WK2 Driving Lights Trigger? - AUSJEEPOFFROAD.COM Jeep News Australia and New Zealand

rob_chez · #1 25-04-2012

Just a quick post to introduce myself as a reasonably new WK2 GC owner, and to ask the forum for some help. Just bought some IPF HID driving lights and am in the process of installing them. I have HID low beam already with my 70th Anniversary Limited Hemi V8 but need better long range lights when on the open road. My biggest concern is where to find a trigger in my high beam circuit for the spotties which will not cause canbus issues with the jeep. Any assistance or recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

SeaComms · #2 25-04-2012

Straight off the high beam wiring at the back of the lights will be your best bet. Some relays will be more sensitive to the voltage than others - there was a thread recently on the JK forum with this issue of the canbus signalling interfering with the relay. And after many different changes the only fix was a new different brand relay.

I would also recommend a relay with inbuilt diode (you can also use an external diode, but its just easier to use an inbuilt one), this will stop the voltage spike going back into the computer thats generated by the relay coil de-energising (ie, turn the relay off it sends a spike back through the high beam wiring, the diode will stop this).

briteway · #3 25-04-2012

Why don't you run a whole new separate circuit for your driving lights? That's what I'd do and I'm working on getting it done this week on my WH. I also got these sexy looking switches, flush stainless steel with an LED ring. I've installed one already and looks awesome. I'm sure they'd match the interior of the WK's perfectly.

EDIT: I'll take a photo of my green MDS light switch and post it. I have a blue one for driving lights.

SeaComms · #4 25-04-2012

Why? Because you have to. If you are in an area that does annual inspections your lights will fail the test unless they are only able to be turned on with high beam, and they must be able to be switched off whilst high beam is on.

rob_chez · #5 25-04-2012

Thanks for the quick feedback. I would prefer to wire my driving lights as per SeaComms recommendations to make sure that it is legal. I bought the wiring loom from ARB with the lights, but not sure what kind the relay is. I think I will ask the guys at ARB before I go too much further. Installing the lights will be a bitch of a job so I would like to have some answers before I start. Thanks again, rob_chez

Savvas · #6 25-04-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob_chez

Thanks for the quick feedback. I would prefer to wire my driving lights as per SeaComms recommendations to make sure that it is legal. I bought the wiring loom from ARB with the lights, but not sure what kind the relay is. I think I will ask the guys at ARB before I go too much further. Installing the lights will be a bitch of a job so I would like to have some answers before I start. Thanks again, rob_chez

Hi Rob ... The ARB looms are used in other canbus vehicles as well wit HID (Toyota, etc) so it should be fine. However it would be a good idea to ask anyway.

briteway · #7 26-04-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaComms

Why? Because you have to. If you are in an area that does annual inspections your lights will fail the test unless they are only able to be turned on with high beam, and they must be able to be switched off whilst high beam is on.

Hmmm... I've always had my lights wired separately before and never had them tested when doing the pink slip. Even had them installed that way by the dealer back in the late 90's. I suppose one could also have covers on when doing the inspection.