Hello, everybody, I have this project on my truck, I installed a couple of additional turn signal lights but I haven’t connect them yet because I have a problem.
My truck is a 2023 Colorado and as you know this new cars have a BMS that will detect any additional current draw. So if I tap my new lights in to my truck’s turn signal wire the bms will know and will cause some issues.

My solution is to use a hall effect sensor split core and clamp it on turn signal positive wire, then connect the sensor to a channel 1 relay module that will operate my new lights.

My question is Do you think this is a good idea? I am an commercial/residencial electrician. I do not know much about electronic components.

My truck turn signal draw .3A at 12v

Thank you in advance for your time.

 

The idea is fine, do you have a particular sensor and relay in mind?

 

The idea is fine, do you have a particular sensor and relay in mind?

Yes, I ordered this Hall sensor split core current sensor HSTS016L 50A/2.5+-0.625V 1% and this channel 1 relay module
Aediko. Dc 12v relat module 1 channel relay board with octocoupler isolation support high or low level. 2 of each. And 2 step down dc 12v to dc 5v to power the sensor.

 

I just ordered this 3(x2) components and they will arrive in 2 weeks. I just hope that the sensor generate a signal strong enough to trip the relay.

 

Does it have wiring for a trailer? If so there will be outputs for the turn signals which don't affect the ciruits that detect the current for the normal turn indicators.

 

Does it have wiring for a trailer? If so there will be outputs for the turn signals which don't affect the ciruits that detect the current for the normal turn indicators.

That is a great idea, I will check in the morning. Thank you

 

Does it have wiring for a trailer? If so there will be outputs for the turn signals which don't affect the ciruits that detect the current for the normal turn indicators.

Man I never feel so stupid in my life. You are completely right, I was making a big deal out of nothing. Thank you.

 

Man I never feel so stupid in my life. You are completely right, I was making a big deal out of nothing. Thank you.

It will now probably beep annoyingly every time you use the turn signals.
(In my car, they installed it under the floor in the boot, so I can only just hear it)

 

Every time I use my turn signals I am going to remember how simple the solution was and the hours and hours I spend thinking about a solution for my problem and the hours and hours I spend looking for the right sensor and relay and all the data sheets that I read hahaha.

 

Considering the "Trailer Connection" solution, I had not thought of it either. Certainly Brilliant!!

 

Considering the "Trailer Connection" solution, I had not thought of it either. Certainly Brilliant!!

It is brilliant idea. I run into a problem though,
In my case I have 7 wires in my truck’s trailer harness 1 auxiliary power, 1 tail lights, 1 left turn signal, 1 right turn signal, 1 reverse light, 1 electric breaks and 1 ground.
And here was my problem, the left and right turn signal wires share the break light function. The lights connected to this wires are normally off until you press your break pedal or active your turn signal or your hazard lights.
So for my purpose to add extra turn signal lights in the front of my truck this was not working.
What I end up doing was to buy a project plastic box 8x4x3 and 1 trailer converter, 2 delay relays, 1 fuse holder for 6 wires and 2 diodes ( I already had the diodes from another project)
It is a hassle for the simple task to add a couple of turn signal lights but in my case I enjoyed making all the connections and the design of the circuits.
And just because that bms system they are installing in new cars.

 

Certainly that scheme, (post #11) is safe, and certainly it will work properly. And if the installation was enjoyable the that is the way to go.