Any 3-D printing enthusiasts here?

[Rolfe]

I know someone produced files for replacement light sensor covers which worked very well. I've been mulling over another useful accessory that I think could be 3-D printed if someone could design it. Front light covers.

The inability to turn off the DRLs while keeping the heating on is driving a number of members potty. Camping, aurora-watching, drive-in cinemas, or just sitting unobtrusively in the car. People have come up with various ways of putting a blindfold on the car, but none are entirely satisfactory. This recent stellar effort from @Ramontiker got me thinking that a custom-designed black plastic light cover might be possible.

It seems to me that something smaller could be designed that would cup snugly over the lights, maybe with a top section that would clip over the top of the wing under the bonnet, and be held down by the bonnet. Anyone willing to give it a shot?

I have never seen such a thing on any of the car accessories sites, maybe nobody has thought about it. But the applications are quite wide, including for cars parked outside when you want to pre-heat them and all the lights come on. (It would still leave the rear lights on in that situation, but it's mainly the headlights blazing through neighbours' windows that bothers people.)

Way beyond my capabilities of course, but we have some clever people on here...

 

[ReintjeWA]

I’ll add my interest to this post. I haven’t yet come across this problem, but this would seem like a handy little thing to chuck in the car. The thing you want to have when you find yourself suddenly having a need for it

 

[Anon70]

Agree that when you fire up pre-conditioning or at other times it lights up like a Christmas tree for no good reason, but suspect a better solution would be some sort of software patch/hack as this must be a setting that can enabled/disabled

 

[Wadda]

Could you not simply put a switch in the drl curcuit?

It would be easy to do it at the fuse holder.

 

[Rolfe]

Agree that when you fire up pre-conditioning or at other times it lights up like a Christmas tree for no good reason, but suspect a better solution would be some sort of software patch/hack as this must be a setting that can enabled/disabled

I agree, but the trick is to get MG to do that.

Could you not simply put a switch in the drl curcuit?

It would be easy to do it at the fuse holder.

Nice if you have the know-how to do that sort of thing. Even if someone posted detailed instructions I'd still have to get someone else to carry them out I think. (I think this might potentially be the best solution mind you.)

 

[dsimpkins]

That is a complex shape to model. If there's someone here with a 3D scanner, that could scan a headlight, that would make it easier to produce than to model from scratch. Size may also preclude hobbyists with smaller 3D printers unless the model could be broken down into smaller sections.

A interesting challenge you have set there @Rolfe

 

[Rolfe]

If a file could be produced, it should be possible to get it printed by a commercial company.

 

[decrep]

I have some mates right into 3D printing, and I suspect one may have a scanner. However, I don't think a snug fit is needed, it just needs to easily fit and be secured. Doesn't matter if it's bigger in a few areas.
I've been tempted to get a printer myself, but I have no design skills, and at this age the learning curve would be too steep, to let the pleasure outweigh the pain.

 

[Rolfe]

Indeed, I wasn't envisaging a snug fit, but rather a shape that would sit over the lights, held on mainly by a section that clips over the top of the wing and under the bonnet (so you'd lift the bonnet to fit them then close it over them), with just the margins tight enough to exclude light. I thought maybe some black foam around the inside edges would both protect the car and make the fit snugger.

 

[Tuareg]

What about a good puffa jacket and a wooly hat?

 

[Rolfe]

I use magnetic curtains. They look slightly silly and blow off in the wind.

 

[Daedalusminos]

I've got a scanner and a 3D printer or 3...but that's not a 3D printing project, it lends itself ideally to vac forming though

 

[APMG]

Yeah, the part is too large really for most prosumer devices. Probs a solution is just some magnets and sewn cloth which looks like you're already doing.

It is rather stupid they don't let you toggle the standby lights when not in Ready mode..

 

[GaryMG4]

It is rather stupid they don't let you toggle the standby lights when not in Ready mode..

Odd really, my Mazda turned them off once the handbrake was applied.

 

[Rolfe]

I think it's probably a bug, but we all know how super-fast MG are at fixing these.

 

[haloweenhamster]

Odd really, my Mazda turned them off once the handbrake was applied.

All depends on how the implement it

All MG4 documents I have looked at state when the vehicle is on the DRLs are on unless the headlights are on
No fuse just for DRL either

 

[T1 Terry]

Silly question, but what is a "Post Lamp"? Is this the parking lights where the full headlights aren't required but some form of lighting for other drivers to see the vehicle is parked there in poorly lit area and narrow street .....

Seems once the body control module was located, pin 14 has the green/grey wire for the DRL. Use one of these mini relays and wire it up like this by cutting the green grey wire and adding one of these relays, available at any electronics store

Add a switch of your choice where it says "rocker switch" and the last pin goes to a negative wire to complete the on/off circuit for the solid state relay.

T1 Terry

 

[Rolfe]

Terry, could you expand on that? Give enough detail that a motor mechanic unfamiliar with the MG4 could follow your instructions? I might be able to persuade my local garage to do it for me.

Others have said the would do theirs, but they're concerned it could create problems as their cars are leased. Mine was bought outright so I don't have these concerns.

 

[ReintjeWA]

Terry, could you expand on that? Give enough detail that a motor mechanic unfamiliar with the MG4 could follow your instructions? I might be able to persuade my local garage to do it for me.

Others have said the would do theirs, but they're concerned it could create problems as their cars are leased. Mine was bought outright so I don't have these concerns.

Instead of a mechanic perhaps an audio shop would be more willing to tackle this, seeing as they are perhaps more comfortable to deal with wiring and aftermarket installations. I had an audio shop do my external battery for my dashcam, and he said the dealer had done some strange wiring so he fixed it all up proper.

 

[Rolfe]

That's possibly a good idea, although I'd need to find an audio shop.