Aftermarket Headlights - Wiring & Issues (Group Help)

[airline tech]

I edited my above post to include this:
And I need some assistance from @Big Blue and or @jdjeff or anybody else that has the Morimoto's or querulant that has the startup animation and has issues with it working properly.
What this (Test) does - (Test Only) is we are taking to switched power source and simply touching the positive side of the battery (temporally By-Passing) a Tapped Power Source, I want to know the (Operational Outcomes) with the Headlight Position in Headlights (On) before the tapped power is introduced.

EDIT: I need to edit something here as I am still diving into this a little deeper.
I need to correct something here - The BCM Bulb check is NOT killing the power and causing the Start Up Sequence to (Abort) - It's not the BCM specifically but it's the Bulb Check conflicting with the Logic Controller in the Morimoto's and the Logic Controller (itself) is aborting the startup sequence from the (momentary pulse)
I think I have a solution for a fix and it's a simple solution - but i need some help from @Big Blue
and another test - he performed.

@Big Blue , when you performed the operational test of the (Start-Up) animation
and you performed the test:
Key-OFF and Headlight Switch - AUTO - Start Up Sequence Worked - DRL Illum Bright
Key -OFF and Headlight Switch -PARK - Start Up Sequence Worked - Park Illum Dim

I need to know the outcomes - with Key-OFF and the Following
Headlight Switch - OFF
Headlight Switch - Headlight (ON) - Low Beams (On) and (High Beams (On)
I want the Headlights to be (ON) and stable before you touch the battery with the Tapped Power.
This is an important factor - and does the startup sequence - start or abort midway or complete.

The test outcomes will verify if my solution works as a fix to get the animation to work flawlessly every time.

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[Big Blue]

I edited my above post to include this:
And I need some assistance from @Big Blue and or @jdjeff or anybody else that has the Morimoto's or querulant that has the startup animation and has issues with it working properly.
What this (Test) does - (Test Only) is we are taking to switched power source and simply touching the positive side of the battery (temporally By-Passing) a Tapped Power Source, I want to know the (Operational Outcomes) with the Headlight Position in Headlights (On) before the tapped power is introduced.

EDIT: I need to edit something here as I am still diving into this a little deeper.
I need to correct something here - The BCM Bulb check is NOT killing the power and causing the Start Up Sequence to (Abort) - It's not the BCM specifically but it's the Bulb Check conflicting with the Logic Controller in the Morimoto's and the Logic Controller (itself) is aborting the startup sequence from the (momentary pulse)
I think I have a solution for a fix and it's a simple solution - but i need some help from @Big Blue
and another test - he performed.

@Big Blue , when you performed the operational test of the (Start-Up) animation
and you performed the test:
Key-OFF and Headlight Switch - AUTO - Start Up Sequence Worked - DRL Illum Bright
Key -OFF and Headlight Switch -PARK - Start Up Sequence Worked - Park Illum Dim

I need to know the outcomes - with Key-OFF and the Following
Headlight Switch - OFF
Headlight Switch - Headlight (ON) - Low Beams (On) and (High Beams (On)
I want the Headlights to be (ON) and stable before you touch the battery with the Tapped Power.
This is an important factor - and does the startup sequence - start or abort midway or complete.

The test outcomes will verify if my solution works as a fix to get the animation to work flawlessly every time.

Will try to get at your tests this next week. Right now kicking back and relaxing after the Christmas. Kids left yesterday for home. So, the house is quiet again. Have to get calibrated as to what day of the week it is after these mid-week holidays. When your retired it's hard to keep track.

 

[1pt21gw]

Is Fuse 19 constant power, Then why not just go the battery with a 10amp fuse?

If not, then Fuse 19 is just switched ignition?

Jason

 

[airline tech]

Is Fuse 19 constant power, Then why not just go the battery with a 10amp fuse?

If not, then Fuse 19 is just switched ignition?

Jason

Fuse 19 = Switched Power, the circuit requires switched power - the temp tap to the battery is for a (Test Only) to confirm my proposed fix for this issue.

 

[airline tech]

Will try to get at your tests this next week. Right now kicking back and relaxing after the Christmas. Kids left yesterday for home. So, the house is quiet again. Have to get calibrated as to what day of the week it is after these mid-week holidays. When your retired it's hard to keep track.

ok great - if it appears that it is still aborting the sequence, it MAY just be a visible pulse of the low and high beams - since the lights are (ON) - actually running the sequence but cannot visually see the full effect of it, I think you should at least see a pulse on the lights.

 

[Big Blue]

ok great - if it appears that it is still aborting the sequence, it MAY just be a visible pulse of the low and high beams - since the lights are (ON) - actually running the sequence but cannot visually see the full effect of it, I think you should at least see a pulse on the lights.

