75ZT Community

I was a bit bored at work today and my mind started to wander on to car modifications; the way it does, and I started to mull over an idea I’ve been thinking about for a while.
Now this is going to be for one of you electrical guru’s out there, yes Mr Eckett I’m looking at you.
A while back one of the door lock buttons in the back of mine became detached and dropped into the bottom of the door. I retrieved it, but never re-fitted it and as such I’ve just had one of the escutcheons with a hole in it. This is what set my mind a wandering.
Would it be possible to mount a 9mm domed LED (Light Emitting Diode) in these that glow red when the central locking is activated and turn off when the car is unlocked?
I don’t want them bright or flashing with the alarm LED on the IPK (Instrument pack (IPK from the German)), just glowing red.
Would these draw too much power and drain the battery? Would wiring them in this way be too complex? I ask the experts as my electrical knowledge is limited.

Yes. No. No















Yes, it can be done.

No, it shouldn't drain a reasonably healthy battery

No, it would not be difficult

Sounds like another Nano install project/job.

I LIKE this idea....but I'd want mine flashing...

Flashing is actually better. Cos if they flash on for a short time, off for a longer one, you are saving over half the power (almost).

Typical LED is 30mA is, so one in each door is about 120mA or 0.12amps. Would only start to be a worry if your battery was poor, or you intend to leave your car unused for weeks.

Nice idea Mark. Do it or get a man that won't cause you car to go up in flames to do it for you. (I've nearly set fire to two cars from messing with electrics, it's a knack i have)

Mick wrote:Nice idea Mark. Do it or get a man that won't cause you car to go up in flames to do it for you. (I've nearly set fire to two cars from messing with electrics, it's a knack i have)

Not much better luck with Nano barbeques either eh Mick.

JohnDotCom wrote:

Mick wrote:Nice idea Mark. Do it or get a man that won't cause you car to go up in flames to do it for you. (I've nearly set fire to two cars from messing with electrics, it's a knack i have)

Not much better luck with Nano barbeques either eh Mick.

You could get banned for off topic posts.

Mick wrote:You could get banned for off topic posts.

Thats already been done!!

Mick wrote: get a man that won't cause you car to go up in flames to do it for you.

Lets me out then

Would the IPK alarm pulse be the best for flashing lights when doors locked and alarmed?

JohnDotCom wrote:Would the IPK alarm pulse be the best for flashing lights when doors locked and alarmed?

Personally, my first thought was the lock and unlock solenoid pulses.

I did think about having them flashing with the alarm IPK led, but decided, and it's only personal preferance, that I'd just like them to glow red. Also figured that a 9mm led would be quite bright if flashing. That said, what I know about led's, isn't a lot!!

All input on how to go about this and where to obtain the said led's would be greatfully received.

I can do basic wiring but I think this may be a little outside my skill range

Zeb wrote:I LIKE this idea....but I'd want mine flashing...

What about your LEDs though?

Soon have you down to my level Paul

raistlin wrote:

JohnDotCom wrote:Would the IPK alarm pulse be the best for flashing lights when doors locked and alarmed?

Personally, my first thought was the lock and unlock solenoid pulses.

As John said for a flashing LED the pulse is already there as it shows on the dash with the existing flashing LED, just a matter of finding the connection isn't it. Like this idea a lot already.

You lot, kindly leave the planet.

takestock wrote:Soon have you down to my level Paul

On the contrary Dave, you'd need a JCB to get down to MY level. You forget I work in a college full of military students

takestock wrote:

raistlin wrote:

JohnDotCom wrote:Would the IPK alarm pulse be the best for flashing lights when doors locked and alarmed?

Personally, my first thought was the lock and unlock solenoid pulses.

As John said for a flashing LED the pulse is already there as it shows on the dash with the existing flashing LED, just a matter of finding the connection isn't it. Like this idea a lot already.

But you'd need to thread wiring through FOUR doors

Mick wrote:You lot, kindly leave the planet.

Que?