showed in option B.
To tap a wire to the fuse all you need is a fuse tap. Remove the fuse from the fuse box and place the fuse tap at the end of the fuse and reinsert the fuse back into the fuse box. The fuse tap will be held in place by the pressure of the fuse against the fuse box terminal. That's it. Fuse tap should look something like that:

[zengshengliu]

So black one to power source, brown one to ground, and just tape the grey one together am I correct?

[Leo2005]

Yep. You better post some pics over here after installation so we can see final result

[zengshengliu]

haha I will. I am ordering it right now :-)

[Leo2005]

Here's another thought on that. You can use a relay or try to play with gray wire if it would work. Connect that gray wire to turn signal and your led will flash like a turn signal. If this set will not work when 2 power sources turned on then you could use a relay from auto zone and make it work as DRL and as turn signals at the same time. Hmm. If you like this idea you should get something like that with dual colors:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... MEWAX%3AIT
I will like this idea even more if someone get it installed into the headlights.