I'm thinking of changing my dipped beam (I think its called dipped beam, first click of the switch on a mk3) so that the headlights don't come on just the indicators. Then on top of that a brighter light will come on for the indicators when I indicate. Only thing is I'm not entirely sure if its legal to do this?! I mean when I have them on like that anyway it doesn't light up anything at all, just means people cans ee me coming really. Worst come to worst I'll just do it so the headlights come on aswell as the indicators but I really want jus tthe indicators to come on.

Anyone shed any light on this?

Ta!

would look good.

would it not be easier just to wire in a seperate switch?

that way you wont have to change it back for MOT.

Thats what I'm going to do if its illegal.

However, if its not then I can cut out a shit load of pointless wiring and an extra switch!

I think Dan (D9OLO) has some LED sidelights in his indicators, or atleast he did at some point, but I'm not entirely sure whether his came on with the headlights as well or not. Might be worth dropping him a PM anyway?

Karl.

http://www.welcomecar.co.uk/web/cars/mot.html

sorry boyo. dipped beam have to work.

you could move the dipped beam (eg into indicator light) but it would be a pain in the ass

Well thats what I was planning on doing, moving the bulb into the indicator instead of them being in the headlight. If not then split that piece of loom into two and put one side into the headlight and one side into the indicator. OR have a seperate piece of loom that operates the indicator / sidelights.

the sidelights are the first click on the mk3, and they dont need to be built into the headlights (as they were often seperate on older cars), but there is still the 5 watt limit to the bulbs brightness I think, and you could get away with it with clear indicators, but the sidelight needs to be white light, orange light isnt allowed.

If you are meaning moving the dipped beam part of the headlight bulb, thats more complicated asyou need to put a metal plate in front of the bulb to make it so that it dips and the amount of heat given off by a headlight bulb may melt an indicator.

dont forget that there should be the dim dip headlight setup working when the engine is on so thats brighter than the sidelight bulbs

Edited 25 October, 200619 yr by optima21

Sidelights is the correct term I wanted!

Cheers Dom

Have a look at some of the older citroen berlingo vans - they had a separate sidelight which wasn't located in the main headlight. Also - look at new transits - their side repeater comes on half brightness as a running light (the glass is orange) and flashes brighter as a side repeater. Although I think side running lights are allowed to be orange - see volvos.

that'd be absolutely fine. the sidelights don't need to be in the headlights. Just like Dom says, they have to be fairly dim.

Also, make sure your indicators flash orange.

I got it all sorted now