Wasn't sure what to title this?? My son Keeps on forgetting to fully switch off lights after driving, leading to dead batteries. That leads me to the question??
Has anyone done a mod that kills the headlamps automatically when ignition is turned off?
Side question, go with manufacturer recommended battery or more robust ?

Thank you all in advance

 

I ordered this for my 2004 Disco, because my daughter never remembers to turn them on (opposite problem to yours).

Directed Electronics 545T Nite-Lite System D

Directed Electronics 545T Nite-Lite System D

I hope to get some time over the summer to wire it in.

 

If you are comfortable/handy with electrics you could wire another relay in series with the headlight wires which is tied to a 12V switched power source. That way the lights could only be on when the vehicle is on AND the switch is turned on. To be honest with you (as a teacher and a parent) this seems like a good learning opportunity for your son. Have him understand the next time he keeps the lights on he'll have to plonk down the cost of a new battery for you to keep in escrow for when you need to replace it- draining the battery repeatedly will destroy it and will provide an incentive for your kid to turn off the lights and put a reminder somewhere to double check it other wise he'll have to pony up some money!

I have a slightly larger group 65 battery in my truck, I had to fabricate an extended hold down strap. I like the larger capacity of the battery but not gonna lie, I don't think I need it.

 

Can he not hear the warning chime telling him that the lights have been left on?

 

Ok, so I understand on how a modern car one can forget to turn the lights on. My wife's car has DRL and a completely digital dash so it's always lit up so I've made that mistake in her car. How do you make that mistake in the D2? Isn't she alarmed when she looks down and cant read the dash in the dark?

I'll probably eat humble pie on this (not to mention OP's problem) when my kid reaches driving age but remembering to turn the lights on and off should be on a mental checklist when driving a car and I'm nervous about the driver who routinely has problems with it.

 

I think I may just leave as is and have him learn to put it on the check list. Tough when all he has ever driven is Auto on, can't make things too cushy on him LOL
Agree with earlier poster that Ill hang buying a new battery over him, that should work. Just couldn't blame him on the first time when he was not used to the set up

 

Did you try sending a text to his phone? That's the only way teens hear anything.....