Daytime running lights

Has anyone fitted daytime running lights in there bumper.?! I quite fancy doing this and am investigating how others have gone about doing this whilst looking how much it would cost!

Landyfox said:

Has anyone fitted daytime running lights in there bumper.?! I quite fancy doing this and am investigating how others have gone about doing this whilst looking how much it would cost!

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It's very easy. You can get some rectangular ones, check the size of hole required. Cut the hole out with a cutting disc on a grinder and then install the running light into the hole making sure you silicone it in. With the defender bumper you should now be able to see the back so connect 12v and ground and feed the wires along the bumper to a point where you can get them into the beast. I would join the two 12v and two grounds giving two connectors and use an indicator plug and socket (PaulMC) to allow you to remove the bumper at a later time if you ever need to.

Then once inside the landy ground the ground wire and then the 12v wire (from the lights) goes to the output of a relay, connect the ground of the relay to the same ground point, connect the input of the relay to a fused live source and the switch wire goes into the cab to an on/off switch with the other terminal going to side light live. In this configuration you can leave the switch on and the running lights will come on with the side lights but you will have the option of turning them off.

Seal the back of the bumper and jobs done.

If you want more info re using a relay look at my tutorial, it's a VERY quick job.

If you want, I could do this whilst my mate is fitting your transfer box when you want it doing.... I'm picking up the two discos tomorrow if all goes to plan.

Note - I know that you don't technically have to bring the ground through as you could ground it to the bumper BUT if you seal it all up and bring the ground into the engine bay you avoid having as many ground issues later.

Technically the DRL's should come on with the engine and then turn off when the side lights are turned on. Some dim by 50% some turn off.
This is because the DRL's are too bright for night time use hence the name DRL (Day Running Light)
Its okay to have a switch in cab and I believe they are not part of the MOT test YET!!
There is no law as to placement on the vehicle. this only applies to newer cars to get the EC test thingy.
The only law that applies is that lights should not dazzle other drivers.
Some people have won court claims against drivers for causing an accident due to dazzling lights

Just saying like!!!

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/contents/made

Retro Fitted DRL (daytime running lights) Law - MG-Rover.org Forums

My plan was one of two things

Drill circular hole in bumper and fit a circle one. HSS hole cutter from drill - easy.

Or a better option but maybe a bit more expensive

Front LED side light & DRL to suit Land Rover Defender 90 / 110 original factory size [Model 217 Front Position & DRL] - £69.53 : LED Lights, Marker Truck LED Vehicle Lighting Trailers Commercial Lightbars Warning Lights Land Rover

These fit straight in to the original side light hole so no extra cutting or fixing!!!

All above is only my opinion and not meant to offend anyone

James

If you buy just the lights you can buy a control box on ebay I believe.

A link to the circle ones I was looking at?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330929314202?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648
But not sure if they are DRL's or fog lights.
It is illegal to have fogs on when not foggy. Lots of people are turning there fogs on to mimmick
DRL's which blinds other people and P)(*&es me OFF!!!

I have them in mine and the ones in mine once main beam turns on they go off and are only on when sidelights turned off

Great explanation thanks Cowasaki!!

Anyone fitted the rectangular shaped ones into the bumper? Is there enough room without fouling the mounting brackets and end caps?

I think I am gonna buy a durite set, i was going to fit them under the main lights by cutting holes in the wings but the bumper sounds a better idea rather touching the paint.

Does the bumper cut ok without damaging the finish

Regards
Lee

Could just be a rumour but I seem to recall reading somewhere that if you cannot turn them off from the drivers seat and the car was not designed to have DRLs its an MOT fail.

Some good info above though.

Asked a mate who MOTs for bt fleet, didn't know anything about it, not to say it become legislation.

Lee

timc1967 said:

Could just be a rumour but I seem to recall reading somewhere that if you cannot turn them off from the drivers seat and the car was not designed to have DRLs its an MOT fail.

Some good info above though.

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I'm not aware of that mind and would be very supprised if that was true!

Halfrauds

Halfords Advice Centre | Daytime Running Lights UK Law & Regulations

Oscar Romeo said:

Halfrauds

Halfords Advice Centre | Daytime Running Lights UK Law & Regulations

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Thanks for clarifying, it certainly seems like they are fully legit.

Cheers.

I've found this thread as I was considering adding some form of running lamp for those murky days that don't quite justify full headlamps. I used to use the dim-dip function until the relay expired.

What I was thinking is to replace the standard front sidelights with dual-filament ones as used for the brake lights. I'd have them wired so the brighter 'brake light' filament was on when the engine was running and the headlights off, and the dimmer filament functioning as the normal side light. Clear lenses obviously. The advantage is no extra light fittings for a standard appearance.

Would these be bright enough to be of any use during the day?

Look at me lights. Look , im driving a car , look , look at me. lol
I just use my side lights, if someone cant see a big land rover in broad day light they really shouldn't be anywhere near a road.

Why bother with sidelights ? in murky conditions the outline is visible before sidelights are . so use them as parking lights , and if any lighting is needed at all put on dipped headlights Simples These DRLs and auto lights function means more and more clueless wonders are driving around at night with just the \DRLs on

tacr2man said:

Why bother with sidelights ? in murky conditions the outline is visible before sidelights are . so use them as parking lights , and if any lighting is needed at all put on dipped headlights Simples These DRLs and auto lights function means more and more clueless wonders are driving around at night with just the \DRLs on

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Yeah man, I see them as more of a danger than anything else.

Our peugeot has DRL's and they're so bright you can easily think you have the headlights on. Bloody stupid idea as far as I'm concerned. People driving with just sidelights on are just as bad. You either need headlights or you don't.

I can't see the point of having lights on ,unless the the ambient light is poor, if so put dip lights on.

When I'm driving home after work , broad day light and I get people flashing me because my lights are off,....