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I was replacing various bulbs in my '86 244 DL last night when I noticed that the front turn signals and running lights used dual element bulbs like the brake lights do.
While it makes sense to me why the brakes use dual bulbs (one for the brake, one for the running lights), I can't think of any reason for the bulbs up front to use these same bulbs.
A bit frustrating for me, because I ended up with a couple of extra bulbs, and a few bulbs I couldn't otherwise replace!
Thanks as always.
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In Europe, the (what we call in the USA) parking light bulbs -- the ones above the turn signal lights -- are used both for "parking lights" (dim filament) and also for daytime running lights (bright filament).
Take a close look at the back of the housing (if you can remove it sometime) -- you'll see an indentation molded into the back of the socket that is parallel to the wire that goes in for the parking light. It's for a second wire, for that brighter filament, in other country markets (like Sweden, that requires the daytime running lights) -- in those markets, the second hole is completed and there's another contact for the bulb's brighter filament.
Yes, in the USA, we have the option of leaving the headlights switched on all the time (as DRLs), but it just uses up the headlight bulbs -- stupid idea, because they will burn out when you need them (at night)! I prefer to save them for night use, and I rewired my little parking lights' bright circuit (using bright LED bulbs, by the way) to serve as DRL's, as they are used elsewhere.
By the way, I also wrote the article in Rolling (Sep/Oct '87, pg 7) that originally described doing this.
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...I also wrote the article in Rolling (Sep/Oct '87, pg 7) that originally described doing this.
Is there another sources from which I can obtain a copy of that article? As I was not a VCOA member in 1987, that route is closed to me.
Thank You,
Bob
:>)
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Actually, VCoA is selling a CD to members with all back issues on it -- you might find it really useful (not only my article, ha, ha, but many, many others, about maintenance, restoration, etc.). Check the "club books" page of Rolling for details -- I think it's only $10 to members.
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If you're a member of VCOA now get the CD with all issues of rolling from #1 up to 2004. Most interesting $28 that I've ever spent. There is a link on our local club page.
http://www.scvcoa.org/
--
Dave Shannon
Spring Valley, California
'63 P-210
'67 1800s
'73 1800ES
'88-240
my pages
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Some time in 2004 I had a post with the above title, but I can't find it now, after messing with the new SEARCH for 1/2 hour. I know it's in there because when Ken C saw it, he thought I'd plagiarized his "Rolling" article.
I claim it was merely a coincidence two great minds. Similar yet unconnected innovations do occur. If I did read Ken's article and forgot it, only to "discover" this DRL concept on my own after some 10-15 years, I hereby apologize.
Anyway, I still have my draft copy—opening paragraph below. If anyone wants it reposted, let me know. It's not very lengthy.
"Daytime Running Lights - Fairly Easy DIY on 240s
I've done it on '76 up thru '86. And it should be possible on any car with the 2-filament bulb in the upper front Parking Light. Only the 4cp/5W Parking Light filament is used on USA cars. The 32cp/21W (same as Signal Lights) is used for DRLs in Europe. This brighter filament can be wired to come on when running, and go off when Park or Headlights are turned on. The Amber light makes your car noticeable without being obnoxious or annoying to oncoming cars as well as cars approaching from either side."
--
Bruce Young
'93 940-NA (current), 240s (one V8), 140s, 122s, since '63.
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Bruce that would be a very worthy repost, if you do repost it may be a good idea to start a new thread to all can see it, not just those following this one.
--
Dave Shannon
Spring Valley, California
'63 P-210
'67 1800s
'73 1800ES
'88-240
my pages
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OK Dave, I just posted a slightly edited version, underlining Fairly in the title. Step 1 of 4 is a bit of a challenge—or was for me anyhow. I just realized I never fused the DRLs in my version. Don't know if Ken C did or not. An inline fuse would be easy.
Let us know how it goes.
Bruce
--
Bruce Young
'93 940-NA (current), 240s (one V8), 140s, 122s, since '63.
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UHHH, they don't, at least if my memory serves me right. It's been a while since I had stock lights on a late 240 but I know for a fact the E-Codes don't and I'm fairly sure that the stock lights didn't. Did you look at the contacts down at the base of the socket? Were there 2 for each bulb? my bet is that a PO put the wrong bulbs in, I've done that and one of the filements lit up just like it was the proper bulb.
--
Dave Shannon
Spring Valley, California
'63 P-210
'67 1800s
'73 1800ES
'88-240
my pages
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Dave:
I have a 1990 245dl and the front lamp holders are duel element lamps(bulbs) with single sockets. Now this is nuts to north americian thinking, but it works , and as we all know ,if it is not broken why fix it.
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Good to know, I took apart a E-Code corner light that I got from Bram and it has single filiment bulbs in it, go figure. The dual/single thing makes sense after reading the your post and the others.
--
Dave Shannon
Spring Valley, California
'63 P-210
'67 1800s
'73 1800ES
'88-240
my pages
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You're right - European DRL's are 'dim dip' headlights - but years ago (about 1979) they did used to be in the sidelamps.
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