"Headlights are on" warning buzzer

[rwmastel]

I have been driving my car to work this week and I need my lights when I leave home.  By the time I get to work it's pretty light out and I don't notice I've left them on when I get out of the car.  Has anyone ever hooked up some type of warning buzzer to go off when the headlights are left on and the ignition is turned off?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Cees Klumper]

I bought one of these buzzers (Hella) but have not yet installed it. From the diagram it's quite simple - one wire attaches to the door switch and another to a light lead (for example the instrument cluster). You can get these buzzers at any auto parts store. Because my underdash light was missing, I got a generic ($2.50) one of those as well, and installed it in the cavity that is provided. Works perfectly.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[Ricardo]

Rodd
I too had problems forgetting to turn off my lights and draining the battery, so purchased an inexpensive warning buzzer from the canadian equivalent of Pep Boys (Canadian Tire). It came with simple mounting instructions and I ended up mounting it just below the fuse box on the firewall with the provided double sided tape. Ran the wires into the fuse panel and directly to the fuse holder(NO.6&7 I believe). Wrapped the bare wires around the fuse holders and popped the cover back on to try it. Two years later and I still haven't bothered making a better connection. Nothing permanent, no screw holes and because it was rather loud, I'm glad to have it under the hood rather than the cockpit. Saves on those embarassing moments outside a fancy restaurant when you have to ask someone if they could give your wife a hand pushing the car to pop start it.
Ricardo

Download Attachment: light warning buzzer.jpg
77.14 KB

[rwmastel]

Ricardo,
Thanks!  The picture is a huge help.  This sounds like a simple winter project for next month.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Shvegel]

You could also add a relay that was triggered from an ignition only wire so the headlights would turn off with the key. Might keep you from breaking your wrist trying to reach the headlight switch from outside the car.

[Cees Klumper]

* bump *

Post from October 2003 that I should have done a search on before posting a similar question in a new topic !

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[Naj ✝︎]

Anybody know where to get those short stubby fuses (see buzzer picture)?
I did find a part number for it but that is now a bolt[!]
naj

65 230SL
68 280SL