This might belong in the tech section, but I'll leave that up to the moderators.

Most of you are aware that I made a set of red LED running lights.  You can see them here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VR87qsmD24  Well, I decided that I wanted them to work as turn signals as well, so using a pair of automotive relays, I completed the project this morning.  I thought some of you might be interested in doing this yourselves so I thought I'd go ahead and post how I did it.

I was already using the license plate light as my source for the power for the running lights so I went ahead and kept that as my power source.  You can use whatever source you want.  You'll need to make some adapters using automotive wire and female spade connectors.  Below You'll see the wiring diagram and the connectors that I made.  Here's a short video of how my running lights look now when the signals are triggered https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6kbgM3qR5U

Wiring diagram:



Relay 87a:



Relay 30:



Relay 85:



Relay 86:



Bosch Style 5 pin Relay
You'll need two of these



Yep, it's just that simple.  You can do this in a matter of minutes if you already have the relays, wire, and spade connectors.  I'm very pleased with the results.  If you have any questions please let me know.

Kenny G wrote on 10/27/15 at 17:44:55:


I appreciate the compliment.  I know there are other ways to do this but this is by far the easiest way and it only cost me $6.00 to do it.

I didn't reconnect them because the signals and the tail light are going bye-bye.  I think they looked great in the 80's, but I've got my own ideas.  I'm getting something more modern looking.  That's one of the reasons that I wanted to connect these relays.  I need to have my new signals blink with the absence of current instead of the introduction of current because I want to use them as running lights too.  After I have the new signals installed the homemade running lights you see in the video can come off.  I'll have it done soon and I'll post photos/video for you guys to see.

I have looked up the chapter and verse before....but I cannot quote it.

Rear "running" lights have to be red, as do brake lights - front running lights have to be yellow/orange.  Turn signals can be yellow/orange for either end - but they cannot be used for running lights in the back.  Red lights in the back that also flash as turn signals are OK - but it is not legal to have a brake light that flashes continually - it can flash a few times but then has to come on solid.

Recently some folks have been putting blue bulbs in their cars for running lights.....and I have seen one fellow with red bulbs.  I don't know Law Enforcement folks are pulling them over for the colored lights.

Dave wrote on 10/28/15 at 14:07:05:


Well, there goes that idea!  

I don't want to have to add any additional lights to make this work. Thanks Dave!

I've looked around a bit for replacement red lenses, but no luck.  Have you seen any?