Unfortunately I may have spoke too soon about this week. We are getting weather this week in Wisconsin. It will be a bit cold and snowy to do work in my unheated garage. Also have a few other commitments to get done during the holiday break. Hopefully we will get a January thaw. I'm still interested in tracking down some of these qwerks with aftermarket headlights.

My headlights are actually OLM and not Morimoto. They look and act similar and I have been told they are made by the same company. They are working fine with my current settings. Which includes having the fogs as DRLs and having the parking lights on all the time.
As far as the startup sequence. I have basically forgot about it as I don't see it unless I'm parked in front of a window.

 

[Big Blue]

@Big Blue , when you performed the operational test of the (Start-Up) animation
and you performed the test:
Key-OFF and Headlight Switch - AUTO - Start Up Sequence Worked - DRL Illum Bright
Key -OFF and Headlight Switch -PARK - Start Up Sequence Worked - Park Illum Dim

I need to know the outcomes - with Key-OFF and the Following

It finally warmed up above freezing and stopped raining today. Got to run your tests.

Headlight Switch - OFF

I got the startup sequence both headlights

Headlight Switch - Headlight (ON) - Low Beams (On) and (High Beams (On)
I want the Headlights to be (ON) and stable before you touch the battery with the Tapped Power
This is an important factor - and does the startup sequence - start or abort midway or complete.

One point with the Key-OFF, Headlight-ON you cannot turn on the High Beams, only Low beams. Did not get any start up sequence DRLs on dim because of parking lights on with headlights.

With switch in Parling Light position I did get the startup sequence. Appears having headlights on keeps the sequence from starting but does not abort it once started. Because mine completes the sequence on the drivers side but does not start the passenger side when starting with a quick turn of the key through on position when truck is in dark mode with the switch in AUTO.

The test outcomes will verify if my solution works as a fix to get the animation to work flawlessly every time.

Again I do not have Morimoto's, but have OLM headlights. They look very very similar and appear to operate the same. I also run with my switch in AUTO and include my Parking Lights with DRLs and have my FOGs set as my DRLs to avoid using the low beams. No other Forscan changes to the headlights.

 

[airline tech]

It finally warmed up above freezing and stopped raining today. Got to run your tests.

I got the startup sequence both headlights

One point with the Key-OFF, Headlight-ON you cannot turn on the High Beams, only Low beams. Did not get any start up sequence DRLs on dim because of parking lights on with headlights.

With switch in Parling Light position I did get the startup sequence. Appears having headlights on keeps the sequence from starting but does not abort it once started. Because mine completes the sequence on the drivers side but does not start the passenger side when starting with a quick turn of the key through on position when truck is in dark mode with the switch in AUTO.

Again I do not have Morimoto's, but have OLM headlights. They look very very similar and appear to operate the same. I also run with my switch in AUTO and include my Parking Lights with DRLs and have my FOGs set as my DRLs to avoid using the low beams. No other Forscan changes to the headlights.

Ok, thanks.
I was hoping the sequence would work (after the headlights settled)
Plan was to install a delay relay (On the tapped source) F-19 and delay the timing of the tapped source - (when it is applied)

So, this does prove it is a (Timing Issue) - and that is all it is.
The Start-Up Sequence will (Abort) IF the headlights are (ON) when the sequence begins.

When you are doing a normal start - you are flipping a coin on which source hits (FIRST)
if the tapped source - by your testing it is reaching the Driver's side first (makes sense) shortest tapped feed then it lets the sequence (complete) and on the Passenger Side - the tapped source is lagging behind the (BCM-Power) Light is already powered (ON) and the sequence aborts.
Note: Variances may be noted on which side sees power first and also if the sequence completes or stalls.

The easiest fix is simple - start the truck with the headlight switch in (Off) or (Park) and the sequence will work every time.

As if in (Auto) or (On) the race between the (tapped source and BCM power) are in play.
Note: The sequence begins (at the moment) the Sequence Timer receives initial power, that is what triggers the sequence, if the sequence timer already sees power - it will abort or stall the sequence to give (PRIORITY) to the headlight power.

The second solution is the same as my (Tapped Source - Delay Relay) except install the Delay Relay on the (Power Feed) of the Low Beam wire feed to each headlight.
Delay the (BCM) power input to the lights so that it comes (AFTER) the tapped power source.
or
Remove the Tapped Power Source (Fused) and (Wire Tap Pin 6 - DRL - Truck Harness Power)
this way the headlights are out of the picture.
But the drawback is - the Start-up sequence - will only work when (Pin 6) receives power, so this will be (Daylight) and (Out of Park), I THINK park lights will still be functional but not sure, and you will only get the startup sequence (when DRL's) are initially commanded on - still works but not like it was intended.

