Front Side Marker Lights - change to turn signals

Neat. What I would like to do is have the side markers illuminated as normal but when the turn signal is on, the alternate on/off opposite of the turn signal like GM products. That is real eye catching I think. Can you work up the circuit tonight?

 

First and most formal, thank you for sharing this mod.

It is not just look cool, yes I admit it looks cool at night and no more yellow side market light up and with HID conversion V below, everything looks white now, but it makes more sense and flashing, side and market yellow this way now. This should be the OEM way

May I ask why you will wire up back to stock when your JDM signal mirror installed?

 

Is there any reason why the method in this link wouldn't work? It suggests ability to have parking light lit up AND flash, without needing to use a relay...

Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply

 

Thanks. I specifically had some interest/concern whether using a power line (for the turn signal) as a ground (for the marker light) would be well received within the system. I definately don't want the fast blink. (i.e. feeding power into a power feed??)

So, what do you think is the cause of the fast blink? (My guess is that -normally (i.e without modification)- the fast blink is triggered by a reduction in current draw - as would result from the open circuit of a burned-out filament (or use of an LED). Is this correct?)

If so, why the fast blink in this arrangement? When the blinker feed is on, the amount of current flow will be normal (through the blinker, but not through the side marker). Can it be that the 'reverse' current flowing into the blinker feed (as the 'ground' for the marker) when the blinker is off somehow confuses it when it is on?)

(I'm an mechanical engineer, so I can follow the concepts, but need my hand held with the details.)

That said, how about using a relay? How would that look? (i.e circuit diagram). To the extent that I can, I'm interested in preserving the function of the side marker when parking lights are on as well as having the marker function as a turn signal.

EDIT: I note you describe above how to wire with 2 relays. I believe that's for the purpose of alternating the side marker with the turn signal 'blinks'. BUT - what if I'm not so interested in having them alternate? Can I have side marker on and blinking *in turn* with blinker) with just one relay? (I'm a fan of keeping it as simple as possible).

Thanks so much,
Eric

 

OK: One more thought/question for you lighting experts out there: How easy/difficult would it be to replace the bulb/socket for the side marker with a two-filament socket bulb?

Are the bases standardized?

My thought would be to get such a two-filament socket/bulb, and wire one hot into present side marker feed and the other into the turn signal feed. And, then, voila - both functionality maintained without having to add a relay. (For whatever reason, I prefer the idea of just replacing the socket over adding a relay - if for no other reason than it eliminates the question/hassle of having to locate the relay...)

Thoughts? Advice?

Thanks,
Eric

 

I don't think you wil be able to get a base socket to fit in that 194 style socket hole, but it's a nice idea, just not easily done...

 

i like this mod, ive been thinking about doing this myself. nice write up. btw, how long does it take to change from front side marker to turn signals?
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turn signal assembly | ~tammy beede~

 

Now only if I could make that amber side marker clear.... I put in LED white bulbs for the turn signals and I have the "Ghetto" blinker. Blinks fast. How exactly do I get it to go back????? Its pretty annoying.

 

LED Tail Light Turn Signal Modification

 

This is for jeeps. Where would I find that for the prius?

 

The posting was great and I took the mod in a little different direction with Two SPDT relays on the "NC" terminals - one on each marker circuit. We always leave our Markers on auto with the HID's so I just used the relays to break the Marker circuit, when the Turn Signal is flashed on the Marker is off and visa versa. The hard part is getting into the tight spots and little room to move the existing harness. I used less than $5 buck Radio Shack relays and insulated spade and socket connectors on the + Marker wires and fed the relay power from the Turn signals with the red quick splices. A simple ground using a small tek screw in a convient spot close to the relays and your done! The alternating blinking should get some attention, and since I switched to Amber Leds in the Headlight accent I can defininently spot the car better in the daytime even though the HID's really helped.

 

Cool. Could you draw up a wiring diagram and post?

 

This is the best I can describe in graphic form, as far as wiring the relay it is simple but specific to the relay. The simple way is to buy two relays and socket bases that either have screws or spades that can be plugged on to with crimpable insulated female spade sockets. This will mean that you will use a good crimper and not the standard stamped metal one. I used a direct soider relay but I work with them alot and have lost my fear of doing mods to something I can repair if I screw it up. The bigest part of this job is getting to the correct wire in the harness where you can cut and crimp or tap on to. I never disturb the ground side of the bulb wire but simply aquire a ground as needed for the relay from the car body with a self tapping screw.

 

Right on... appreciate the work! Look forward in wiring it up. I might run wires to the rear and try to do the same back there. Have to check if there is a marker back there.

 

sweet another awesome mod.

 

Could you fix the fast blinker problem also by replacing the standard(thermal) blinker relay with a Electronic type. Search on Ebay. Exact fit for my 2nd Gen. Should be the same for 3rd Gen. It's made for Lexus.

 

This looks good, but it's worth noting that by wiring it this way the side marker will only flash when the headlights/parking lights are on. You mentioned briefly above that you always leave your lights on, so this works for you, but it's not a great solution for people who don't do that.

It's good work, but I just wanted to make sure that limitation was clear for anyone who wanted to try it.