Daytime Running Lights + Switchback LED’s

TheW3r3W0lf · 04-23-2013, 03:14 AM

One of the things my Z lacks is DRLs. I looked at some options and aside from running my headlights all the time was adding in some nice Daytime Running Lights. I didn't want to glue or drill things into my bumper and some of the headlight mods were a bit much for me so I went an alternate route. The first time I had an Audi behind me and noticed the switchback LED’s I was hooked. After some research it seems the turn signal bases in the 370Z have the extra wire from the JDM version that allows for dual filament bulbs. After some digging I found some switchback LED’s that fit the bases and headlight enclosures, did a small wiring mod to activate the 3th wire on the oem base (using solder, no crimp connectors or tape, I promise) and suddenly LED turn signals that switchback to DRLs. I also made sure to add a transistor to the turn signal circuit for good measure and to avoid the “look at me!” ricer fast blink. While I was in there I changed the parking lamps to LED as well all of which match the oem HIDs color temperature.

The whole job took about 45 minutes not including the better photos I should take of the DRLs at some point. The photos give you a basic idea of what I did but If you would like a DIY write up of the parts and process just PM me
: )

Video of the finished project at work:

View My Video

Some additional in progress photos:

( Click to show/hide )

122554 · 04-23-2013, 09:04 AM

In for a DIY

TenaciousZ · 04-23-2013, 09:56 AM

^^^^ diy please^^^^^

KeVoH · 04-23-2013, 10:20 AM

Im in!

MX52Z · 04-23-2013, 10:21 AM

OP, we must have been thinking the same thing at the same time because I've been wanting DRLs as well and have been looking at the turn signal bulb more closely as well. Since it's a single-filament 7440 bulb, I didn't see why I couldn't mod the harness to accommodate a switchback 7443 bulb instead and presto: whit DRLs plus amber turn.

I bought the bulbs and new 7443 harnesses but from what you're saying, the Z already as a 7443 harness but the third wires are unused. I'm in for some DIY photos as well since I haven't started yet.

Sooo, while I was at it, I was wondering about the rear. It too uses 7440s for turn so why not get some switchbacks for them too but instead of DRL, they would be used to augment the reverse lights for more brightness. Even better if they're run through a pulse module so when you put the car in reverse, the lights will strobe a few times first.

jgvill · 04-23-2013, 11:59 AM

DIY and Parts list please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!

fuct · 04-23-2013, 12:28 PM

thats really cool!

KaienZ34 · 04-23-2013, 12:44 PM

Great work you have been repped.

kenchan · 04-23-2013, 12:44 PM

cool. at last someone came up with a cool set of DRL's instead of pepboyz look.

ts-c63 · 04-23-2013, 01:53 PM

DIY now!!

Hatsuongmai · 04-23-2013, 01:55 PM

DIY with part# please!!

Fountainhead · 04-23-2013, 02:00 PM

Another vote for DIY! Please list your parts BOM with sources cited! A schematic would be nice too!

Rep sent

Z370Z011 · 04-23-2013, 02:02 PM

we need a DIY this is a great mod!
repped!

KaienZ34 · 04-23-2013, 02:04 PM

He's off line now but send him some reps for his trouble.

MX52Z · 04-23-2013, 02:14 PM

Don't want to take anything away from the OP's glory but just as a second option, these are the bulbs I ordered for my particular project. Got the same set for the rear as well.

7441 Dual Color No Error High Power Projector LED Turn Lights Resistors 7W 68C | eBay

P.S. Rep given. This is a cool project.

04-23-2013, 03:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
TheW3r3W0lf Base Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Arizona Posts: 111 Drives: 2012 Z34 Nismo- SOLD Rep Power: 12	Daytime Running Lights + Switchback LED’s One of the things my Z lacks is DRLs. I looked at some options and aside from running my headlights all the time was adding in some nice Daytime Running Lights. I didn't want to glue or drill things into my bumper and some of the headlight mods were a bit much for me so I went an alternate route. The first time I had an Audi behind me and noticed the switchback LED’s I was hooked. After some research it seems the turn signal bases in the 370Z have the extra wire from the JDM version that allows for dual filament bulbs. After some digging I found some switchback LED’s that fit the bases and headlight enclosures, did a small wiring mod to activate the 3th wire on the oem base (using solder, no crimp connectors or tape, I promise) and suddenly LED turn signals that switchback to DRLs. I also made sure to add a transistor to the turn signal circuit for good measure and to avoid the “look at me!” ricer fast blink. While I was in there I changed the parking lamps to LED as well all of which match the oem HIDs color temperature. The whole job took about 45 minutes not including the better photos I should take of the DRLs at some point. The photos give you a basic idea of what I did but If you would like a DIY write up of the parts and process just PM me : ) Video of the finished project at work: View My Video Some additional in progress photos: ( Click to show/hide ) jgvill, dirTy_shoeZ, TenaciousZ and 7 others like this.

