Esprit Daytime Running Lights
Side Light on for Europe and Canada

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL, also "Daylight Running Lamps", "Daytime Running Lights") are lighting devices on the front of roadgoing motor vehicles, automatically switched on when the vehicle is moving forward, and intended to increase the conspicuity of the vehicle during daylight conditions.

DRL were first mandated in Scandinavian countries, where ambient light levels in the winter are generally low even during the day. Sweden was the first country to require DRL in 1977. At the time, the function was known as "perception light" or "notice light". The initial regulations in these countries favored devices incorporating 21-watt signal bulbs identical to those used in brake lamps and turn signals, producing yellow or white light of approximately 400 to 600 candela on axis, mounted at the outer left and right edges of the front of the vehicle. Finland adopted the requirement in 1982 (on rural roads, only in 1997 everywhere), Norway in 1986, Iceland in 1988, and Denmark in 1990. To increase manufacturer flexibility in complying with the requirement for DRL, the daytime illumination of low-beam headlights was added as an optional implementation.

In other European countries is still isn't law, but many are testing. Canadian legislation changed in 1990 and in the US there is still on going debates on the matter.

This guide will show you how to convert a 2002 V8 and can be used as a guide to other models (although there maybe some differences), if you decide or need to run DRLs.

Installation

I live in Canada and purchased a MY2002 Esprit from the U.S. last year. Because of Canadian legislation I had to install Daytime Running Lights on the car. I had trouble getting the info to do this until I spoke to Dave Simkin of Lotus USA who sent me the attached schematic to wire the foglights as DRLs.

The installation was easy enough, and should only require around 15 minutes to complete.

You will need the following parts: Harness Kit Part Number A082M4877K

You will need the following tools:

This install guide is split into the following simple steps:

Step 1 – Remove Relay C
Step 2 – Remove Red-Pink wire from Socket
Step 3 – Tape connector or cut off connector (Red-Pink wire)
Step 4 – with headlight harness kit, take blue wire with (one way diode) installed
Step 4 – Part Number for kit A082M4877K

 

Step 5 – Install in sucker where Red-Pink wire was
Step 6 – Other side .00 wire goes to open socket marked 'A'
Step 7 – on top of socket there is a bridge wire
Step 8 – Using a new male spade connector, splice the blue wire onto the bridge wire
Step 9 – Secure wiring neatly and replace relay/Fuse cover

Fog Lights will be illuminated with 'Key On'.

Verdict

A fairly simple installation to get an Esprit running DRL. We'll leave it up to you if you think it's safer!

This mod was performed by Phil Senecal on his 2002 Esprit V8.

If you have any comments, feel free to e-mail LEW at admin@lotusespritworld.com