converting US to UK lights (Dakota)

[MilesnMiles]

Hi all, need to convert my 2000 Dakota to UK lighting spec orange indicators etc.
Anyone done this on a modern Mopar, or can I do the same job as I did to convert my Roadrunner?

[Pete]

My Durango (a Dakota derivative) was much more complex than an old school Mopar.

For example, the Flasher unit was about £30 and had IC's in it, not a simple bi-metallic strip!

It compensated for towing trailer lights, etc, and Hazard flashers.

You need to research the wiring diagram really.

Why convert now? It must have been like it for a long time....

[MilesnMiles]

Hi Pete, I did wonder if it was a straightforward job. It’s illegal and I’m not convinced my MOT guy will let it go. Previous owners must have got lucky.
I’ve googled it but nothing comes up regarding the conversion.

[MilesnMiles]

Could do with some help here, all starting to look very tricky. Somebody must have converted their Ram?

[mustangbooks]

On mine, the conversion was already done... with the indicators in the rear reversing lights, a small reversing light added under the rear bumper, and something that I had to replace at the front as the previous owner had fitted rubbish non-standard clear headlights. The ambers lenses were built into the OE replacement headlights I fitted, but I can't remember if I had to do any additional wiring to make them flashers. Sorry, that probably doesn't help much!

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[Mossy68]

All mine have been already converted Miles.
Must be something in cyber world that shows how it’s done ?
Or maybe a chat with a garage that does the relevant SVA work ?

Sorry I can’t help more mate.

[MilesnMiles]

Thanks chaps, appreciate the input. My concern was whether this year Dakota had the complex Car bus system which makes things much harder. I suspect I can do what Andy had on his truck if it’s just Stock electrics.

[Dave999]

if the canbus ECU can already handle trailer lights having a set of (trailer light) flashers not on a trailer should be a bolt on job under the bumper provided the light elements (bulb or LED match what the ECU expects

you will end up with the standard flashing brake lights but also be showing a flashing amber from bolt on or clip on pod flashers

its not necessarily legal but its a step in the right direction.

you'd need to find out how a tow bar socket is wired in and wire the flashers from there.

Dave

[mustangbooks]

you'd need to find out how a tow bar socket is wired in and wire the flashers from there.

That's not a bad idea... run wiring from the tow bar socket to the reversing lights for the flashers, and run a new wire direct from the brake pedal switch or the third brake light to the existing brake lights to ensure they don't flash with the indicators? You might get away with it!

[MilesnMiles]

Looks like my car is pre Canbus http://www.auterraweb.com/aboutcan.html
, but it does have a wired in tow hitch. Will that by affected if I go old school and convert my lights to UK spec same as I did in my RR? I.e double up wires from front indicators to back (new amber ones), and run a brake light wire to the stop/tail lights.

[Dave999]

if the ECU is all about running the engine and doesn't flash up bulb blown lights on the dash when bulbs blow....you should be ok. its an ECU that is too old to care about such things

if your plan doesn't work, running bulbs off the towing socket is just the same as attaching a trailer board so that should be ok as well as long as you don't then pull a trailer that needs its lights connected.

if the socket or wires to where it would be, carry all kinds of fancy electronic brake stuff. then you need to make sure you get the right pins...you don't want any electronic anti lock thingo going haywire becasue it thinks you locked up the trailer brakes when actually all you did was lit up a brake light. Really depends on the features integrated into the socket wiring and to be honest most seem to be just lights. i don't think ya truck is big enough to warrant a massive multi wheel trailer install so anything you do have by way of tow bar wiring facilities are going to be basic.
but being a truck i'd suggest that it would be considered standard for the wiring and ECU to handle an extra set of everything at the back as trucks often pull trailers wood chippers generators etc.

dave