Aftermarket headlight auto off?

GregoriusM · 05-01-2007, 01:53 AM

2005 Kia Spectra sedan

My mother has left her lights on 3 or 4 times now, and it's not good for the battery, especially when two of those time were at -30C.

Is there an "inexpensive" aftermarket solution around that I can install (not a car nut, but not two left hands either) that would turn her lights off automatically after a few minutes when the car is shut off.

Keep in mind, this is in Canada, where we have Daytime Running Lights, although I doubt this makes any difference.

Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Local stores would be the best, if possible. I live in Winnipeg, MB Canada, so Canadian Tire, WalMart, NAPA...

Thanks!!!

Greg

frank41682 · 05-01-2007, 07:26 AM

on my 05 spectra thelight turn off on their own when I open the door after turning the car off Hers will not do the same?

GregoriusM · 05-01-2007, 07:33 AM

No, it doesn't work that way on her car. Perhaps it is the difference in Canadian vs. US cars.

If it DID work that way, the lights would have gone off each time.

1fastkia · 05-01-2007, 08:49 AM

Its a standard feature in all markets so bring it in there is something wrong with it..

GregoriusM · 05-01-2007, 12:59 PM

I'll give the Kia dealership a call and ask about it. Perhaps it's on the higher end model.

Thanks.

-------

Edit: I phoned the dealership and they say it's not a standard feature on her car. Remember, I'm in Canada.

I'm going to check her owner's manual when I go over there today. Does YOUR owner's manual state anything about the feature?

Thanks!

Greg

1fastkia · 05-01-2007, 05:07 PM

Sure does and it dont say (optional)

Raven1210 · 05-01-2007, 06:41 PM

goto canadian tire they have a thing which hooks to the battery heres the link Canadian Tire if link doesn't work go to the site and look up Eliminator Intelligent Battery Guard its 69.99

GregoriusM · 05-01-2007, 09:54 PM

Check your manual and see if it reads the same way that my mother's does...

It says that if the driver has the car parked, and the PARKING LIGHTS ON ONLY, and removes the key and opens the door, the PARKING LIGHTS will go off. It DOES NOT apply to the headlights.

I know that this is the dumbest thing I think I've seen as a feature on a car... to put the "feature" on the parking lights, which won't drain that battery 1% as fast as the headlights, and not put that "feature" on the headlights as well.

Well, kids, that's the way the manual reads, and that's exactly the way the car works, and that's exactly the way the electrical guys at her local Kia dealership says it should work.

So, 1) not all vehicles are made the same for all markets (this applies to many, many cars that I know of... so much of what is optional in the States is either in a package on a car up here, or doesn't exist); and 2) this is SUCH a DUMB thing to do... why bother putting it on the parking brakes and not the entire exterior lighting system?

You read it here!

And thanks for the info on the Canadian Tire product raven! Although I wish they had one a bit cheaper that doesn't have the remote control. I don't really need that on it, although I see why it could be of use in higher crime areas.

If anyone knows of anything that works well with the Spectra (and is maybe CHEAPER), feel free to post as well. Thanks!

Greg

frank41682 · 05-02-2007, 07:44 AM

Well that sucks. I would get a headlight buzzer from the auto parts store you just hook it up to the fuse box.

1fastkia · 05-02-2007, 09:08 AM

ALL cars have a buzzer if the lights are on or the keys in the ignition.. ALL of them. unless that broke also..