Odd dash light

[bruceh]

I have an early dash (like from a Chevy pickup) and have an indicator that I have never seen before and don't understand.

It looks like a green fog light indication in the upper left of the dash. My headlights are currrently removed so I assume that is what is causing this. Is there some sort of headlight burnout indicator??

This is a concern since I am getting ready to put relays on the lights so that I will have better voltage to the headlights. I measured the voltage at the lights and got 11.8 when the battery was showing 12.2. I am on a campaign to get my headlights to actualy light up the road in front of me.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceh I have an early dash (like from a Chevy pickup) and have an indicator that I have never seen before and don't understand.

bruceh, If I had to guess, I would think that it's a DRL indicator. (day time running lamps)

[bruceh]

Reasonable guess, thanks. Any idea why it went on?

The weird part is that I went out to take a picture of the light and the darn thing isn't on anymore.

Any comments on the voltage?? Is 0.4 volt (no load) worth putting in relays? I am paranoid about getting my headlights to finally work properly.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceh The weird part is that I went out to take a picture of the light and the darn thing isn't on anymore..

Bruceh, Here's another wild guess, there is a DRL fuse under the hood. Yank the fuse, check it for corrosion or perhaps just replace it. It may not be making a good contact in the socket. it could be a different fuse but without looking at it, I can only guess. It seems that an intermittent situation exists and this is almost always related to a connection including a faulty ground.

I regret that I can't offer an answer in regard to your voltage/relay question.

[speed racer]

IMHO I don't think .4volts is going to make any differance. If you would check the voltage with the engine running you would find that you most likely have more than 12v at the headlights.

[TandW]

A 3% voltage drop is considerable when applied to high-current applications such as headlights. Go for it!!

[kennersonf]

I am certain it is your "driving light" indicator. If the emergency brake is applied, then the indicator light as well as the "driving lights" will go out. When the emergency brake is released, then the lights come on.

[George Z]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennersonf I am certain it is your "driving light" indicator. If the emergency brake is applied, then the indicator light as well as the "driving lights" will go out. When the emergency brake is released, then the lights come on.

Agree with kennersonf daytime driving lights indicator operating as explained.

george

[bruceh]

Exactly right, emergency brake off, light on.

Since I don't have DRLs this is a little spooky. Hopefully, things will get normal when I put theheadlights back.

[max49]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceh This is a concern since I am getting ready to put relays on the lights so that I will have better voltage to the headlights. I measured the voltage at the lights and got 11.8 when the battery was showing 12.2. I am on a campaign to get my headlights to actualy light up the road in front of me.

If it works, please share the details so I can do it too. Where do you get and where do you put a relay. What does it do?

My headlights are 'poor' to say the least. I bought the "Silverstars" but if they helped any, it's not much.

Seems I saw the slightly illegal 80 & 100 Watt headlight bulbs before. I thought it was on the J.C. Whitney site but I can't find them now.

If anyone knows where to get the 80 or 100 watt bulbs, could you post a link please?

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by max49 If anyone knows where to get the 80 or 100 watt bulbs, could you post a link please?

Max, I would not help you go astray of the law ... I respect you too much!

[oemtech]

Max,

I think 55 watts is "MAX" legal limit. I would wire up some relays to take power directly from th battery rather than running it through the switch.

Check out this site Daniel Stern Lighting

[max49]

Thanks for that link Dale. It makes sense and a lot easier than completely rewiring the lights. This seems to be pretty common problem with Cl A headlights.

I'd still like to find the 80 or 100 watt bulbs. 55 Lo and 60 Hi beam are max. wattage.
However, after reading Daniel Stern, I am convinced that I am only getting about 60% of the wattage out of my 60 watt bulbs.

So , 60% of a 100 watt bulb would only 'net' me 60 watts.

So, 'come on man', somebody knows who sells them. I'll just use them for 'Off road' use.

[dieselclacker]

Come on Max, why not just tap into that big wad of cash you are keeping hid from the DW, and buy some driving lights for your rig.

Dieselclacker