finding an ignition wire under the hood

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PeakFinder @ Mar 15 2007, 10:27 PM) [snapback]406615[/snapback]</div>

Someone may have a better answer, but I would start by reviewing the Fuse Box information in the owners manual. Look for items that are located out in the front of the car that come on when the ignition is on, like maybe the radiator fan or something. May also check to see if there is a Relay Box under the hood, and what type of items are controlled by the relays. Each relay should have a corresponding fuse in the fuse box that might be 15 Amps or more.

 

Why don't you just turn on your headlights and leave them on all the time?

 

Hi Peakfinder,

You may not know, but the Canadian Prius' have a control that runs the headlights as daytime running lights, probably at reduced intensity, like Saturns do. Its probable this same control is in all the Prius', and just needs to be enabled in our US Prius, for non-HID cars. You might ask your dealership to ask Toyota about this.

 

Good news - S11 (smart key ECU connector) has all the voltages that you need. Bad news - I couldn't find the diagram in the service manual CD that shows where, exactly, S11 is located. I've attached a pin-out for S11. It's a PDF file.

[attachmentid=6928]

 

I'm surprised no one has found a way to make the fog lights into DRLs by now. Any ideas?

 

Here's my foglight as DRLs mod that I found in this site. Just do a search and type in fog light mod.

Vince.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(vinny @ Mar 18 2007, 03:46 PM) [snapback]408057[/snapback]</div>

I like this idea, because I am not sure if it is real good to have my HID headlights on all day long. I bet they are expensive to replace at end of life.

 

<_< PeakFinder couldn't have used the "Canadian" method, which runs the Halogen headlights at lower voltage for DRL. PeakFinder has the '07 Package 6 which includes HID headlights not adaptable to running at lower voltage. Seems if you really insist on DRL, the fog light modification is a workable solution.

I shudder to anticipate replacement of HID headlight bulbs. I read they run around $250 for each bulb alone. The good news is that they should last a long time. I do like the broader light pattern on the HID's - better illumination on the peripheries - they show both the curbs and edges of the highways somewhat better than the Halogens I had on my 2004 Prius.

 

Yes, I figured it out. There are TWO relay boxes. The easiest way to get to the ignition wire is to access the RELAY box located in the center of the firewall panel just below the wipers. It’s a small rectangular box which almost goes unnoticed. Remove the two bolts from the sides, pop open the cover and you will see 4 relay switches. The PURPLE wire connecting to the largest relay on the left hand side is the ignition wire. You can access it by flipping the relay box after popping out the base cover. I used a QUICK-SPLICE to connect the Yellow Modwire to this Purple wire which will supply the power to the bulbs. I also have added a switch that can engage or diengage DRL feature. You can email me if you need to do that too. I did this as I dont want my DRL on all the time. Just want the inspection to approve it when I import the vehicle into Canada and then turn it off. It drains your battery unless you decide to have a mod to replace the lights with LEDs. I can show you how!

Regards

Irfan

 

Um. Isn't the cigarette lighter switched? Couldn't he just tap that?

 

My thought would be to find the fuse that comes on with the ignition, pull it, and place your driving light wire in the socket. Reinsert the fuse and you are good to go. No need to find a wire to tap.

 

No, can't do that.
The main fuse box under the hood is always 'hot' for all plugs.

The center relay (from Irfan's post above) will be a better option to tap the ignition-controlled wire for juice.