Footwell Lighting Install ?

[Wausau 911]

I have an '04 C2 that came w/o footlights. I would like to install some that operate only when night driving lights are on.

Suggestions on where and how to hardwire the lights in are welcome. Thx

[logray]

Didn't you already post this a while back?

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/43833-04-c4-footwell-lighting

[Wausau 911]

This post ask about how to hack a light. Thx for the threat above.

[JasonStern]

I don't have wiring diagrams for the 996, so I can only be so helpful, but I imagine all you would need to do is follow one of the DIY footwell lighting instructions above, but then instead of adding a switch to the center console, run the lines to the connecting terminals of an automotive single pole, single throw normally open relay. Then, splice the wire coming off of the headlight switch that activates the headlights and attach those ends to the coil terminals.

[Wausau 911]

Thx for the advise, I get the part about the headlight switch but I need a little more information on the single pole, open relay and the coils part. Sorry for asking but I am not very good with electronics (better with a simple wrenching project).

[JasonStern]

Thx for the advise, I get the part about the headlight switch but I need a little more information on the single pole, open relay and the coils part. Sorry for asking but I am not very good with electronics (better with a simple wrenching project).

No worries.

There are several types of relays. A relay's main purpose is to isolate electrical systems. Since you wouldn't want something going wrong with your footwell lighting to affect you headlights, it makes sense to isolate them. What you want is one of the most basic relays:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relay#Pole_and_throw

Notice the SPST diagram. The squiggly line to the left represents the coil terminals. In a normally open relay, the switch closes as electricity is ran through the coil. So by splicing the headlight wire across the coil terminals, you are running electricity through the coil which effectively acts as closing that switch, which would turn on your footwell lighting.