I have an '08 Octavia that looks very similar to this

but with patterned filler panels where the lower pair of lights are.

Is there an easy way to get those filler panels off so I can mod them to fit some LED 'bar' type DRLs, or is it a bumper off job?

Edited 30 October, 201114 yr by peterhr

I have an '08 Octavia that looks very similar to this

but with patterned filler panels where the lower pair of lights are.

Is there an easy way to get those filler panels off so I can mod them to fit some LED 'bar' type DRLs, or is it a bumper off job?

They just pull out and push in. If you take the panel off next to were the light should be first, then the filler panel for the light will come out easier as there is a small lip holding it in.

Matt

There is a panel just next to each foglight. This is designed to be removed to allow access to the back of the fog light to allow you to change the bulb.

The procedure for removing this panel is detailed in the owners manual. Once it is off you should then be able to see how the fog light blanking panel is secured making it easier to remove.

As above though I suspect it is attached in the same way as the access panel with is just a push / pull fitment.

Thanks guys - the square panel has a 'non-obvious' handle, and given a tug it comes off easily as described.

Now I just need to work out a tidy way to cut the panels without making a mess of them ...

... but if I do mess them up - any idea roughly what they cost to replace?

Thanks guys - the square panel has a 'non-obvious' handle, and given a tug it comes off easily as described.

Now I just need to work out a tidy way to cut the panels without making a mess of them ...

... but if I do mess them up - any idea roughly what they cost to replace?

Just had a quick look on eBay and the panels are £7 each new so probably cheaper from a scrap yard.

Matt

Are you sure you want to fit aftermarket LED DRL's?

On a pre-FL Octavia it is obvious they aren't standard so look a little OTT to me, dare I say it chavy...

Everytime I pass a car with them on the first thought that goes through my head is 'he's trying too hard'!

If you want to improve your visibility just flick on the dipped headlights, or better still activate one of the DRL functions via VCDS. There are a couple of options, one that turns on the headlights and sidelights automatically each time the handbrake is released another turns them on along with the tail lights as long as the engine is running.

Are you sure you want to fit aftermarket LED DRL's?

On a pre-FL Octavia it is obvious they aren't standard so look a little OTT to me, dare I say it chavy...

Everytime I pass a car with them on the first thought that goes through my head is 'he's trying too hard'!

If you want to improve your visibility just flick on the dipped headlights, or better still activate one of the DRL functions via VCDS. There are a couple of options, one that turns on the headlights and sidelights automatically each time the handbrake is released another turns them on along with the tail lights as long as the engine is running.

It's to increase visibility of the car on the road, without pushing up the fuel consumption the noticeable amount that running around on headlights does, though you don't have much option about that this time of year.

I might be tempted to try the VCDS approach if I had the gear to do it.

(I just had to look at what the facelift included to find out what you're on about - nah, I'm not chavy enough to worry too much about looks as long as the car is tidy and safe.)

Oops - double post - where's the delete button!

Edited 31 October, 201114 yr by peterhr

I fitted the LED DRLs, found a swiched supply in the fuse box to use - via a 5A fuse.

The DRLs had a function to switch off when the parking lights come on - found the right wire behind the nearside headlight and tapped into it with a scotch lock (awful things, but useful).

Unfortunately the sidelight runs at about 11.4v and that wasn't enough to kill the DRLs - so I had to use the sidelamp voltage to flip a NC relay in the DRL supply line.

All works nicely and hopefully increases the visibility of the car on the road enough to make people take more attention when they change lanes, pull out of side turnings or jaywalk (doesn't help much for jaywalkers with iPods though)