DIY: Converting side markers to turn signals (w/pics)!

Sheniferous · 06-24-2004, 01:12 PM

Probably one of the easiest mods to do with minimal knowledge of electrical engineering. ;)

Step one, Pop out the side markers (see page 260 in your manual) note - the plastic scratches easily.

Step two, Pop off the intake tube on the driver's side for easy access to the turn signal bulb.

Here is the turn signal bulb you'll be using:

Unsheathed to show 3 wires, we'll be splicing into the Green/Red w/Silver dots.

Using a quik-splice, to connect the wire with the wire leading to our side markers:

Wrapped up in electrical tape and put back in its place!

Cut the black wire on the side marker and strip the end. Do the same with the wire we spliced into the turn signal.

Now, connect the wire from the turn signal to the wire on the side marker and it's done!

Pop the side marker back and repeat the process on the other side.

Notes:
It takes about 10 minutes to do the whole job.

When the headlights are on, the side marker turned blinker blinks in sequence with the turn signals on the headlight adssembly. When the headlights are off, the side markers blink in unison with the headlight blinkers.

Hope this helps!

The mod doesn't affect the side marker coming on with the parking lights.

The mod doesn't affect the side marker coming on with the parking lights.

The mod doesn't affect the side marker coming on with the parking lights.

The mod doesn't affect the side marker coming on with the parking lights.

snowshoe · 06-24-2004, 02:11 PM

Well that just set the standard on how to help someone make a modication! The pictures and narration were terrific! Nice job...

bigjus · 06-24-2004, 03:10 PM

welp, guess i know what i'll be doing tonite! great writeup, thx.

Einstein · 06-24-2004, 06:34 PM

When doing the right turn signal, it would be a green wire with yellow trace, not a green wire with red trace, right?

EDIT: Previous questions deleted

I found the other post on why this works electrically...

http://www.elementownersclub.com/for...pic.php?t=5210

cotton · 06-24-2004, 07:04 PM

Wonderful job E-Shen!! I take it you are back from China, eh? :wink:

brendan · 06-24-2004, 07:34 PM

The important question here is: why are Shen's crimps so much better looking than mine?

-brendan

playhockeyeh · 06-25-2004, 12:06 PM

E-Shen,

Thanks for such great instructions. I would have never made this modification if someone hadn't provided step-by-step instructions. The pictures also made a world of difference.

The only issue I had was not knowing what gauge stranded wire to buy when at Home Depot. I ended up buying 14 gauge wire which I hope will not be a problem. When actually doing the mod, it seemed like the 14 gauge was kind of overkill but it seems to work just fine.

Thanks again!

ePod · 06-26-2004, 01:57 AM

Thanks, Shen! :D

JeffN · 06-26-2004, 02:54 AM

I second that Shen, Thanks!
Heads up. Don't make the same mistake I did.
Having never used the 3-slot crimps before, I cut the wire to the headlite bulb first.
DOHHHH!
The only wires that need cut are the black to the side marker and the new wire you use to go from head light to side marker!

Great mod. Cost $6 and change, and well worth it if it keeps someone from hitting me because they didn't see my turn signal!

Einstein · 06-26-2004, 07:37 AM

I'm Darrel Waltrip.

I'm only going to mod the left side. I don't do right turns.

But I do Pizza Hut commercials.

06-24-2004, 01:12 PM	#1
Sheniferous Moderateur Extraordinaire 2003 4WD EX AT Shoreline Mist Metallic (SMM) Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: So. Cal. Posts: 2,294	DIY: Converting side markers to turn signals (w/pics)! Probably one of the easiest mods to do with minimal knowledge of electrical engineering. ;) Step one, Pop out the side markers (see page 260 in your manual) note - the plastic scratches easily. Step two, Pop off the intake tube on the driver's side for easy access to the turn signal bulb. Here is the turn signal bulb you'll be using: Unsheathed to show 3 wires, we'll be splicing into the Green/Red w/Silver dots. Using a quik-splice, to connect the wire with the wire leading to our side markers: Wrapped up in electrical tape and put back in its place! Cut the black wire on the side marker and strip the end. Do the same with the wire we spliced into the turn signal. Now, connect the wire from the turn signal to the wire on the side marker and it's done! Pop the side marker back and repeat the process on the other side. Notes: It takes about 10 minutes to do the whole job. When the headlights are on, the side marker turned blinker blinks in sequence with the turn signals on the headlight adssembly. When the headlights are off, the side markers blink in unison with the headlight blinkers. Hope this helps! The mod doesn't affect the side marker coming on with the parking lights. The mod doesn't affect the side marker coming on with the parking lights. The mod doesn't affect the side marker coming on with the parking lights. The mod doesn't affect the side marker coming on with the parking lights. __________________ Honda Accessories: Roof Rack, Cargo Cover, Table Legs, Cabana Tent & Poles, Side Steps Aftermarket & Homemade Accessories: Billet aluminum grille, Silverstar headlights, Cyberwhite Fog and Driving Lights, Hardwired 400W power inverter, Extra 12v socket, Homemade nylon privacy curtain, Rear sunroof sunscreen, Tires: Yokohama Geolandar H/T-S 225/70/R16 SEARCH, RTFM, POST.

