headlight current tied to ignition switch?

[Chuck Dempsey]

Is there any SIMPLE way to run the headlights ONLY when the ignition switch is ON? I say SIMPLE because my electrical skills suck.

Thanks

[Bill G]

Originally Posted by Chuck Dempsey

Is there any SIMPLE way to run the headlights ONLY when the ignition switch is ON? I say SIMPLE because my electrical skills suck.

Thanks

No, no simple way, especially if your electrical skills suck.

Can it be done? yes.

[Kurt in NJ]

Hook the ignition to the headlights

[Patrick L.]

Sure it can be done, but, not too easily. Its much easier to make sure the light switch is at 6:00 and look at the ammeter.

Part of my post-flight mental checklist is to lastly glance at the ammeter.

[Ranchero50]

If your electrical skills suck, probably no...

That Henry chose to put the ignition switch on the wrong side of the coil (points versus source) it's even more of a pain.

[Bob C]

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Not sure what you are trying to do since the ignition switch has nothing to do with the head lights. Are you wanting the headlights only, not tail lights, to turn on when you turn the key on?

[Chuck Dempsey]

Bob, I just want to stop leaving the headlights on when I shut off the engine after a drive. I'm getting better at checking the headlight switch, but if I could easily arrange a cutoff of the headlight via the ignition, I'd set it up.....

Thanks all for the input!

[Mister Moose]

Sounds like a job for a 20A rated relay that would close with 6V. If that sentence scares you then it's not easy enough. Or find a friend.

[GRutter]

If using an original pop-out ignition switch, then NO.
If using a simple off-on ignition switch, it "could" be done, but would require re-wiring the ignition circuit.
A concern that I would have is the wire gauge and current you would be running through the ignition switch.
With original wiring, the ignition switch only sees about 4 amps. Re-wired to support running lights plus ignition, it could see 15+ amps.

[J Franklin]

Your best bet is to just look at the switch when turning the car off. Post a note on the dash till you get into the habit.

[shew01]

Would something like this help?

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/GRO8...SABEgJPU_D_BwE

It’s not a bad idea to shut off all the current on 90 year old wiring when you aren’t using the car anyway.


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[Jacksonlll]

I had this problem and I put in a buzzer that will let me know when the lights are on and my door is open. Been workin good for a long time.
Here is the video.
https://youtu.be/it7C06vanBs

[Ian in Mississauga]

I hooked up my dash light to the wire going to the tail light. Now if the parking lights or headlights are still on when I turn the key off I got a visual reminder. No goofs since I did this.

[Bruce of MN]

Did you put a diode in the line? Otherwise, that might light your tail lights any time the dash light is on.

Originally Posted by Ian in Mississauga

I hooked up my dash light to the wire going to the tail light. Now if the parking lights or headlights are still on when I turn the key off I got a visual reminder. No goofs since I did this.

[Chuck Dempsey]

Lots of good ideas. The tail light-dash light idea sounds about my level...

Thanks all.

[bbrocksr]

Originally Posted by Chuck Dempsey

Lots of good ideas. The tail light-dash light idea sounds about my level...

Thanks all.

Use a battery cut off switch like post 11 says, shuts off all the power when turned off.

Bill

[TJMack]

Originally Posted by Mister Moose

Sounds like a job for a 20A rated relay that would close with 6V. If that sentence scares you then it's not easy enough. Or find a friend.

I love your sense of humor. :-)

[MickeyT]

I use the electrical cut-out mentioned above. Then in case I forget that I've got in the habit of tapping the horn button when I get out of the vehicle.

[Curtis in MA]

Where did you put the battery cut-out switch?
I don't like drilling metal and on the wood floor I'd kick it.

[Chuck Dempsey]

Ditto on Curtis' question. Where? I've got a Tudor, so under the driver seat floorboard might make sense.....