Parking Light Conversion for 1990-1997 Miatas
By Rod Roller
Questions? Comments? E-Mail Me
DISCLAIMER
We have made every effort to ensure accuracy and quality of the information provided on this page, but no representation is made regarding the accuracy or reliability of any information contained on this page. The information on this page is not approved by Mazda. Neither Miata.net, the Central Alabama Miata Society nor the contributor accept any liability for the consequences of using the information presented on this page. These modifications may not be street legal in your area.
USE THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Front View |
Side View |
Parking lights only |
Parking lights and turn signal |
This modification does several things:
1) Converts the dim amber parking lights into bright white lights, like mini headlights or fog lights. Although these
are NOT bright enough to drive by at night, they are much brighter than stock and appear to be low-beam headlights to
those who don't know better.
2) Provides the amber turn signals in the unused corner position, so you still have visible turn signals. This duplicates
the popular "Twilight" kits that are sold for $20.00. I used a larger, brighter 916 bulb and socket instead of the tiny,
dim 194 bulbs the aftermarket "Twilight" kits use. You can use the standard twilight kits if you want, or if you have
trouble locating the sockets locally.
3) Makes the side parking lights blink with the front turn signals to provide added visibility when turning. The side
markers DO NOT blink from the factory. However, the turn signals do blink slightly faster than normal with the parking
lights on. It is not as fast as the "fast blink" that happens when a bulb is out, but it is faster than normal. I happen
to like the slightly faster blink because it attracts more attention on the road, but if you don't want it to blink
faster then don't do the mod.
Most importantly, it does all this rather cheaply. My total cost for all this was about $25.00, using parts from
local stores. Included below is a Parts list and a Wiring Diagram. Step-by-step instructions would be confusing and
hard to follow. If you can't figure out how to do it from the Wiring Diagram then you don't need to be attempting to
do it anyway! Print out the Wiring Diagram and take it to someone who knows how. Please read the Disclaimer below.
If you have any creativity at all, you will already have figured out that you could use this wiring configuration to
add true halogen headlight bulbs to the parking light units. I have not tried this (yet!). If you decide
to try halogen headlight bulbs, you should add in a relay and wire the halogen bulbs directly to the main fuse, since
the parking light circuit is probably not strong enough to power the headlight bulbs.
Parts List | |||
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Picture | Description | Part No. | Source and Price |
Wiring Diagram |
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Back to the Garage |
03 January, 2001 |