Aftermarket 'approach' light by remote on a P80? Topic is solved

[jvl]

Hi guys,

Aside from maintaining the car, I always like to throw in gadgets.
My dad used to have a P2 V70, which has the folding keyfob with yellow button for the 'approach lights'. It basically turns on the rear lights and driving lights, plus small 'puddle lights' mounted under the mirrors.

I've been thinking about adding this same function to my 2000 V70XC, just because I think it's cool.

First thought is to tap into the headlamp switch wiring and add a relay of some sort that 'overrides' the setting between 0 and low beam, and switches on the small 5w bulbs in the headlights as well as the taillights. Just add a standard keyfob plus 12v receiver and that should be it?

I thought about keeping the switch intact and modifying a junkjard switch, so I can go back to OEM switch when selling the car.
Anyone has experience with these kinds of hacks?
Any aftermarket systems that you know of that enable me to do this exact thing?
I'm not afraid of rigging up some electronics myself, but f there's some plug and play solution, I'm all for it.

Joost

[jvl]

So, I ordered a remote relay kit online and, in preparation, started looking up wiring diagrams today.
Please see the picture attached. It's a close up of the headlamp switch. I think that I can override the parking lights setting by having the remote relay bridging contact no. 30 and no. 58, right? I have the Dutch (NL) switch. Or am I overlooking something and will this end in tears?

Any tips appreciated before I fry my wiring loom.

[Teddy1975]

I'm by no means an electronics expert, but as far as I can tell from the wiring diagram, bridging pin 30 to 58 wouldn't help you, as they are already bridged when the light switch is in pos 0.

You'll need to bridge pin 6 and 58, but at the same time you have to break the connection between pin 8 and 31/10 and the connection between 30 and 58 or you'll be putting yourself at the risk of tears. A small fuse in series with the bridge wouldn't be a bad idea either.

I'd take the light switch out of the car and probe the pins with a multimeter checking for connectivity with the switch in pos 0 before bridging pin 6 and 58, then again after bridging them. I'd do the same with the light switch in pos 2, just to make sure there aren't any connections where there shouldn't be any.

[scot850]

Why not just leave the lights on and fit a remote start. When the car starts, should the lights not come on?

Neil.

[abscate]

I think I drove my P2 for 2 years before ifigured out what the yellow button was for

[jvl]

Hi all,

Sorry, only saw your replies just now. Tested bridging pin 30 to 58 (2 and 6 on the plug) and this works fine!

Now wait for the on line order, which may take a few weeks....

[jvl]

Why not just leave the lights on and fit a remote start. When the car starts, should the lights not come on?

Neil.

That does sound cool.
Haven't done loads of research, but installing this system does involve disabling the alarm and starter lock, which I'd rather stay away from. Or is that really easy? Also heard these systems cost a couple hundred $/€, right? The 2 channel remote unit I now ordered only costs $6,00.

Joost

[scot850]

They vary depending on quality/brand and features. Mine were about $600 CDN for a 2 way key fob with a range of 5000 ft (Viper) and the other one was more as it has anti-theft built in also, but works basically the same as the cheaper one with remote start.

So yes, a lot more. It will be interesting to see how your system works when you figure it out.

You can buy cheap one way remote start systems for around $100 CDN and self install.

Neil.

[jvl]

Got around to this install today.
The picture I attached shows (sorry, partially in Dutch) which solution I chose to use.

Components used:
- 2 channel keyfob + 12v receiver with 2 relays
- 4 amp fuse + fuse holder for lights
- 0.2 amp fuse for 12v receiver and relays
- wiring to auxilliary battery
- cable ties and connectors
Total cost about €20,-

Basically, the parking lights (that draw 2.6 amps altogether) can now:

• be powered as normal with the OEM switch,
  In that case run from Volvo battery.
  • be switched on and off with the keyfob. If so; they run off of the auxilliary battery. Added benefit is that I could keep them running very long without worrying about whether I can still start the car later on.
  This works great!
  
  I still have 1 spare channel left on the RC receiver... any great tips on which gadgets to add ?
  
  Joost
  

  

[wizechatmgr]

I still have 1 spare channel left on the RC receiver... any great tips on which gadgets to add ?

Hook that line to the front's washer pump to spray nosy folks near your car from the office =)