Im looking to install some PIAA 540s today and I'm interested in wiring them such that I can turn them on regardless of having headlights on. I've seen some lighting instructions here and there but I think I need more help. Any kind soul willing to post instructions or point me in the right direction?...Pictures would be a god-send. I have to admit, I'm a novice when it comes to this type of work.

Thanks for any and all help.

 

Where are you located?

Earl

 

Wisconsin, southeast part.

 

I plan on hooking them up the same way. I want them to work independently by the PIAA switch. Still waiting for mine in the mail.

 

Trust me. You want to wire up driving lights to come on and off with the high beams. Fogs are a different story.

 

>>Trust me. You want to wire up driving lights to come on and off with the high beams. Fogs are a different story.


Why's that? Will it cause an electrical problem if they are independent?

I guess I'm a control freak and would like to have the option to turn them on whenever I want.

 

>>Trust me. You want to wire up driving lights to come on and off with the high beams. Fogs are a different story.

Do you always want your driving lights on when you turn on your high beams??

I believe that may be illegal in CA (not sure but I would check before doing it).

Earl

 

The standard wiring approach includes a switch that allows you to turn off the driving lamps so they never come on but, when switched on, they will switch on and off with the high beams. The only time you will want driving lights on is when the high beams are on, and you really don't want to have to work 2 separate switches when going from low beams to full illumination and back while at speed on a twisty back road.

 

I am waiting arrival of the PIAA Plasma Ion fogs with Mini Cooper brackets.

 

I wired it independently from the high beam.

There's a good wirteup by NAM member hafid. Click here! He wired it to the high beam. Instead of using the power from the high beam, I used a wire that provides power when the ignition is on.

_________________
Terminally infected with the epidemic MINI MOD BUG that's going around NAM

 

Davescumini,
so where is this wire that provides power when the ignition is on? Is your set up such that you can turn on the driving lights any time you want? Any pictures would be of great help.

 

Because I installed several electronic equipments (NAV, V-1, etc...) that required ignition power, I got the power directly from the fuse box, using an add-a-fuse kit (under $10). This is the safest method since the existing factory wires are not tempered, preventing any risk of interfering with factory electrical system.

PIAA is getting its power from the same source, directly from the fuse box. As long as the key is turned to ignition on position, the light can be switched on/off.

_________________
Terminally infected with the epidemic MINI MOD BUG that's going around NAM

 

Bump...

So with all the collective cerebral mass here on NAM no one knows of a way to hook up the PIAAs such that they can be operated independantly from the highbeams/headlights? I figured someone has done this....anyone...anyone...

Easy instructions for an electrically challenged individual would be appreciated. Thanks.




His, Chile RED over, Madness intake, Magnaflow exhaust, Helix 15% Pulley & RDR Swaybar
Hers, Electric Blue / Union Jack on top and BONE Stock

 

I did it,I got power from the brake light switch.I can have them on with low beams,highbeams,parking lights or on their own.

 

minicoop78 did it too...PM him

 

>>So with all the collective cerebral mass here on NAM no one knows of a way to hook up the PIAAs such that they can be operated independantly from the highbeams/headlights?

Hmm... I wonder why so few people have done this... It seems like there are a lot of very experienced drivers on NAM who make informed, considered decisions in setting up their Minis. It just doesn't make any sense... or does it?

 

Is simple....use the switch that comes with the lights. Neg. to chasis, switched 12V, and the other one is for 12v constant. That's all it takes. Use your 12v constant from the engine bay batt. connection, and also the ground to any bolt by the fenders, then go under your steering column and locate a 12V switched power lead,use a test light for this,when you open your ign.switch the test light should light up. and bingo your PIAA led should light up green when the power is connected and the lights are off, and red when the lights are on!. Good luck!

 

I forgot...route all your wires under the hood's insulation so no wires are exposed,and all the way to the hood's right hand side and there you'll see a bundle of wires protected by those coil plastic tubes use this as an anchor for your wires.don't forget to wrap the wires in those plastic covers available at any auto parts store.

 

>>>>So with all the collective cerebral mass here on NAM no one knows of a way to hook up the PIAAs such that they can be operated independantly from the highbeams/headlights?
>>
>>Hmm... I wonder why so few people have done this... It seems like there are a lot of very experienced drivers on NAM who make informed, considered decisions in setting up their Minis. It just doesn't make any sense... or does it?

It's simple to hook up any auxiliary lights on any car. It's not brain surgery. Basically there is a switched lead on the relay. You can activate this with the high beam positive wire, or wire it to the high beam lead, and put a switch in between. this way they will only work with the high beams on. If you wanted them on their own totally independant switch, just wire them to any 12 volt lead. Simple deal. But do you want to have to turn off 2 switches at 100 mph on a dark, twisty road when a car comes the other way all of a sudden?

 

>> But do you want to have to turn off 2 switches at 100 mph on a dark, twisty road when a car comes the other way all of a sudden?

Precisely.

 

Thanks for all the input everyone. I think I'm up to the task. I'll have to see how I tolerate installing these in a freezing cold Wisc garage. I'll be sure to post some pics of the final outcome. XAlfa & 02s79fj40 both make good points.

Thanks again, soon to be illuminated in Wisc.


His, Chile RED over, Madness intake, Magnaflow exhaust, Helix Pulley & RDR Swaybar
Hers, Electric Blue / Union Jack on top and BONE Stock

 

OK, an update for anyone interested in wiring the PIAAs so as to operate independently of the highbeams. Look
here, post by Hatfid on the basic set up on how to wire the lights. Check here for how to get thru the firewall and which fuse to attach the switch power wire to, (#36). The plastic molding beneath the steering wheel just pulls off. I'm not sure where I found that on NAM, but it's out here. Picture of finished project

Good Luck.

 

I have...it's easy and you can do it either way.

PM me.

Sid




>>Bump...
>>
>>So with all the collective cerebral mass here on NAM no one knows of a way to hook up the PIAAs such that they can be operated independantly from the highbeams/headlights? I figured someone has done this....anyone...anyone...
>>
>>Easy instructions for an electrically challenged individual would be appreciated. Thanks.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>His, Chile RED over, Madness intake, Magnaflow exhaust, Helix 15% Pulley & RDR Swaybar
>>Hers, Electric Blue / Union Jack on top and BONE Stock