Running wire from headlights

[Chris4099]

I'm in the process of overhauling the front headlights. One part will be adding DRLs. The only thing is I can't figure out a good way to run a wire from the headlight area back to the cabin. That headlight area appears to be pretty well sealed out unless I start removing the fascia and other panels. What I've been able to figure out so far is if I remove one of the bolts in the back, that gives me an opening into the small compartment at the front of the trunk (where you keep the jack and tools). From there, I could go out the access hole. At this point, I know of two options. First is to run the wire along the whole length of the bottom of the trunk and then up and into the cabin via the hood cable release. I don't like this as the wire is visible and more exposed to items in the trunk. A better solution is to run the wire along the trunk to the fuel pump access. Then once under the trunk, run the wire to the speedo cable and enter into the cabin there.

Both of these options require a wire to run out the access cover and have some exposure in the trunk. Anybody manage to run wiring using another method? Is there a way to get a wire down and into the area around the radiator and under the trunk? I would really like to try keeping the wire outside of the trunk where it can be secured and away from shifting objects.

[mluder]

I'm in the process of overhauling the front headlights. One part will be adding DRLs. The only thing is I can't figure out a good way to run a wire from the headlight area back to the cabin. That headlight area appears to be pretty well sealed out unless I start removing the fascia and other panels. What I've been able to figure out so far is if I remove one of the bolts in the back, that gives me an opening into the small compartment at the front of the trunk (where you keep the jack and tools). From there, I could go out the access hole. At this point, I know of two options. First is to run the wire along the whole length of the bottom of the trunk and then up and into the cabin via the hood cable release. I don't like this as the wire is visible and more exposed to items in the trunk. A better solution is to run the wire along the trunk to the fuel pump access. Then once under the trunk, run the wire to the speedo cable and enter into the cabin there.

Both of these options require a wire to run out the access cover and have some exposure in the trunk. Anybody manage to run wiring using another method? Is there a way to get a wire down and into the area around the radiator and under the trunk? I would really like to try keeping the wire outside of the trunk where it can be secured and away from shifting objects.

When I wired my ground effects lights for the front (mounted to the underside of the spoiler) I just zip tied them to the frame along the way and entered through the speedo cable hole. It's held up OK so far but I get your point about being exposed to the elements.

How are the original headlight wires run? Aren't they just under the trunk and wrapped in several layers of electrical tape?

Cheers
Steven

[mr_maxime]

I've been wondering this myself. The bulb in my aftermarket headlights stopped working and I figured I'd upgrade to the HIDs. Just dont know how to get the power wires to the battery.

[Josh]

Why do you need an extra wire for DRLs? When I did mine all the wiring was done from the relay compartment. Switching the low beams over to the key switched power source.

[Patrick C]

I ran the wires for my HIDs as well as my fog lights through the inside of the pontoon.

Get inside your car and look down by the pedals. See where the windshield washer fluid tube is coming in? Run the wires through that big hole. Now drop the windshield washer fluid reservoir and pull the wires forward by reaching into that crevice and grabbing your wires. From there, you can push them through the grommet close to the front fascia and they will be right behind the headlamps.

[Chris4099]

Why do you need an extra wire for DRLs? When I did mine all the wiring was done from the relay compartment. Switching the low beams over to the key switched power source.

My DRLs are different from the low beams. Once wired, they will light during normal driving and switch off when the headlights are turned on. I'm doing it that way because they are kind of bright on their own and at night might cause some glare for the cars around me. Plus they should look good on their own without the low beams on.


Get inside your car and look down by the pedals. See where the windshield washer fluid tube is coming in? Run the wires through that big hole. Now drop the windshield washer fluid reservoir and pull the wires forward by reaching into that crevice and grabbing your wires. From there, you can push them through the grommet close to the front fascia and they will be right behind the headlamps.

You know, this option just occurred to me a few hours ago. Only problem is I would imagine the washer reservoir is going to be a major pain to get off. If there's a chance of rivnut spinning (and there are a lot of rivnuts), it will happen with this car! So I think I may stick to my original plan, but keep this idea in the back of my head. When the time comes where I will need to replace the pump and have to remove it anyway, I may convert at that time. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Chris4099]

Looks like I found an option. I originally tried to find a way to run the wire down along with the side marker light and failed. However, that was on the driver side and the washer bottle got in the way. While exploring this afternoon, I realized the passenger side may work better. Sure enough, it was easy to just drop the wire down and it came out near the fender support under the car! Here's a pic of it from behind the headlight bucks going down:
39893

Using zip ties, I should now be able to run the wire across, under the trunk but protected above the frame extension and to the speedo cable. I still like the idea of using the same location as the stock headlight wiring, but this should do nicely and keep the wire hidden from normal view.