06-24-2004, 02:11 PM	#2
snowshoe EOC Rank: Oxygen 4WD EX Galapagos Green Metallic (GGM) Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 347	Well that just set the standard on how to help someone make a modication! The pictures and narration were terrific! Nice job... __________________ Ben '04 GGM EX

06-24-2004, 03:10 PM	#3
bigjus EOC Rank: Hydrogen Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bay area, CA Posts: 82	welp, guess i know what i'll be doing tonite! great writeup, thx. __________________ "There comes a time in life when one must risk everything or sit forever with one's dreams" -unknown http://www.myspace.com/experiential

06-24-2004, 06:34 PM	#4
Einstein EOC Rank: Oxygen Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Southcentral PA Posts: 451	When doing the right turn signal, it would be a green wire with yellow trace, not a green wire with red trace, right? EDIT: Previous questions deleted I found the other post on why this works electrically... http://www.elementownersclub.com/for...pic.php?t=5210 __________________ 2003 Element EX 4WD <=All-Activity Vehicle 2002 S2000 <=Weekend Blasts 1999 CR-V EX 4WD <=Wife's

06-24-2004, 07:04 PM	#5
cotton EOC Rank: Helium 2004 2WD EXS Shoreline Mist Metallic (SMM) Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Monterey Park, CA Posts: 185	Wonderful job E-Shen!! I take it you are back from China, eh? :wink: __________________ 2004 Element 2WD EX SMM

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06-24-2004, 07:34 PM	#6
brendan EOC Rank: Iron Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 3,330	The important question here is: why are Shen's crimps so much better looking than mine? -brendan __________________ 2003 NBP Auto AWD EXS Empeg MkIIa (RioCar)/Pioneer DEH-750MP/XM Roady [KD4YJS] Parrot CK3000 bluetooth speakerphone w/ SE T610 / TomTom Go GPS Valley Hitch/Softride 4-bike rack/Weatherflectors/Cloud Riders/Lots of dirt

06-25-2004, 12:06 PM	#7
playhockeyeh EOC Rank: Hydrogen Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Morgan Hill, CA Posts: 10	E-Shen, Thanks for such great instructions. I would have never made this modification if someone hadn't provided step-by-step instructions. The pictures also made a world of difference. The only issue I had was not knowing what gauge stranded wire to buy when at Home Depot. I ended up buying 14 gauge wire which I hope will not be a problem. When actually doing the mod, it seemed like the 14 gauge was kind of overkill but it seems to work just fine. Thanks again! __________________ Brian 2003 Element EX AWD AT in SOP (storage arm rest, all-season floor mats, Lund Interceptor bug guard, XM Delphi Roady) Morgan Hill, California

06-26-2004, 01:57 AM	#8
ePod EOC Rank: Oxygen 2004 4WD EXS Galapagos Green Metallic (GGM) Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 299	Thanks, Shen! :D __________________ AT, OEM Roof Rack, OEM Trailer Hitch, Side Steps, Front Bumper Guard, Rear Bumper Trim, Painted Tailgate Deflector, Splash Guards, Locking Gas Cap (keyed to ignition), Mobil 1, Michelin Cross Terrain 225/70/R16, Cloud Rider, Optima Yellow Battery, PIAA Xtreme White Headlamps, PIAA Amber Fogs, Yakima LoadWarrior, Window Tint, Honda Carpet, Murdock Cargo & Tray/Cup Liners, Rio Karma, Auxiliary 12v Battery/Inverter. EOC Mods: Always-On Rear 12v Outlet, Alternating Side Markers.

06-26-2004, 02:54 AM	#9
JeffN EOC Rank: Helium 2004 4WD EX Fiji Blue Pearl (FBP) Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 133	I second that Shen, Thanks! Heads up. Don't make the same mistake I did. Having never used the 3-slot crimps before, I cut the wire to the headlite bulb first. DOHHHH! The only wires that need cut are the black to the side marker and the new wire you use to go from head light to side marker! Great mod. Cost $6 and change, and well worth it if it keeps someone from hitting me because they didn't see my turn signal! __________________ '04 EX Fiji Blue Pearl

06-26-2004, 07:37 AM	#10
Einstein EOC Rank: Oxygen Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Southcentral PA Posts: 451	I'm Darrel Waltrip. I'm only going to mod the left side. I don't do right turns. But I do Pizza Hut commercials. __________________ 2003 Element EX 4WD <=All-Activity Vehicle 2002 S2000 <=Weekend Blasts 1999 CR-V EX 4WD <=Wife's

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