Should I have to have my headlights on to open the windows?!

[gsaruk]

Please tell me if this is unusual...

In order to have the fan on or to operate the windows, I have to turn the headlights on. Is that normal?

Also, in the event that I leave the lights on, my battery is dead in minutes (less than 10). Is that normal?

Thanks.

[nxski]

It sounds like you need new batteries, mine used to die after opening the window twice. As for having to have your headlights on, that is not normal but unfortunately I have no idea what's causing it. I would change your batteries first and then go from there...

[jessef]

very unusual

first point to check is your daytime running light system - relay. properly grounded, connected to the right wires, etc...

If everything revolves around your headlights, I would start there.

[legionnair]

I second the above post also check and clean your grounds. A crappy ground and electricity starts to search for grounds through other systems

[gsaruk]

very unusual

first point to check is your daytime running light system - relay. properly grounded, connected to the right wires, etc...

If everything revolves around your headlights, I would start there.

Are there schematics out there for this? Let's pretend I've never done shy electrical work, us this something a newbie could figure out?

Thanks for your comments.

[TardisDeli]

If your question really is: "Do I need to turn my ignition key to the accesory position in order to open the windows when my engine is not running??" Answer is Yes.

If your next question is: "And is it usual that when I turn the key to the accesory position then this also causes the DRL headlights to be on, as well as the stereo because they are both wired to turn on automatically when the accesory position is selected? " Answer is yes, because that is how your dealer wired the DRL lights and the stereo. Well, then, you don't have a problem.

The solution: just remember to close/open the windows before shutting off the engine.

IF it is more than that, There are many postings here about the DRL Daylight Running Light problems. ... the person who sold you the delica probably wired the DRL in on wrongly... so go back to them. Without looking at it with a tester it is almost impossible for us to tell you what is wrong. Basically, the van did not have a drl in japan,but BC law requires one so that your vehicle has some lights showing up front any time engine is on, the drl is a small plastic box that is wired in and often dangling somewhere at the footwell area of the steering wheel. however which lights your dealer chose to make into a drl varies (did they wire the drl into your low beams, into the little front sqare indicator lights, or into a separate added on LED light set, etc). The installer must choose a wire that they thnk isnt being used by something else (ie radio), then it must be live when the engine runs and when in the key accesory position ... sometimes they choose the Wrong wire.

If testing with a tester finds all that ok, then you need to run your fingers all along the wire, looking for a bald patch in the plastic wire covering, so see if the plastic has rubbed off by rubbing against a sharp part of the van (ie the metal firewall) and that another wire in that area has also done the same bald rubbing (ie your windows wiring), and those 2 bald spots are touching each other.

So, find a buddy that likes playing with his electrical tester, to check the continuity of the wires (ie is is the same voltage at the beginning of the wire as at the end of the wire) to see if any bald spots, or bad grounding.

Christine.

[gsaruk]

I am referring to needing to turn the knob to the right of the steering column in order to work the windows or AC.

I will test out the DRL suggestions if I can figure out how. Might need to call in a favor or two.

Thanks y'all.

[TardisDeli]

Hmm, this sounds odd...lets keep troubleshooting.
Any chance you can video and YouTube this headlights and windows thing (a cell phone video is fine as we don't need detail, we all know what the dashboard layout is) so we can all see it and help you quicker?

What Knob to the right of the steering wheel .... do you mean the turn signal stalk? If so, then this is absolutely wierd, and we need to resolve this ASAP before that stalk fries and dies. ASAP as That stalk to replace costs several hundred dollars, and is THE weakest link on the L300. This unit is called the "Combination Turn Signal Lights and Wiper Switch" aka Combo Switch and is directly underneath the steering wheel (remove steering wheel to get to it) and has many little parts to go wrong, and most often canNOT be repaired, so one needs to find a good used one (very hard to find) or a new one $$$$.

Send me a PM Private Message if you want, but generally posting on the open forum is best as others may be able to help also. Jay and I are often regarded as experts on the Combo switch and other headlight wiring issues as we had to figure it out when we first got ours, so now our back yard is a little haven for local delicas to wander into looking for help.

What is the history of your van, who did the headlights (they are replaced on entry to Canada to meet Transport Canada regulations). Maybe they did something wierd to affect the Combo Switch (but have never heard of your problem occuring on any other L300). I have heard stories that sometimes the headlights are changed for the Transport Canada check, then the old ones are put back in, and other odd wiring things.

If you can get to Burnaby, we can troubleshoot for you. Or there is a Delica meet tomorrow 15th at Ikea Coquitlam from 5 to 9pm, lots of other delica owners to meet and ask questions of. Or Glen at Coombs Country CC Autos on the Island. Not sure your location. We are away this weekend with canoe group, but next weekend is free so far.

But do be careful about overloading that switch, if indeed this is the problem. The wiring in it is tiny, not meant for running multiple things, so if you have to wind your window, do it without the highbeams on. Do NOT use fog lights (they use lot s of power). Jay usually can install relays to take the load from the switch for the lights, highbeams, fogs to divert power from the switch .... have never YET done so for the window...in fact never needed to troubleshoot windows so far.

Concerned, Christine.

[gsaruk]

Wow. Thanks, Christine.

I am referring to the turn signal stalk. Essentially, I have to rotate forward the dial at the end of the stalk (as when turning headlights on) in order to turn the fans on or operate the windows. It sounds like this could quickly turn into something more serious than the quirky inconvenience it is now. I would greatly appreciate any help/suggestions you guys may be able to provide in fixing this.

Thanks for taking the time.