Sidelights on with ignition

[reef2k]

My previous couple of cars have had side lights come on/off when you turn the ignition on/off,so you don't have to remember to turn them on/off each time,which i'm finding a real pain when i'm doing a number of short drive/stops.
Is there anything i can do about it ? other than fitting some Daylight LED strips.

[GiveMeABreak]

It would help if you mentioned which of the 4 vehicles in your signature you are referring to! Unfortunately, the crystal ball has run out of crystals.

However, for a generalised response - if you DO NOT have dedicated DRLs (not sidelights) the only option is to either get some aftermarket ones and wire these in - or you may have a setting within the BSI that is usually configured for Scandinavian countries that effectively turns the dipped headlights on as soon as the engine is started. This likely will work on the main headlights though and not the sidelights alone - so expect to go through bulbs a lot quicker and loose some economy due to having the headlamps on all the time.

[reef2k]

Mystic Marc,it should be there,at the top of the list ..2007 Grand Picasso 1.6 hdi
Do you mean if i select a different region in the language option ?

I think i'd rather fit DRL's as they're very low energy,but will try your suggestion,thanks !

[GiveMeABreak]

Mystic Marc is on a break , but Septic Peg says, what is your VIN - so we can ascertain lighting system (PM it if you don't want to post it here).

[GiveMeABreak]

Mystic Marc,it should be there,at the top of the list ..2007 Grand Picasso 1.6 hdi
Do you mean if i select a different region in the language option ?

I think i'd rather fit DRL's as they're very low energy,but will try your suggestion,thanks !

No, the language won't make a bit of difference - that will be just for the display options in the multifunction display and the units most likely. It's is a specific option that needs configuring in the BSI - but as per my post above, I'll need the VIN to determine exact equipment fitted to your vehicle before I can advise further.

[Hell Razor5543]

It is possible (IF the car actually HAS DRLs) that the option needs to be activated in the menu first. I remember helping a forum member with a C5 X7 who did not have the DRL option in any menu. Connecting up my Lexia we were able to change that (I cannot recall how), and then he could choose whether to have the DRLs on or off.

[GiveMeABreak]

We need to determine whether they are actually fitted first.

There were certain models fitted with them, but not supplied activated, as they were not a UK requirement back in 2007. Once we have the VIN we can determine what is and what is not fitted.

[RichardW]

There are no DRLs on Early MK1 C4 Picassos - they were added at the facelift in 2011. If you run with the side lights on all the time you will find that it will eat bulbs as they are H6W - and they cost a fortune to replace. Worth replacing them with LEDS - although you need to use ones with resistors otherwise they come on when you lock / unlock the car (the resistor on one of mine has failed so the OSF lamp comes on dimly when the BSI wakes up....).

[reef2k]

PM sent Septic Marc ! It's an early VTR+,so options are probably limited.

[reef2k]

There are no DRLs on Early MK1 C4 Picassos - they were added at the facelift in 2011. If you run with the side lights on all the time you will find that it will eat bulbs as they are H6W - and they cost a fortune to replace. Worth replacing them with LEDS - although you need to use ones with resistors otherwise they come on when you lock / unlock the car (the resistor on one of mine has failed so the OSF lamp comes on dimly when the BSI wakes up....).

Really not keen on fitting LED sidelights as they appear very tempremental ,so fitting aftermarket DRL's looks a far better option.

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, now I've been able to check your vehicle, they upgraded the light below from the flasher only unit (which is what you have) with a DRL unit from 26 May 2010. So you'll either have to keep switching on the sidelamps manually, or get the BSI configured for permanent headlamps (and sidelights) on with ignition.

I can't tell you whether your BSI will allow sidelamps only on for the scandinavian country setting, or whether it will be headlamps and sidelamps with this option enabled....

[reef2k]

Thanks Marc,it's good to know what's fitted,but with previous comments about eating sidelight bulbs,even if they can be configured,i think i'll probably go for aftermarket DRL's
Regarding wiring drl's, is it just a case of tapping a suitable wire in the fusebox ? although in the brief time ive owned the car,it's obvious most jobs are made as difficult as humanly possible

[GiveMeABreak]

There are several ways of doing it - some have a switch that you can wire into the cabin to manually activate - but that's a bit of a waste of time as you might as well use the sidelights - but most kits have wiring instruction as to how to hook them up - but will need to be a fuse that is ignition switched.

Be careful with the under-bonnet fuses - I wouldn't want to upset anything else around that area. Have a look in your manual to check which fuses are ignition switched and you might be able to get a piggy back fuse doubler to accomplish this.

[reef2k]

There are several ways of doing it - some have a switch that you can wire into the cabin to manually activate - but that's a bit of a waste of time as you might as well use the sidelights - but most kits have wiring instruction as to how to hook them up - but will need to be a fuse that is ignition switched.

Be careful with the under-bonnet fuses - I wouldn't want to upset anything else around that area. Have a look in your manual to check which fuses are ignition switched and you might be able to get a piggy back fuse doubler to accomplish this.

Yes,most tap into the sidelights which obviously isn't of any advantage. I had wondered about running off the cigarette lighter/accessory socket to start with,until the weather improves,then do it properly.You're spot-on,i'm not very keen on upsetting anything under the bonnet,as the electrics appear very sensitive.

What is access like for running wires through the bulkhead ?

[GiveMeABreak]

I wouldn’t bother with the cigarette lighter as that remains working after ignition off on a timed basis / economy mode kicks in. I already found that out after wiring in my dash camera and it remained on after ignition off and of course caused battery drain.