Adding daytime running lights to 98 Ford?

[BrianW]

I've searched and only seem to find threads on disabling daytime running lights. I actually would like to ADD that function to my 1998 E250. For highway driving, and especially on rural back roads, I personally like the idea of daytime running lights for safety. Generally I will simply turn on my headlights, but that's pulling electricity to run all the exterior van lights, plus the van doesn't have auto-off-with-key-off for lights, so occasionally I forget to turn them off when parked.

Is there a simple way to enable daytime low-beam running lights? Or maybe to wire a set of fog/driving lights into a keyed circuit (I guess that would be the easiest option, but least preferred).

Would love input from anyone who may have already done this.

[Pntyrmvr]

All the exterior lights use a piffle of juice compared to the headlights.

DRL's will use the high beams, generally, at a reduced voltage.

I'd wire up a relay to a key-on circuit that runs the entire lighting package. Having the back end lit up is important for your safety too.

Is the headlight on, key out, buzzer working?


"Talk is cheap. Whiskey costs money."

[michaelf]

Originally Posted by BrianW

Or maybe to wire a set of fog/driving lights into a keyed circuit (I guess that would be the easiest option, but least preferred).

Would love input from anyone who may have already done this.

Not too sure if this helps but it may be a start. On my Tundra I wired the fog lights to either the turn signal or windshield wiper at the steering column. It was 10 years ago so not too sure which and the fog lights were factory with a seperate switch. It bypassed the CA law to dim them off when high beams come On and allows for them to be used independently of the regular lights/corner markers/etc. Power cuts with key turned off. Just needed the wiring diagram and 2 beers work time.

Agree about the back end lighting though. I just use it for rural or mountain road with my high beams.

[Scalf77]

On my 2004 this was a accessory at purchase, so I expect that you would need the module. Here is a link to a f150 install https://www.fordf150.net/howto/drl.php
Hopefully the wire harness is already there on your van.

-greg

[BrianW]

Thanks for the hints! Key-off buzzer does work, but often when traveling we will park and I'll go in back for a bit and then exit through the barn doors, so on occasion I haven't heard the buzzer.

[JackTuppVan]

I don't know if this helps or not but this is the location of the DRL module (if equipped) on a 2004 Ford E-250 Van.