[DML] Re: Lighting mod ?

[Jan@xxxx]

--- In dmcnews "Walter" wrote:

> I experimented with Jan's method of converting the side marker light

I have to honest here: I didn't invent this modification. I used to 
hang out with a couple of truckdrivers, and among them it is a
popular modification to do to the little lights (those on rubber
sticks) they often have at the end of their trailers...

I've only done my modification at the front since those markers are
amber AND because I think it is more important to see the blinkers
from the sides at the front, since that is your direction of motion...
Also the front blinkers are quite deep in the bumper, so they aren't
really visible from the sides. That's probably why they have to pull 
them flush in the UK (take a look at <http://www.delorean.co.uk>)

> I thought it was a bad idea because the side marker light
> appeared to be in series and therefore grounded through one
> of the filaments of the bumper light
> which would cause both bulbs to light dimly.

If the blinker didn't ground them it would still work: the ground
isn't drawn through one filament, but both, since they're in parralel 
AND most filaments have a lower resistance when off than they do when 
on. Also take into consideration that the markers are only 4W,
opposed to the 21W blinkers, they don't draw enough power to visibly 
light the blinkers...
In reverse (Blinker 4W, marker 21W) it wouldn't work because of the 
higher resistance of the lower wattage bulb restricting current for
the higher wattage one...

> Does anyone have a suggestion on how to do a similar modification
> to the rear marker lights? The wiring diagram I have in my 
> service manual is not reproduced very well.

Just the same, snip the ground to the marker and connect it to the 
blinker at the back. Only downside is you have to take out the entire 
taillight to access the wires...

As for colorcodes; there's a good chance they're the same as in
front; it's essentially the same circuit, so this would be logical,
especially since the markers/taillights/positionlights are fused 
Left & Right instead of Front & Back...

I don't have my documentation handy here (I'm at work now), but when
I get home I'll check if I'm right. I'll either confirm or correct
myself tonight...

Jan van de Wouw
Thinking Different... Using a Mac...
Living the Dream... Driving a DeLorean...

#05141 "Dagger" since Sept. 2000

Check out the DeLorean-Files at:
http://www.deloreanfiles.nl/
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