04-23-2013, 09:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
122554 Track Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: My own world Posts: 506 Drives: 2010 Nismo Rep Power: 13	In for a DIY __________________ I don't normally drink beer, but when I do....i drink a lot!

04-23-2013, 09:56 AM	#3 (permalink)
TenaciousZ Base Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Kansas City Posts: 160 Drives: Black 09 sp/tour/nav Rep Power: 15	^^^^ diy please^^^^^ __________________ 09 370Z Black Sport/Touring/Navi Red Stitching

04-23-2013, 11:59 AM	#6 (permalink)
jgvill Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: cali Posts: 89 Drives: 40th Anniv Z Rep Power: 16	DIY and Parts list please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks! KaienZ34 likes this.

04-23-2013, 12:44 PM	#8 (permalink)
KaienZ34 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: LA. not L.a. Posts: 21,652 Drives: Z34 Tour/Sport Rep Power: 178	Great work you have been repped. __________________ *"These Violent Delights Have Violent Ends"* http://www.the370z.com/members/kaienz34-albums-z34.html

04-23-2013, 10:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
KeVoH Base Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 239 Drives: 11 Nissan 370Z SP M6 Rep Power: 13	Im in!

04-23-2013, 10:21 AM	#5 (permalink)
MX52Z Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Port Charlotte, FL Posts: 471 Drives: Z'less por ahora Rep Power: 12	OP, we must have been thinking the same thing at the same time because I've been wanting DRLs as well and have been looking at the turn signal bulb more closely as well. Since it's a single-filament 7440 bulb, I didn't see why I couldn't mod the harness to accommodate a switchback 7443 bulb instead and presto: whit DRLs plus amber turn. I bought the bulbs and new 7443 harnesses but from what you're saying, the Z already as a 7443 harness but the third wires are unused. I'm in for some DIY photos as well since I haven't started yet. Sooo, while I was at it, I was wondering about the rear. It too uses 7440s for turn so why not get some switchbacks for them too but instead of DRL, they would be used to augment the reverse lights for more brightness. Even better if they're run through a pulse module so when you put the car in reverse, the lights will strobe a few times first.

04-23-2013, 12:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
fuct A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sugar Land Posts: 3,692 Drives: 97' Ranger :) Rep Power: 24	thats really cool!

04-23-2013, 12:44 PM	#9 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	cool. at last someone came up with a cool set of DRL's instead of pepboyz look.

04-23-2013, 01:53 PM	#10 (permalink)
ts-c63 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: nyc/nj Posts: 384 Drives: 2012 370z 7At Rep Power: 14	DIY now!!

04-23-2013, 01:55 PM	#11 (permalink)
Hatsuongmai Base Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Sj Posts: 113 Drives: Na Rep Power: 12	DIY with part# please!!

04-23-2013, 02:00 PM	#12 (permalink)
Fountainhead Track Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: FL Posts: 834 Drives: 2019 Civic Type R Rep Power: 14	Another vote for DIY! Please list your parts BOM with sources cited! A schematic would be nice too! Rep sent Last edited by Fountainhead; 04-23-2013 at 09:33 PM.

04-23-2013, 02:02 PM	#13 (permalink)
Z370Z011 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 1,052 Drives: PearlWhite 370z 6MT Rep Power: 15	we need a DIY this is a great mod! repped! Last edited by Z370Z011; 04-23-2013 at 02:09 PM.

04-23-2013, 02:04 PM	#14 (permalink)
KaienZ34 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: LA. not L.a. Posts: 21,652 Drives: Z34 Tour/Sport Rep Power: 178	He's off line now but send him some reps for his trouble. __________________ *"These Violent Delights Have Violent Ends"* http://www.the370z.com/members/kaienz34-albums-z34.html

04-23-2013, 02:14 PM	#15 (permalink)
MX52Z Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Port Charlotte, FL Posts: 471 Drives: Z'less por ahora Rep Power: 12	Don't want to take anything away from the OP's glory but just as a second option, these are the bulbs I ordered for my particular project. Got the same set for the rear as well. 7441 Dual Color No Error High Power Projector LED Turn Lights Resistors 7W 68C \| eBay P.S. Rep given. This is a cool project.

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