Author Topic: US vs Canada Headlight Wiring (Read 4156 times)

max123 · « **on:** August 16, 2010, 01:18:54 PM »

I have a Canadian E30, and in stock condition the low beam lamps are on when the light switch is push all the way in. When its pulled out to the middle setting the headlights go out and only the brake lights and indicator lamps go on. When the switch is pulled all pulled out all the way the headlights and fog lights go on - also, the high beams will only work in this mode.

I have talked to some other Canadian owners and this is the normal setup. I assume that this was a last minute botch job to comply with Canadian running light requirements - what is the setup for the US model - and can I switch it by just swapping out the relay for a US one?

max123 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 20, 2010, 06:03:01 PM »

No one?

DesktopDave · « **Reply #2 on:** August 20, 2010, 09:59:21 PM »

I don't actually have the information...are the lows on like pilot lights or are they low beams all the time?

I'll bet you have no significant differences other than the headlight switch and possibly an extra relay. The ETM is around here somewhere available for download.

longtallsally · « **Reply #3 on:** August 21, 2010, 03:40:20 AM »

Oh yeah, I forgot that Canada has- or had- a daytime running lamp law. Oh man. That one will be fun. Well, I guess the only way I can think to find out without a Canadian spec wiring diagram is to pull the switch and have fun with the meter. I'd find out in the owner's manual what fuse it is- if not the "normal" one- and see what other circuits are there.

In the US, there was a short time where a manufacturer could avoid putting in airbags by doing both/or daytime lights and automatic seatbelts.

Bottom line, sounds like it is functioning as it is supposed to. What's the goal?

max123 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 23, 2010, 04:36:45 PM »

Basically the low beams are on all the time except when the light switch is at the middle setting.

The goal would be to have no daytime running lights as the default (i.e. US Spec). Right now the daytime lights shut off when the ignition is off - however, if I leave the light switch in the middle setting with just indicators and brake lamps - the lights stay on when the ignition is off.

The headlamps burn out like you wouldn't believe when they are used as running lamps. I routinely change one bulb every 3-4 months. The headlights just weren't designed for continuous daytime use - it was just a last minute job before they changed the whole system out for the E36. As such, I want to return it to the way nature intended.

B318M42W · « **Reply #5 on:** August 23, 2010, 04:58:28 PM »

you have an issue with your bulbs er something cuz i've had my E30 for 3 years now and didn't replace any of my headlights more than once.

longtallsally · « **Reply #6 on:** August 24, 2010, 05:45:45 AM »

As B318M42W said, you may have bigger fish to fry, as in black wire disease.

An option may be to go to German spec smileys and transfer the daytime lamp function to the city lights. This might require running more wire, though.

Also, you may look into the change to where the fog lights can run with the high beams and/or parking lights as this may fool the relay system into working in the manner you want.

I really think a Canadian spec wiring diagram is your best bet. Scour the thread with manuals here and you might find something that will give you that info. Sorry, but I don't know where to look on that one.

max123 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 24, 2010, 02:35:14 PM »

Thanks for the help.

Damn it - I hate electrical work.