DIY DRL & LED Indicators

[Adeeb222]

Hi TAI,

I have been using LED strips for quite a few years now because of modding on gaming computers, thus had a thought of applying LED at multiple places in my car . Already got ambient lighting installed by an accessories shop but the exterior LED was a DIY wish for me. So I got amber and white LED strips, did the measurements and soldering and actually got it to work. Sad part is it won't stop working, that is I want my white LED to turn on with ignition and I tried connecting the positive cable to almost every fuse possible yet it would always stay on. Any suggestions as to where can I find a fuse or connection in the engine bay that will only be on when the car is in ignition. The LED indicators work perfectly and as expected.

 

[anuraagshenoy]

Any suggestions as to where can I find a fuse or connection in the engine bay that will only be on when the car is in ignition. The LED indicators work perfectly and as expected.

For that, I guess you need to look for fuses that turn ON only when the ignition is ON and AFAIK the fuses are available in the fuse box located in the passenger compartment.

Do you have a 12V Tester Pen with you? If yes, you can check the condition of which fuse work when ignition is ON and which work when ignition is OFF.

 

[Adeeb222]

I did that, and sadly all the fuses in engine bay compartment are always on. Even with ignition off, currently connected it headlight fuse but that just takes the purpose away of it being a DRL.

 

[anuraagshenoy]

I did that, and sadly all the fuses in engine bay compartment are always on. Even with ignition off, currently connected it headlight fuse but that just takes the purpose away of it being a DRL.

In that case you'll have to draw a set of wires from the headlight area into the passenger cabin through the main grommet and use the fuses which work ONLY when ignition has turned ON.

 

[Adeeb222]

That was my final thought, eventually I'll probably get it connected to the power window fuse or something similar. But I might do so when I'm going connect the underbody LED

 

[anuraagshenoy]

That was my final thought, eventually I'll probably get it connected to the power window fuse or something similar. But I might do so when I'm going connect the underbody LED

Which model and year is your Honda City?

 

[Adeeb222]

Which model and year is your Honda City?

Honda City V, 2015.

 

[arash]

hi!
The problem you face when installing LED strip lights in your car is finding a suitable power source that will only be activated when the ignition is turned on. Here are some suggestions:
One solution may be to install a relay that will be connected to a circuit that is activated only when the ignition is turned on. The relay will turn the power to the LEDs on and off depending on the ignition state.
You can connect LED strips to a radio or cigarette lighter.
Some cars have fuses that only activate when the ignition is turned on. Use a voltage tester to check which fuses are suitable.
Do not connect LEDs to circuits that control vital vehicle functions, such as engine control or safety systems.