I have a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado.

I would like it to be such that when I turn my engine off at night, my
lights stay on for a specific period of time then turn off
automatically.

Anyone got any suggestions on how to do this?

There is a thing called a delay relay...

A relay is an electric switch. Usually a lower amperage or smaller wire
connection activates this switch which then turns on a higher amperage or
larger wire connection. Like for your starter. Large wires are needed for
the starter, but not practical to run those large wires to your key switch,
so a starter relay is used.

Anyway they make a type of delay relay which stays on for a certain amount
of time after power has been removed to the relay. Some of these have dials
where you can adjust the delay. So with this connected to your headlights,
the lights would come on instantly. Then when turned off, they would remain
on depending on the setting on the relay.

Another way to do this would be to connect an electrolytic capacitor to an
existing relay. This is like a small battery which would hold a small charge
for a short period depending on the size and value of the capacitor. You
should also install a diode to prevent backfeeding. But before going this
route, you should look at the auto wiring diagrams to be sure this would
work ok with existing electronics and have a good understanding of
electronics so you know what you are doing. These days a lot of stuff in
autos is electronic rather than relay (I don't know about your specific
model).

Basically I should think that a factory wiring diagram would be needed for
this project as well as someone who understands electronics and relays and
automobile wiring.


"~~AAJakeleg" wrote in message

Have you checked the owner's manual? I would think it will tell you how to
adjust the time interval the lights stay on from not at all to several
minutes. I know the manual for my '06 tells me how to adjust the interval.

Ron

"Bill" <billnomailnospamx (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote