I just ordered one of these. for my engine bay. I am sick of not having a light under there, and trying to check the oil or fill the washer fluid in the dark. So here is my question:

Should I put in on a manual switch, or wire it so that it comes on when the hood is opened?

If I do it on a manual switch then I know it wont get left on, like this onebut then I have to find the switch in the dark. Which would you do?

 

It's usually pretty easy to mount a button for the light to turn on/off automatically, and I think it is the best solution here. At least they did it this way at the times when those lights were standard.

 

That was what I was thinking. Also because I putting on on my mothers Ody. as well. I dont think she is gonna want to look for the switch (because no matter what she says, she will end up having to call me everytime to find out where it is. LOL)

What is the best kind of switch to use? Just a standard hood pin switch like you use with alarms, or a magnetic switch like you use with home alarms?

 

Whichever, the only real requirement is - it has to be designed to work under the hood. Temperatures range is much wider than for home appliances.

 

hood pin IMO

 

Or you could moun a switch in your engine bay over on the side in a very accesable place. That way you'll be able to find it in the dark, and thats pretty simple too.

 

I hate to ask, but why are you and your mom always checking this stuff at night, you can always check it in the morning or during the day?

 

a normal closed switch with a spring return should work. when the hood is closed it opens the switch, and when you open the hood, it closes, seeing that its a spring return.

 

I get what you are saying. I do all the maintenance on our three cars, and I do it during the day.

However, She and my father travel alot, and most of it is at night. (They always end up leaving late, god knows why?) So for her it a matter of "just in case" or "better safe than sorry".

For my car, I just want to have the option of checking my oil at night. I am mostly out driving at night, so if I do need to stop and check something under the hood, I want to be able to.

 

Problem with that aproach is that if you forget to switch it off you don't see it with the hood closed. And 1-2 days are enough to completely drain your battery.