© 1999 Directed Electronics, Inc. Vista, CA 9
Most vehicles use a (+) parking light circuit. The (+) parking light wire is often found near the light switch. In
many vehicles the light switch is built into the turn signal lever; in these vehicles the parking light wire can be
found in the steering column. The same wire can often be accessed in the kick panel or running board.
NOTE: Many Toyotas and other Asian vehicles, send a (-) signal from the switch to a relay. The
relay then sends (+)12V to the bulbs. Whenever you have difficulty finding a (+) parking light wire
near the switch, simply test the wires at any switch or control panel that is lit by the instrument
panel lighting. Remember, you need a (+) parking light wire that does not vary with the dimmer
setting.
How to find a (+) parking light flash wire with your multimeter:
1. Set to DCV or DC voltage (12V or 20V is fine).
2. Attach the (-) probe of the meter to chassis ground.
3. Probe the wire you suspect of being the parking light wire. Usually, the area near the headlight/parking light
switch is an excellent area to start, as is the kick panel.
4. Turn on the parking lights. If your meter shows (+)12V, turn off the parking lights and make sure it goes back
to zero.
5. If it does return to zero, turn the parking lights back on and, using the dash light dimmer control, turn the
brightness of the dash lights up and down. If the meter changes more than a volt when using the dimmer,
look for another wire. If it stays relatively close to (+)12V, you have found your parking light wire.
NOTE: Vehicles that use a (-) signal from the switch to the factory relay may be interfaced directly.
(See H1/5 WHITE wire of Primary Harness (H1) Wire Connection Guide section.)
finding a (+/-) parking light wire