Hi all.

I need to have daytime running lights because I imported my 2000 RS from the USA. It is a 5 spd.

I got a kit that supposedly will work. The manufacturer suggests installing under the hood but I guess it could be done behind the dash also. Here is a link to a jpeg of the wiring diagram. http://www3.telus.net/northstar/DRL%20wiring%20diagram.jpg

I have the Subaru PDF manuals, but dont see where a few wires are physically identified under the hood. Specifically:

Ignition switch/wire

parking brake switch

I think the rest I can find without too much trouble under the hood. I would probably get lost behind the dash :lol: but that would be a more reliable place to install. The unit is weatherproof to some degree but it doesn't look like it would last more than a few years.

Also in the box are these tap splice connectiors. Im not to sure how to use them so a quick explanation will help. Thanks.
http://www3.telus.net/northstar/tap_splice_connector.jpg

If your going under the dash it should be easy to find them. Parking brake switch wire comes from the parking brake, and ign switch wire would come from the key.

I'm sorry, I dont have exact locations.

As for the connectors, you simply place the 2 wires you want to splice into the channels, then with a set of pliers press the little metal part into them. Then close the strap-looking-thing. The metal part cuts into the 2 wires and makes the connection.

ok thanks for that.

If I did this behind the dash, is connecting to each headlight wire a problem? Are they seperate at this point or does that happen in the engine bay somewhere.

And I would need a connection to the battery. Run a wire for that or tap into something in the area? I dont know what I would tap into though.

thanks to anyone who can help further.

I do not suggest using those "vampire" taps for your headlights. They are not good for high-current circuits and the connections tend to become unreliable after a while. It's far better to use either crimp or solder connections and fully insulate/seal them with heat shrink or electrical tape.
Also the reason that it's recommended to mount this unit under the hood is probably because of the heat it generates. Since it appears to be a one-piece module there is presumbably an internal dropping resistor for the DRLs which will get very hot when operating and you don't want this inside the car.

OK I'll go under the hood then to be safe.

Any ideas on where to locate an ignition wire and the parking brake switch under the hood?


On this webpage I found it seems the guy used a spark plug wire as the ignition source. http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/DRL_conversion.html
Will that work here? I think it just needs to sense when the engine is running.

You don't need a spark plug wire, just a source of switched 12V that is active only when the key is in the "run" position. There should be plenty of sources of switched 12V under the hood. As for the parking brake wire that won't be available outside the passenger compartment, you'll have to make the connection inside and run the wire out to the module.

OK thanks. I'll poke around with my electronics tester and figure it out. Parking brake connection is optional I think and I can do it later when I have more time.

The parking brake input will make the DRLs go off when the brake is up, as in when you are parked. Without it the lights will be on all the time when the key is on.

yeah I realize that. I will hook that up when I do an audio install in a month or two.

Im confused on what to tap for an ignition source. I read while searching that on Subarus the ground is switched, not the positive. Does this mean I can simply tap a ground wire that is attached to the strut tower or other area under the hood? I dont see many other obvious places to look for a suitable wire. Everything I see is in bundles and go to parts I dont feel like compromising the wiring for.

EDIT and a search on rs25.com suggests there are not many switched power sources under the hood. http://www.rs25.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11796&highlight=switched+12V :confused:

The ground switching refers to certain circuits such as the lighting. The 12V power is still switched the same as in any other car.
Since you're asking these questions I'd highly suggest you get the wiring manual for your car, then you'll have all the info you need to proceed with this project.

I have the wiring PDFs I got from the Subaru download site. Just never done auto wiring before, or much wiring at all. :D

I guessed at a few things and figured the window washer motor is on the Accesory circuit. The unit works OK, but when the fog light button is on and the headlights are switched to parking lights, or the headlight switch is turned from on to parking or to off, there is an electrical humming noise. Bad ground?

whatever. I just need to pass the inspection and then I can return this thing if I want. heh.