Automatic headlights at night : possible mod?

[ColtB45]

So if I'm understanding you correctly, on the Canadian spec models there's no ability to turn the DRLs off? If so, they may accomplish that through the switch eliminating the off position. Or it might be done in the MPX (the Canadian spec models also have different MPX versions than the US) by just never turning off the DRLs. If it's the former, (just a stalk that eliminates the off position) this would work as is. If it's the latter (handled in the MPX) it may work as is or it may require a separate variant of teensy firmware.
Assuming the latter (MPX), it may be difficult to work through without access to a Canadian spec model. If someone was willing to be a guinea pig I may be able to do it through educated guesses and trial & error, or not.

This will likely be something I tackle after I get the version that works on the US models ready.

 

[onaquest]

So if I'm understanding you correctly, on the Canadian spec models there's no ability to turn the DRLs off? If so, they may accomplish that through the switch eliminating the off position. Or it might be done in the MPX (the Canadian spec models also have different MPX versions than the US) by just never turning off the DRLs. If it's the former, (just a stalk that eliminates the off position) this would work as is. If it's the latter (handled in the MPX) it may work as is or it may require a separate variant of teensy firmware.
Assuming the latter (MPX), it may be difficult to work through without access to a Canadian spec model. If someone was willing to be a guinea pig I may be able to do it through educated guesses and trial & error, or not.

This will likely be something I tackle after I get the version that works on the US models ready.

Thank you kind sir.

It does raise a few questions about the Canadian spec. Let's get back to it later perhaps.

And in the future, I'd like to help with potential testing of a Canadian spec version.

 

[ColtB45]

After much tinkering and tweaking, this will have two configurations (same module and firmware. Configured via jumper or config option over USB.). Both require the OEM light sensor (2 minutes worth of work on 4Rs that have the wiring harness)

1. CAN bus only operation – In this configuration the device will work exclusively over the CAN network. No wires will have to be tapped, cut, or interrupted.
   Everything will work like stock with the below exceptions. This could be a small box plugged into the OBDII port or integrated under the dash. Only 4 wires are used, all present on the OBD2 port (12V, GND, CAN H, & CAN L).
   
   This is an idea what the enclosure could be for one that just plugs into the OBD2 port:
   
   
   
   
   Exceptions:
   • DRL running lamps (DRL is just dimmed bright lamps) will be on whenever the ignition is on. This includes when your headlights are on.
   • You instrument cluser and radio will not automatically dim like they do with the TRD Pro/Limited auto-lamps.
   • The crawl control (if equipped) backlight will not illuminate when headlights are on.
   
   
2. CAN bus + switch light harness operation – In this configuration the device will work 100% like OEM auto-lights on the TRD Pro/Limited, no exceptions. The wire for the DRL switch position must be interrupted/cut. Both ends need fed to the device. The switch wires for headlights and tail/parking lights must be tapped (but not interrupted). This install will have to be integrated under the dash. 8 wires are used (12V, GND, CAN H, CAN L, DRL from switch, DRL to MPX/BCM, Headlights, Tail/parking lights).

Option #1 is ready now. I haven’t started on option #2 yet, but it’s just simple optoisolators and minor code changes to drive GPIO pins instead of firing messages over the CAN bus.

My question is, of the people interested, which way would most people want to go?

 

[SlidingDeck]

My question is, of the people interested, which way would most people want to go?

I prefer option 2.

 

[onaquest]

My question is, of the people interested, which way would most people want to go?

Option 2 all the way. Factory like behavior, diag port stays free. No compromises on functionality.

 

[chon79]

Opt 2.

 

[ColtB45]

I've posted the code to git hub. To any adventurous enough, you can start testing and contribute to the code or design there.
GitHub - ColtB45/T4R-Auto-Headlights: Automatic Headlights for 5th Gen Toyota 4Runners

I've migrated to the STM32 as the primary platform, but included my original work on the Teensy. The STM32 Blue Pill is much cheaper ($3 locally, $2 from China), and while not quite as capable as the Teensy, it's more than capable for this project.

 

[gbejrlsu]

Option 2

 

[ColtB45]

First batch of boards came in...

 

[onaquest]

Amazing progress!
This keeps getting better.

 

[Jetboy]

 

[ColtB45]

It's been a productive night. I've got the first production ish board completed.

While this one does work, there are a few things that are off. I didn't have 3 of the SMT resistor values I needed, so I substituted thru-hole. I also had to use headers to mount the STM32, making it sit much higher than a final board would.

Overall I'm pretty pleased.

I'll try to slap it in an enclosure and install it in the 4Runner tomorrow. I'll take pictures of the install and videos of it working.

 

[57buick]

I dont understand the point of this thread really, I turned my lights on the day I bought it and have never turned the knob off since. They turn off when I turn off the key and lock it.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Then don't comment...

 

[Asilomar]

Well, any updates?
Thanks for the work.

 

[onaquest]

curious to know what came of this.

 

[Trobin1991]

Bump

Bump, really interested to know how this came out. Would love to purchase what COLT made.

 

[Trobin1991]

It's been a productive night. I've got the first production ish board completed.

While this one does work, there are a few things that are off. I didn't have 3 of the SMT resistor values I needed, so I substituted thru-hole. I also had to use headers to mount the STM32, making it sit much higher than a final board would.

Overall I'm pretty pleased.

I'll try to slap it in an enclosure and install it in the 4Runner tomorrow. I'll take pictures of the install and videos of it working.

How did this work?

 

[ElectroBoy]

How did this work?

He’s gone dark since his last post...

 

[Off-choader]

I dont understand the point of this thread really, I turned my lights on the day I bought it and have never turned the knob off since. They turn off when I turn off the key and lock it.

Lul normal people don't use their headlights all day long ya sperg