WeeBieP5

I wanted to rewire my fog lights to turn on without having to turn on the headlights (i want just the fogs on or just the fogs and parking lights). I figured out how do do that but than i remembered about the daytime running lights we have here in Canada. So even if i did rewire the fogs, my daytime running lights would still be on, which i dont want. I know that when you pull on the parking brake the daytime running lights turn off, so i was thinking maybe i can just leave the handbrake on just one click all the time?? Anyone know if this will do any damage and how much???

douggie

I rewired my P5 to allow the fogs go on when either the parking lights or lows are on. However, i'm in US, so we don't have DRL.

I don't think it's a good idea to drive with the handbrake even at one click. One thing is that you will get that annoying brake light on while you drive.

i'm not sure if it's the case for Mazdas, but my friend had an Acura integra and he says he can temporary disable the ABS system while driving with the parking brake slighly engaged for a while! (the ABS light would come on and then he can disengage the parking brake and the ABS light would remain on. But once he turns off the engine and restart, it's reset back to normal -- pretty cool trick, i thought). But, for your case, you are doing it to turn off the DRL, not the ABS

As about the damage, i don't think there's much. It's because you can loosen the cable so that you need to pull the handle higher for the parking brake to come in effect.

I think it's better to find a way to completely disable your DRL before rewiring.

Kincaid

As long as you only haul up one click it's fine. One click doesn't actually engage the emergency brake. There is always some slack in the line.

Just trying coasting down the road, then haul up one click and see if you notice any drag.

I know you won't unless you've tightened the e-brake cable tighter than factory.

I've been driving around for 6 months in my 3rd Gen with it on one click and mine is fine.

Hope this helps.

Fulminatus

sorry .. off topic,

Aren't the ES headlights exactly the same as your LX?

Kincaid

Same bulbs, lenses, and wiring harness. The only difference in the two are the chrome and black chrome fillers around the lights. The ES has black chrome whereas the LX has just chrome.

Bizob

I used to drive with it up one click alot, then one day I noticed (I don't know how long it had been) that my DRL did'nt come on anymore. I used to be able to hear a click in the passenger side footwell. That's the relay for the headlights. I guess I just blew the relay. In your case, try just disconnecting it. If you're any good at reading wiring diagrams, it's in the Haynes manual p.12-50 for 2nd gen and p. 12-33 for 1st gen (more detailed for 1st gen...) If all else fails, try flashing them on and off till it blows (that would be plan Z, though)

Luck!