Added two LED strips on my 96 4Runner SR5 4x4 in the grill to use as DRL. Could not find a power tap point in the under hood fuse/relay box that would turn the light OFF when the engine was not
running. I don't want an add on switch on the dash board. Just want it to come ON every time the engine is running and go OFF when not running.
Where can I pick up 12v power to do that? Thanks.

 

I think you would have to tap into the EFI, Maybe IGN, which isn't ideal but along as your not using much power or use it to trigger a relay that pulls power directly from the battery, or you could start testing more locations for switched 12V. Personally I would tap into the fuse box under the dash, should be a few spare 12V power switched by IGN on. I unplugged my factory DRL's the day I bought it and wired my Fogs for anytime use, I recall that mod used 12V switched power from a 10AMP fuse jumped to the Fog relay, so it is possible..

 

Thanks for you suggestion. I did go to the fuse block under the dash and used the ACC circuit. Works great!
Should be ok as I am only powering 2 strips with 6 total LEDs. They are bright yellow and should get people’s attention on these mountain roads and during snow storms. My Runner is dark green and had no DRLs or fog lamps.
Appreciate your help...
Toyroja

 

Remember DRL are supposed to turn off when you hit the headlights to on.

A relay, diode and proper routing will make this happen.

 

Is this a law or a preference? 🤔

 

By law in Canada and the USA...

as otherwise determined by...

Is usually implemented where the DRL goes off when the turn signal comes on, it makes the flasher more visible.

 

A couple strips of these in the grill are probably fine “on” all the time...not a leo, but l play one on TV.

 

Yeah that's a fix it ticket just waiting to be written. Those gonna be classified as clearance lamps which are supposed to be mounted on the highest portion of the vehicle and show its width IE one on at least each corner of the top of the cab..

FMVSS 108 gives lighting regulations..

I'm not a lawyer but I've stayed at holiday inn..

 

Ya with all the rigs with LED light bars on hoods, grills, roofs, ditch lights, ect., and the Law stating that any vehicle with aftermarket or off road lights above the bumper needs a cover over those lights while on public roads starts getting up held, I wouldn't worry until that day. I live in Canada though, I unplugged my DRL's, and drive with fogs anytime and marker lights usually, I highly doubt the Police are going to tell me I need my DRL's plugged back in. Now in the commercial truck industry they get a lot more sticky about that stuff, especially clearance markers, so take what they say with a grain of salt, it depends on your area though.