How important is the Start-Up sequence for you - the owner, depends on what direction you choose to get it working, if you want it fully automatic - then delay the BCM power long enough for the sequence to complete, if you want to have it without any relay add ins, then start the truck with the switch in any position but (Headlight's On or Auto)

The relay solution does leave a (POSSIBLE) and that is the BCM's reaction to it, will it generate a fault in delaying the power for a few seconds? at this point I do not think so as it is already seeing a slight delay of (power) letting one side of the sequence complete.

The bottom line is - everything is working as it was intended, but the Start Up sequence by design and testing (did not factor in) Automatic Headlights, it was designed for a normal headlight switch (Old School) where the switch was normally (OFF) then physically moved to (On) and if the headlight switch was quickly moved to (On) the start-up sequence would abort and give you immediate headlights.
That is precisely what is happening, only instead of moving the switch to (On) the automatic function of the headlights is winning the race and getting power on the headlights before the tapped source. We are only talking about a 2-Seconds or Less of timing here, but it is just enough to throw off the startup sequence.

 

[airline tech]

So, a simply delay relay, for the Low Beam would be:

Relay: Hook-Up (Each Headlight)

Tapped Power Source (Fuse 19) for Relay Coil + (86) - so use the existing tapped power already there and splice off of that source.
Body Ground - Relay Coil Ground (-) (85)

Cut the (Headlight Assembly) Low Beam Power Feed (Pin #2) in half
Run the (Truck Harness) side of the wire to (Relay Power Input) Pin (30)
Run the (Headlight Assembly) side of the wire to (Relay Power Out) Pin (87)

Set the Delay Relay to approx. 1.5 Seconds, this will delay the power being applied from the BCM to the Low Beams via Relay Power Out Pin (87)

So, no matter if Headlights are ON or OFF the source power out (Relay-Timer) closes the Low Beam power will be delayed until the delay relay closes, and if the headlights are off then the (circuit) will simply just be a complete circuit - just as it was before the relay was added.
It only really matters when the Headlights are on and delay that power (out) until the Start-Up sequence is started and or completed on both headlights before that power is actually applied.

Now the reality, I do not like cutting into harnesses unless absolutely necessary, so this relay addition requires either cutting the (factory truck harness) or (Headlight Assembly) exposed wiring between the physically headlight assembly connector and the headlight.

So, I THINK I have seen somewhere on this forum or online a (T-Harness) that connects in between the Truck Harness (Connector) and the Headlight to adapt a tap-off for other lighting options.
This would be an excellent choice (to physically cut wires) vs hacking on a factory harness and the aftermarket assemblies (voiding warranties) if these are not available, then it would not take much to build your own - with the correct part numbers for the connectors, which if I recall have also been discussed somewhere on here.

For me personally, if I had a start-up sequence, it's not worth it for such an extra (Look at me) feature. I am only posting my findings and a solution for those who want it to work (In Auto or On)

 

[ControlNode]

Was it ever tested with the headlights Aux power direct to the battery? Is there a reason to not wire it that way if that was the directions for the lights? Do these lights have too much parasitic draw to use that way?

 

[airline tech]

No , the important factor

Was it ever tested with the headlights Aux power direct to the battery? Is there a reason to not wire it that way if that was the directions for the lights? Do these lights have too much parasitic draw to use that way?

It will not work as its not the power source that is the issue.

1. SWITCHED POWER is the signal to (START) the sequence, so as soon as power is (APPLIED) the sequence timer begins. It only runs (ONCE) per power application.

2. If the (Headlights - or The Sequence Timer) see power on the (Headlights-Low Beam) - (BEFORE) the sequence timer - The sequence timer aborts the sequence and gives priority to the BCM - Headlights.

3. So, with #1 and #2 - in play and the headlight switch in (Headlights or Auto) you have 2 power sources battling for dominance over the other, whichever source reaches the headlight first wins the race, this is where we are getting varied results with the startup animation sequence and multiple reports of its not working. The BCM - Headlight (ON) command is the most dominant and will overpower the (Start-Up Sequence) - so the Start-Up sequence will cave and abort.

4. The fix is: Delay when the Low Beam Power comes into play - Delay Relay or simply adapt and if you want to see the animation every time - start the truck with the headlight switch (Off) or (Park) the animation runs and then you move the switch to (Headlights On or Auto) all the delay relay is doing is taking the exact same function of you having to physically move the headlight switch. A simple and easy solution to this annoying issue of the start-up sequence and the only issues are (Wiring the Relays) and the possible BCM reaction to delaying the power it is commanding. It may or may not like it without generating fault codes as it may see it (register) it as an open circuit. With one side of the animation completing (it is already seeing that same thing) when it tries to command on the (headlight) that is already in command by something else and it lets that sequence finish, by the time (Milliseconds) the Start-Up animation sets to start on the other headlight - the BCM has already powered the headlights (On) and the sequence timer aborts the sequence - Lost the Race

 

[Big Blue]

Was it ever tested with the headlights Aux power direct to the battery? Is there a reason to not wire it that way if that was the directions for the lights? Do these lights have too much parasitic draw to use that way?

