CHRYSLER OEM Dodge Daytime Running Light Module 56021561

[Iron Duke II]

I was looking for guidance on disabling the daytime running lights for my 1996. There appears to be some old references to having the dealer do this. Wondering whether anyone recalls anything on this forum that covers the issue.

 

[Matt42]

My 1996 didn't come with DRLs. If you have the factory TSM, there should be some information in the wiring section.

 

[BigPapa]

I think I've posted this before, but maybe it will help.

W/O DRL

W/DRL

 

[Matt42]

This post is wrong. The quotes came from the 2004 TSM, not the 1996 TSM. For some reason, I can't delete them but I will keep trying. I am embarrassed. I am reposting it again, and it should show up shortly.

 

[Matt42]

This thread started by @illflem in 2002 may have the answer. It involves installing a toggle switch on one of the wires. It's best to just read it for which wirte and where.
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/daytime-running-lights-disable.55006/

Now if I could just find an equally simple to enable DRLs on my 1996!

 

[Matt42]

The 1996 TSM has these things to say about the DRL system. (I am actually using the 1996 TSM this time.)
This comes from page 8L-1.

Page 8L-15 shows the location of the DRL module.

This excerpt from Page 8W-40-3 describes the ground connection for the parking brake and the DRL module. It may be a good place to splice in a toggle switch.

This excerpt from Page 8-40-8 shows part of the schematic that includes the DRL module.

I think I got it right this time.

 

[Matt42]

Hmmm. For some reason, the image of the schematic didn't show up. Here it is again:
This excerpt from Page 8-40-8 shows part of the schematic that includes the DRL module. It looks like a thin gauge white wire with tan tracer is involved.

 

[Road Dog]

Why disable the DRL?

Unplugging the DRL module (on the driver's side fender) will remove the function but you lose the high beam indicator on the dash. You can add a jumper to the harness connector to enable the high beam indicator (I don't have the pins handy).

In Canada the DRL has been mandatory for a long time. Since lots of people run dark (they forget to turn on their lights at night) the new rule is no OFF. My 2021 Grand Cherokee headlight switch has AUTO, PARK, and ON.

 

[BigPapa]

Alright, here’s my rant on DRL’s.

DRL’s are great for visibility in the daytime. But, in my opinion, if a vehicle doesn’t have auto on lights when it gets dark, they don't need to have DRL’s. EVERY time I drive in Nashville when it’s dark, there’s some idiot driving around with nothing but the DRL’s on. Because they have forward illumination, they THINK they’re lights are on.

Rant over.

 

[Ozymandias]

Gen2 has a dedicated fuse for the DRL, all you need to do is pull this fuse.

I had to re-enable this DRL on my buddies 98.5

 

[Matt42]

Why disable the DRL?

In Canada the DRL has been mandatory for a long time. Since lots of people run dark (they forget to turn on their lights at night) the new rule is no OFF. My 2021 Grand Cherokee headlight switch has AUTO, PARK, and ON.

I recall that back in the early 1960s, the State of Indiana required the addition of a single white light in the center of each new car that turned on whenever the car was running. In most situations, the dealer installed the light discreetly behind the grille. The concept actually worked. It was also a simple way to pick out which cars on the highway were late models. Our family friends had purchased a new Corvair. Installing the center front facing light on their Corvair station wagon had been an exercise in creativity for the dealer.