Headlights

[Paul0138]

Is it normal for the headlights to be on when the engine is running in the middle of the day? The headlight switch is in the off position.

[macdaddy1111]

That is correct on the 2016 Vegas we had and now the 2020 Hurricane, one set of lights were on when engine is running

[Paul0138]

Thanks for the reply I guess it's a safety thing but it seems like a waste.

[rtaggio]

Originally Posted by Paul0138

Thanks for the reply I guess it's a safety thing but it seems like a waste.

What exactly is being wasted ?

[ducksface]

Originally Posted by rtaggio

What exactly is being wasted ?

Many generations ago before 1963 when cars had generators and not alternators, 6volt headlight/taillight could out-run a mediocre generator(especially in urban areas at a stoplight idle) causing dead or dying batteries. So running headlights in the daytime wasted batteries quicker requiring more batteries to be purchased over the life of the car.

Occasionally the story pops up, still, 60 years later.

Burning out modern headlights?
I'm of the the thought that vibration, not hours, causes 99.9% of failures.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Paul0138

Is it normal for the headlights to be on when the engine is running in the middle of the day? The headlight switch is in the off position.

Those are called Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and have been around for decades on some vehicles. Yes, it's a safety thing. Some vehicles also have ambient light sensors that automatically turn the headlights on for those that aren't aware enough to turn them on in low visibility conditions like fog, rain, dusk, etc.

This technology seems to elude FOMOCO vehicles for the most part.

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Those are called Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and have been around for decades on some vehicles. Yes, it's a safety thing. Some vehicles also have ambient light sensors that automatically turn the headlights on for those that aren't aware enough to turn them on in low visibility conditions like fog, rain, dusk, etc.

This technology seems to elude FOMOCO vehicles for the most part.

If you want the engine running ad the headlights off, just turn the headlight switch off and apply the parking brake. Now if DOT adopt the Canada standard of when the windshield wipers are on the all the exterior running lights are on. Even better would would be auto position on the light switch and auto windshield wipers like my Jetta has.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by Beau388

If you want the engine running ad the headlights off, just turn the headlight switch off and apply the parking brake. Now if DOT adopt the Canada standard of when the windshield wipers are on the all the exterior running lights are on. Even better would would be auto position on the light switch and auto windshield wipers like my Jetta has.

Now, just for giggles (and a little tickle) imagine if the bidet sensed when you were, uhh... "finished" and automagically turned on? Just THINK of the convenience!! Isn't automation splendid?

[ducksface]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

Now, just for giggles (and a little tickle) imagine if the bidet sensed when you were, uhh... "finished" and automagically turned on? Just THINK of the convenience!! Isn't automation splendid?

If you deuce in the bidet something is very wrong with you.

(We have the bidet/heated toilet seats. We always know when someone picks up that funny looking remote control and randomly pushes a button.)
Some people don't recognize the word
Posterior
When they see it.

[Paul0138]

It shortens the life of the bulbs.

[ducksface]

Originally Posted by Paul0138

It shortens the life of the bulbs.

30,000 hour life of a LED bulb.
X40mph
_________
1,200,000 miles
÷
5,000 average rv miles in a year
____________________
240 rv years.

Xenon bulbs last only 80 rv years.

Vibration, not use hours causes dead bulbs.

Newbs:
Do NOT disarm your drl's to save you from buying bulbs.

[lwmcguir]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Those are called Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and have been around for decades on some vehicles. Yes, it's a safety thing. Some vehicles also have ambient light sensors that automatically turn the headlights on for those that aren't aware enough to turn them on in low visibility conditions like fog, rain, dusk, etc.

This technology seems to elude FOMOCO vehicles for the most part.

All of my Fords have them

They can be deactivated in the setup menu

[MJC62]

IDK but it seems to me with all the nut balls out there texting, eating a cheeseburger or otherwise doing everything but driving, not only do I want my headlamps on to make me more visible I would like an amber light bar flashing as well!

[ducksface]

Originally Posted by MJC62

IDK but it seems to me with all the nut balls out there texting, eating a cheeseburger or otherwise doing everything but driving, not only do I want my headlamps on to make me more visible I would like an amber light bar flashing as well!

I'm going to build a system for my 60 year old car which allows the headlights to be on when the ignition is on. My system has to be easily removed for concours shows(which I NEVER attend, but hey, I have a responsibility as curator)

The auto-on headlight sensors on all of my vehicles are covered with popbottle caps.
The vehicles think it's dark outside so I have full headlights always on, not just drl.

Drl is very very very hard to argue against.

[Norrirn]

Originally Posted by ducksface

I'm going to build a system for my 60 year old car which allows the headlights to be on when the ignition is on. My system has to be easily removed for concours shows(which I NEVER attend, but hey, I have a responsibility as curator)

The auto-on headlight sensors on all of my vehicles are covered with popbottle caps.
The vehicles think it's dark outside so I have full headlights always on, not just drl.

Drl is very very very hard to argue against.

I'll second that motion!! I'm trying to figure out how to wire my '75 Triumph TR6 for DRLs. My '08 Yukon and our '13 A.C.E. 29.2 both have DRLs.

[ducksface]

Post a pic of the tr6 on my signature thread.
There are no active car guys on this forum but a few of us have posted there.

[k.maslowski@comcast.net]

Being seen, and not being in a wreck is cheap thrills. Bulbs are not that expensive.

[jannadem]

Originally Posted by Paul0138

Is it normal for the headlights to be on when the engine is running in the middle of the day? The headlight switch is in the off position.

Running headlights are mandatory in many countries, like Canada. I am surprised that it is not mandatory in USA. It is very good idea to have them on especially when you are in minority with lights off.