If the Aux power was wired direct to battery, the DRLs would never shut off. They would always be on, even with the key off. The start up sequence would never trigger. The instruction are to wire the Aux power lead to switched power. The only l
Only time this becomes a issue is if you are using the Auto position on the switch and it is dark out or you are parked in a garage when you start the truck.

I agree with @airline tech the start up sequence is not a big deal to me. It is a "look at me" thing for other people. All the other functions work perfectly. The start up sequence works fine when the headlights don't come in to play. If they had confined the sequence to the DRL lights, instead of including the headlights, it probably wouldn't be an issue.

 

[jdjeff]

If the Aux power was wired direct to battery, the DRLs would never shut off. They would always be on, even with the key off. The start up sequence would never trigger. The instruction are to wire the Aux power lead to switched power. The only l
Only time this becomes a issue is if you are using the Auto position on the switch and it is dark out or you are parked in a garage when you start the truck.

I agree with @airline tech the start up sequence is not a big deal to me. It is a "look at me" thing for other people. All the other functions work perfectly. The start up sequence works fine when the headlights don't come in to play. If they had confined the sequence to the DRL lights, instead of including the headlights, it probably wouldn't be an issue.

Been following along here.

I agree with you on that. I was ready way back on my first posts to find out how to just disable start up sequence and call it a day. I can live without it, of course. What I am having trouble living with is the blood sweat and tears I put into this project of replacing my own lights only to be followed by a sloppy looking power up of these lights given certain conditions. All that money for that is what twists my jewels.

 

[ControlNode]

No , the important factor


It will not work as its not the power source that is the issue.

1. SWITCHED POWER is the signal to (START) the sequence, so as soon as power is (APPLIED) the sequence timer begins. It only runs (ONCE) per power application.

2. If the (Headlights - or The Sequence Timer) see power on the (Headlights-Low Beam) - (BEFORE) the sequence timer - The sequence timer aborts the sequence and gives priority to the BCM - Headlights.

3. So, with #1 and #2 - in play and the headlight switch in (Headlights or Auto) you have 2 power sources battling for dominance over the other, whichever source reaches the headlight first wins the race, this is where we are getting varied results with the startup animation sequence and multiple reports of its not working. The BCM - Headlight (ON) command is the most dominant and will overpower the (Start-Up Sequence) - so the Start-Up sequence will cave and abort.

4. The fix is: Delay when the Low Beam Power comes into play - Delay Relay or simply adapt and if you want to see the animation every time - start the truck with the headlight switch (Off) or (Park) the animation runs and then you move the switch to (Headlights On or Auto) all the delay relay is doing is taking the exact same function of you having to physically move the headlight switch. A simple and easy solution to this annoying issue of the start-up sequence and the only issues are (Wiring the Relays) and the possible BCM reaction to delaying the power it is commanding. It may or may not like it without generating fault codes as it may see it (register) it as an open circuit. With one side of the animation completing (it is already seeing that same thing) when it tries to command on the (headlight) that is already in command by something else and it lets that sequence finish, by the time (Milliseconds) the Start-Up animation sets to start on the other headlight - the BCM has already powered the headlights (On) and the sequence timer aborts the sequence - Lost the Race

Ah, I guess that is just the wiring for those. I've not seen the install manual for those. The lights I have (ANZO) are powered all the time, but they look for the parking lights and signal lights coming on at the same time and I guess parking lights remaining on (curtisy like mode as you approach) to trigger the "wake-up" sequence. My truck, as far as I recall, does not turn on the headlights until the ignition is turned on though.

 

[Big Blue]

Ah, I guess that is just the wiring for those. I've not seen the install manual for those. The lights I have (ANZO) are powered all the time, but they look for the parking lights and signal lights coming on at the same time and I guess parking lights remaining on (curtisy like mode as you approach) to trigger the "wake-up" sequence. My truck, as far as I recall, does not turn on the headlights until the ignition is turned on though.

OK, so your "wake up" sequence starts when you unlock the truck? Do you get one when the truck is not locked and you just open the door?

One other thing that is the Morimotos and the OLMs use the headlights for the startup sequence. Most other aftermarket lights, that I've seen, only use the DRL/turn for the sequence.

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