I don't think adding a switch will help as the physics of the circuit will be the same in the 'off' position as adding an switch. The problem you face is country(s) specific and will require a programming of the OBC to change.

 

I'm pretty sure Durametric Pro can do a coding change to fix this. Thought there was a setting to enable/disable "always on" lights.

 

This thread has cooled, but I thought I would share my battery issue. Left light switch in off position...not home position. In 2 days battery was dead. I don't have anything on or plugged in. Not my DD so car sits for a couple of days back to back easily every week. Brand new battery also. Don't know if its related to this mod but I haven't had this kind of drain ever.

I'm going to try again in home position, then in off position and hook up to my charger and see how much has drained. Don't remember leaving any interior light on or cracked open door....need to figure this out. I have become religious with the charger now to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Anyone else suffer drain in 2 days?

 

I did this mod and I've had mine in the home position for about 8 months now, driving the car about 2 or 3 times a week with no battery issues.

 

I normally have mine in home..but did turn to off and then no battery.

 

I've left my 997.1 in the home position for over a week, many times, and no battery drain. Battery is over 4 years old. RaidersR1, you have the diode in place?

 

No. I did my mod after it was posted. Saw the diode info...but never acted on it because I didn't see any drain before. Now I'm wondering.

 

Looks promising and the proper "hack" for running the DRLs

 

Regarding the terminal layout.
Could you wire the diode between terminal A5 (fog light) to A4 (power when ignition on) and would have fog lights on all the time the ignition is on? Would also stay on with other lights and no way to turn it off. Ok with me.
Would that work also?

 

I've had the $2 hack in place for about a year now with absolutely no battery issues.

 

Thank you Utkinpol for your hack and PSPorsche for your detail write up and pictures. I finally did this hack. (I know, I know, I am way late to this.) Since I bought a bunch in a package and obviously only used one - I am going to try to return the favor by giving these diodes away for free.

If you PM me for an address - send me a self-addressed stamped envelope, I'll drop them in the envelop for you. I'll send you a couple of them just in case one gets screwed up.

 

I am late on it too, but thanks!

 

I just did this modification on my 2006 C4S, using a 1n4001 diode.
It works like a champ and provides all the functions plus the Day Running Light as advertised.
I still have the original (Bulb based) foglights but will be upgrading soon to LEDs.

It is probably the most inexpensive modification that you can do on a Porsche, with a cost of about 20 cents and 10 minutes labor.

Great stuff.

Yves

 

Agree, I did it back in April and its a great cheap and easy hack. No issues with battery in my 06 C2 daily driver.

I also switched to front LEDs back in October and I'm still not convinced with the look. Probably gonna switch back to the old school housing, to me they are just perfect!

 

Can you tell me where to get this special diode? I simply bridged the two wires, but had a dead battery all the time. I finally had dealer update for Canada Daytime Running Lights, but all the lights come on (marker lights) and headlights at 40% of regular beam (or so Porsche Dealer says). I would rather have just the fogs on during the day as DRLs. Where do you get the diode?