Hello everyone, i've used this 4rum for long time but just registered an acct this morning.
I have 2 questions that need to be answered but i can't find. So please help me if you guys know any of these. Thanks for your reading and help!
1. I'm adding 2 flexible led lights 6" each into my bumper ( 2 holes on the bottom of the bumper) and it will be light when ever i start the car. I did connect with the battery because i thought the battery didnt active when i turn off the car but i was wrong, the led lights still on all the time. I cant connect it with 2 lights neither because it wont on in daytime or nighttime. And then fog lights also, it will be 6 lights on if i do it and it's illegal. So my question is where can i connect the wire with?
2. My second question is my headlights are amber but the led lights are white. I'm living in Arizona so it's legal to have those lights ?

Once again thanks for your help !

 

I will leave the legal issues for you to pursue as some of them vary from state to state.It can be as restrictive as how many white lights and how far from the edge etc.

Battery produces EMF (voltage) by chemical reaction. This voltage can not be turned off (unless the battery is discharged). From the battery the current is piped through wire fuses and switches. The negative (-) is supplied through the chassis (body metal).

There are 4 major circuits.
Hot ... [un-switched] ,,,, direct from the battery [any load will constantly load and drain the battery]
ACC ... [when the ign key is in ACC] ,, typically audio
Run ... [when ign is in Run/On]
Start ... [when ign is in start] .. your starter is energized.
[Lexus special] when key is inserted things like fuel pump gets energized.

Caution: When ever the engine starts the alternator sends out a spike (much greater than 12v) so you need to protect.

I would suggest that your new circuit should have a fuse. To protect your vehicle circuits, you may use a relay. Energize the relay with the right source. (tap of the fog lights if you want your lights to turn on when the fog lights are on) etc.

Salim

 

oh well this is confusing me! I can't tap the led lights with the fog lights because when i turn on the fog lights it will be 6 lights on and obviously that's illegal.

 

Ok, Is there a live wire (which shows +12v) in the condition you want your add ons to light up? If the wire exists, you tap into it to energize your relay.

Ex: Cig-lighter is switched ,,, when you turn off the ign the 12v is gone. But it does not know if the fog lights are on, head light is on etc.

If the logical condition can be written, then you need logic circuit to create it.

If what I write does not make sense to you, I would urge you to enlist help. of a friend, or contact the manufacturer of the add on, or pay an auto electrician.


+12v ------ fuse -------------- relay-switch ------- led_load ----Chasis_Gnd
.........bit chomper fodder ......... ^ (spaces are removed in post)
12v condition --optional switch --

Salim

 

thanks for your help salim. I learn more things from your post. Thank you !

 

If you are planning to add the lights in the bumper where their are already holes, then keep in mind that you will blocking the already minimal air-flow to the transmission cooler located on the passenger side. (it's visible through the fins in the wheel well)

 

oh the lights are just flexible led lights so it's thin. ^^ BTW I'm done with that one and doing another project with my car. This time will be led lights in interior.