ShadowRotor

So I've been searching and can't find an answer to this question that I have.

Basically I have some aftermarket LED's I want to install on my headlamps much like the Audi style lamps. I want to run them with my fog light switch on the light stalk behind the steering wheel but I've encountered a problem. In my searching I've found out that the OEM fogs get their power from the headlights. These are just LED light strips, with the average positive and ground wires coming off of them.

I don't know where to connect the wire so that I can control them with the fog light switch. If that isn't doable what about through the parking light circuit? I read about that on another thread. Fact is I'm lost.

dino1now

The fogs will only come on if the headlights are on dipped beam, so you are better off either running them off the side lights or as they are like DRL's have them come on with the ignition. Either way connect the +ve to a suitable live in the fuse box. I would use the ignition relay and have them come on with ignition 2. The earth can be connected to one of the headlight mounting bolts. You can also fit a relay to make them go off when the headlights are on. There is a DIY guide on the RX8OC in the UK. http://www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk/forum...p?f=30&t=35548

gabrod72

From your post, it seems like you've already answered your own question... If you want to control them from the fog switch, then just run them in parallel with the fogs - meaning you tap into both wires on the fogs for + and - (technically, you can tap into + and use a chassis ground for - if you'd like.) It would be important to check that the existing wiring on the fogs can handle the extra current (the A or mA spec should be included in your LED strips.)

Also, the strips have two wires right? It would be pretty easy to see one with three wires for an enable switch of sorts, in which case you'd have to fins the switch wire that connects to the fog switch itself - which is another story.

ShadowRotor

[QUOTE=gabrod72;4028008]From your post, it seems like you've already answered your own question... If you want to control them from the fog switch, then just run them in parallel with the fogs - meaning you tap into both wires on the fogs for + and - (technically, you can tap into + and use a chassis ground for - if you'd like.) It would be important to check that the existing wiring on the fogs can handle the extra current (the A or mA spec should be included in your LED strips.)

I thought about that however my fogs were removed when the previous owner installed a new bumper and I have yet to check what wiring is there now, how to get to it or even if it'd work.

I do like the idea of running them through the ign2 as a back up but I would like some control over them. but I don't know.

And so the fogs come on with the dipped dim lights, not the parking lights?

dino1now

In the UK fog lights will only come on if dipped beam is on, yours may be different. If you want full control of the LED's and you have no fogs fitted, why not wire the +ve to your accessories circuit or( to a permanent live, but you run the risk of a flat battery if you leave them on) and take the -ve through the fog light switch to ground. You can disconnect any wires on the fog light switch as they are doing nothing and use it to turn your LED's on and off. If you choose to use a permanent live you could run a buzzer through the accessories switch via a relay to warn you they are on if you turn the ignition off. So they would act the same as the side lights but on a separate switch.

If you want them to operate as the fogs do, then connect up to the old wires or the fuse box relay and you will also get a light on the dash when they're on.

ShadowRotor

Ok so I wired up everything the way the UK RX8 Owners club DIY forum had said. As of right now the LED's only come on when I switch on the headlights. Any other time they are off. I can't find out how to rewire the relay so that the lights cut off when the headlights come on. Should I not be able to get this to work, I may try to run them permanently on through the fog switch.

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

Yes, the relay gets its power from the headlights.

You would need to cut the black/white wire under the fog relay and give it ignition switch power.

Do you need a wiring diagram?

ShadowRotor

That would be nice actually. And I'm embarrassed to admit it but if it's like some of the other ones I've seen I may need a little explanation to it. I'm not totally lost just sometimes.

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

Send me an email address that can take a 7meg file.

It's pretty clearly laid out, there is a block overview on page 5, then just go to the section you need.

Globetrahter

Are those LEDS in the Headlight lamp or under the headlight lamp?

ShadowRotor

Under, I took off the headlamp and placed them under. If you're crafty enough you may be able to do it without removing the headlamp.

Globetrahter

Where did you get the LED Strip From?

ShadowRotor

LEDglow.com

Globetrahter

Hey, what color are you guys getting for the lights? Are y'all getting Cool White's or Warm White? I know the Cool White have a "HID"ish look and then warm lights are what they are.

Also, which would be the correct ones to purchase on the vleds.com site?

Also, I know y'all are putting these to the bottom of the light, just to verify are you putting these on the bumper under the light or on the actual light?

ShadowRotor

Cool white. I like that look better. And they are attached to the headlamp.

I would probably choose the 36 inch strip. because I don't remember if the 24 is long enough but I think it is.
http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED-B...-p9541164.html

Globetrahter

Thanks Alot for the response