Question about DRL's and relays

manitoba · Post by **manitoba** » Sun Dec 10, 2017 9:05 pm

Hoping someone with electrical experience can confirm this wiring for me. I want to add some secondary lights to the front bumper area to serve as DRL's on my '98 L400 . I had a DRL module wired up from Canadian tire per the included instructions. Problem being is I have the MMCS climate controls on the dash and the DRL module turns my dash lights on all the time as well which means in the day time I can hardly see the LCD screen to adjust the climate settings. I would like to wire up separate lights to serve as my DRLs so when I do switch on the main headlights using the steering column controls it will turn off those secondary DRL lights. But with the main lights OFF (including dash lights) these secondary lights will be on by default. I found this wiring diagram online and I'd like to know if someone can confirm it is correct and if the "negative switch wiring" configuration of the Delica's would change anything...

Using a 5 pin relay:

85- Low beam +V
86- GND
30-IGN+V
87a-DRL+
87- no connection

When IGN ON, 30 and 87a are connected(normally closed), so DRL gets power with IGN ON, when low beam ON, relay switch pole to 87a /87 which isnt connected to anything=no power to DRL

Thanks for any input!

Ralph in Winnipeg · Post by **Ralph in Winnipeg** » Mon Dec 11, 2017 6:51 am

I'm not very good with electrical stuff so I usually attack this problem differently. If you check your cigarette lighter it should be hot and remain hot with the key ON. Tap into that wire and use it to power the lights you want as DRLs (cutting the power to them first). It is a pretty beefy wire so plenty heavy enough to run a few lights. This is my go to method for the minitrucks I import and I did the same thing on my Strada. The running lights are always on when the key is on. Cheap and easy! Ralph in Winnipeg

Davidor · Post by **Davidor** » Fri Dec 15, 2017 12:37 pm

I've wired a few relays into my van for various uses and it definitely sounds like this should work. Depending on the power of your lights you may need to run another relay straight off the batter before this one to supply it with power but I'm hoping what you're planning to use for DRLs aren't that power hungry.

I've got these little yellow LEDs running as DRLs on the front of my van (I actually have them switched inside for stealth mode when required) and they work pretty good.

: Delica-3469.jpg (467.96 KiB) Viewed 4254 times

manitoba · Post by **manitoba** » Fri Dec 15, 2017 12:43 pm

Thanks for the input!

These are the ones I've ordered:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01M0V ... UTF8&psc=1

They fit nicely inside the bumper just under the headlights (4") and have good reviews. 18W each. It seems running a second relay from the battery for ignition power is probably the best way to go.

Davidor · Post by **Davidor** » Sat Dec 16, 2017 7:04 pm

I'd looked at ordering a set of ones like those myself but then figured I wanted more power and put the big square ones in. I did learn that even with spot beam pattern the distance they throw light is pretty dismal. I've got 48w each on mine and while they light up the ground directly in front of the van like daylight it only goes about 10m but does nothing compared to a set of LED headlight bulbs. For DRLs the 18w ones should do great!