How to turn off Day Running Lights - I've had an idea

[Missing Lincs]

A buzzer is easy, use a solid state piezo type connected between headlight circuit and another circuit which switches with the ignition, eg accessory 12 volt socket. Use a pull-down resistor on the accessory socket side so current flows through the buzzer if the headlight circuit is on and the accessory socket isn't. You used to be able to buy buzzers ready configured for this job, not seen one for a while as most cars already have the feature, you may still be able to get them, otherwise easy to DIY.

With Volvo DRLs the rear lights are also on so no need to worry about forgetting to put your lights on.

[Falmouthboy]

I guess the best solution could be to get the 'proper' DRLs fitted with the fog lights as in the last of the line V50s - I wonder how much that would cost?

[niva441]

Originally Posted by Missing Lincs

With Volvo DRLs the rear lights are also on so no need to worry about forgetting to put your lights on.

Unfortunately not on the later cars with LED DRLs. Apparently to save fuel the rear lights aren't activated, unless the headlamps are turned on. Annoyingly the operation of the light swich was completely change on the later cars. So my V50 and C30 have different light controls and I have on occasions driven off in the C30 without front and rear lights on, having been conned by the DRLs.

I've asked the dealer to make the C30 work properly like the older V50, but allegedly this isn't possible. Not even able to have the rear lights on all the time, which would at least make it less of an issue.

Ironically although it is suppose to save fuel the C30 is less economical than the V50.

[Missing Lincs]

That's interesting, and I think rather a shame. I guess Volvo changed with the advent of dedicated DRLs.

I've seen a few cars driving about in town with no rear lights on, (not just Volvos), I guess the drivers think they have lights on but forget about the rear of the car.

[sfstu]

I too don't like having my headlight bulbs on all the time and I also have left them on loads of times when i just use the sidelights, due to there being no buzzer/alarm...

I don't mind the idea of DRL's, i just wish they were led ones in the fogs (mines a 09 v50) instead of the headlights!

I'd happily sacrifice my front fogs (which i don't use) for led drls, something along these lines ebay drls
although I'd not want them working from the fog light switch.
It would be nice to have them come on as the DRLs (where the front fogs are) along with the sidelights (led ) and leave the headlights to me

Don't think the above idea would be possible with volvo but it would be nice to find someone who could do the custom wiring/reprogramming needed...

[DT19]

I've ordered a buzzer for when I leave my headlights on from fleabay. What is the best way to wire it up? Should I connect it to the rear of the light switch or at the fusebox, or is there a better way? I also ordered so LED DRL's and I'm thinking about fitting them in the fog light mouldings but it'll take a bit of work to make it look nice.

[sfstu]

Could the setting be changed by Volvo to have the sidelights (and rears) instead of the headlights coming on?

[Missing Lincs]

Originally Posted by DT19

I've ordered a buzzer for when I leave my headlights on from fleabay. What is the best way to wire it up? Should I connect it to the rear of the light switch or at the fusebox, or is there a better way? I also ordered so LED DRL's and I'm thinking about fitting them in the fog light mouldings but it'll take a bit of work to make it look nice.

You need to connect to the actual lighting circuits not the switch. The switch is just a digital encoder which feeds control signals to the cars electronics.

[niva441]

Originally Posted by sfstu

Could the setting be changed by Volvo to have the sidelights (and rears) instead of the headlights coming on?

Apparently not on the later models. I asked the dealer if they could get the switch to work like the earlier model, or could they at least have the rear lights constantly on.

I now drive with the headlights on permanently.

[DT19]

Originally Posted by Missing Lincs

You need to connect to the actual lighting circuits not the switch. The switch is just a digital encoder which feeds control signals to the cars electronics.

Ah, I see. Would the fuse box be the best place then, the instructions for the unit are in chinglish but they mention the fuse box.