I like having just the lower parking lights on while the car is on, and then turn off when car is off(like the headlights do). I do not have auto headlights, and when i turn the car off, and I have turned the parking lights on while driving, they do not turn off......any ideas? Is there a programming deal i can do(for a novice?)?

 

Have you considered just piggyback wiring them to a circuit on the car that's only hot when the ignition is on (like the cigarette lighter)? I think you'd have to continue to have them wired to their oem circuit or you'd get a "bulb out" indication. If voltage feedback proves to be a problem you could resolve that with a couple of diodes in the oem circuit. Did you want the tail lights on as well?

 

That is why they are called "parking lights" they are supposed to be on when parked if you have them on. It is "Exactly" how they are designed to work.


NO there is no 'easy' programming that can be done to turn them on and off with the car. It may be able to be done with NCS Expert but that programming can be rather difficult to do if you do not know what you are doing and it can really really really screw your car up if done wrong.

 

That could be done but they MUST be disconnected from the lighting circuit they are on if this is to be done.

Wicked bad idea. This WILL cause problems with the footwell module and could cause some serious and costly damage.


If they are disconnected from the parking light circuit then yes you will get a light out indication.

As for a diode or two in the circuit to eliminate feed back. Yes that could be done but I personally would not trust it. If they fail you could cause major damage to the footwell module.

 

Sounds like it would be a mess, and not a beginner DIY project to take on....will leave well enough alone, thanks for the insight though......

 

Nothing with the electronics in this car and most others built these days are easy. Many of the systems are computerized and as such not easy to deal with.

 

My suggestions will provide power to the parking lights anytime the ignition is on. Diode(s) will prevent feedback to the ECU. That was what the OP wanted to do. Alternatively, the OP could install a headlight reminder (about $7 from J C Whitney) to remind him to turn off the parking lights when he leaves the car.

 

First of the lights are not handled by the ECU (engine control unit) they are handled by the Footwell Module and if for any reason one of those diodes failed he would be looking at $1000+ to get Footwell module replaced.

Now that could be done and would be the cheapest alternative.

 

I surrender to your superior knowledge of all things electrical.

 

Program the lights with NCS Expert.

That is how I have my car setup. The two front city lights only are on when the car is running. Basically I changed the DRL configuration (where all of your lights are on) to just those lights.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t-stuff-3.html

Here is my car with this programming: