I don't know how many of you guys notice this kind of stuff, but I like that when GM cars are unlocked, their backup lights and their high beams come on for a brief time. I was wanting to see if anyone would know how to wire the backup lights to come on when the car gets unlocked. I just upgraded to LED backup lights, and figured that this would be a cool idea.

My original plan was to wire in a signal or power wire from the dome light's switch so that it would be controlled by the door setting. That's the simplest option in my mind, but are there any better suggestions? I figured that since the lights are linked to the ignition, I may need to run a power wire to the lights as well.

 

You DO realize that if your lights are set to "auto", the headlamps and tail lamps will come on when you open the door at night, right?

Actually, I'd like to disable this silly and useless feature. Starting the car with the lights on just puts an unnecessary strain on the Fit's already undersized battery.

 

I know that the headlights come on with that setting, I use it all the time. I want the reverse lights to come in then too.

 

Use a relay. The trigger would be the dome light. Wire power directly from the battery to the relay, and the backup lights to the relay, triggered only when the dome light turns on.

Dome light turns on, allows power from the battery to go through to the backup lights. Dome light turns off, power from the battery is cut to the backup lights. Otherwise the backup lights work as usual.

 

This is why I turn the auto headlamp off before turning off the engine at night, and only turn on the auto function after starting the engine. I do like the headlamps coming on with the wipers, and have no issue with starting the car with headlamps on. My problem is them staying on after I turn off the ignition, or when opening the door. That makes me nervous about battery drain. It would be nice to be able to customize the delay here. Many cars allow you to do so.

 

I find it annoying, especially when I am in a parking lot waiting for a vehicle to back out that isn't actually backing out.

 

Same. It sends the wrong message.

 

I understand the lights staying "on" after you shut the car off, so you can find the house door, or what ever. But having them turn "on" when you open the car door is just silly. I'd use the auto setting more, but having the lights come on every time I open the car door in the garage is silly IMO.

 

This would be great... Someone is tailing-gating, flip on the dome light and the reverse lights come on. panic sets in.

 

That would be really nice in my opinion too! I have to load and unload a full load of sound equipment (full trunk and seats folded), and the second load of the night is always in the dark. I'd like to be able to use the backup lights as illumination since there is zero outside light there. I've been leaving the ignition on with the shifter in reverse, but pretty soon it'll be cold enough to want to leave the car running and this is not an option.

I know, it's a big old load of first world problems, but if there's something I can do and it's relatively easy, then I'm gonna do it! Although I would imagine that it involves removing the headliner and trunk lining, so this could be more of a task than I am up for. We'll see.

 

Reminds me of this...

 

This would be a problem, and would be illegal in a moving vehicle.

In your case it would be easier to wire a switch from the rear lights to the backup lights. When the rear lights are on, the switch is active and could turn on the backup lights. A little unconventional, and if you leave it on by accident and drive, illegal. You could also add an extra rear compartment light, with a switch, which would be easier, not illegal but provide less light. Or add an extra LED flood light pointing to the rear. Either solution only requires moving panels at the back, and not touching the head liner, and very little of the trunk liner.

 

I replaced the trunk light with a couple of 9 panel LEDS. Solution to problem is to add a couple of these to the hatch door itself connected to the hatch light. These would light up the ground behind car.

 

Good idea. That would certainly solve the...problem. I'm not sure what the problem is, as the OP has changed requirements and went slightly off-topic, on his own post...