Day Time Running Lights and.....

[retirednak]

I bought my '03 3500 DRW used back in '05 and the truck was raised in Canada and was bought at a dealer auction. Since my truck was originally sold in Canada it has the daytime running lights. I've finally grown tired of purchasing headlight bulbs and want to know how to disable this feature. I thought the dealership had to disable it but according to them,for some reason they are unable to do this. It sticks in my mind that they told me they would disable it for me if I wanted when I bought it,and I decided to leave it since I usually drive with then on all the time here in AK. I think they are full of it,should I try the other dealership or can a tech explain how to do this so I can forward the information.

Has anybody had the death wobble at 98K miles,if so-did the dealership pick up the bill since there are so many technical bulletins regarding this issue? How can I get the dealership to foot the bill since I'm out of warranty? I do have a tie rod a bit loose and the truck pulls to the right a bit,but at 98K easy miles I wouldn't think I should have any front end issues.
Thanks for the help in advance:-laf

'03 3500 DRW CC 4x4 Laramie Sport

 

[jelag]

I have several trucks all with the daytime running lights turned on... . we've never lost a bulb and some of my trucks have close to 300K miles...

When the daylight running lights are turned on, you should see a bulb running at 40% of light and when you click on the head lights they should get bright...

Its a simple task with the computer that the dealer has to turn them on and off... I've watched the tech turn mine on when we buy a rig... . less than 5 minutes... they just have to know where in the menu the toggle is located...

I think you have something else going on... if your burning out head lamps...

 

[FourBarR]

I agree with Jeleg ,on burned out bulbs I have 520,000kms on my 98. 5 and never replaced a bulb.

 

[retirednak]

I understand the lights run at 40%. During winter we run with our headlights on (not DTRL) 24/7 since its dark during the day. I'm sure that's the reason,but I'd still like to have the option of turning the lights off. After 30+ years in AK,I've grown accustomed to buying headlight bulbs. My wifes '08 Subaru is by far the worst vehicle I've ever had for going through bulbs. (common on Subaru) dealership states nothing wrong. 4 bulbs in 45K miles!

 

[Road Dog]

DRL use the high beam (on 2nd gen trucks) so it shouldn't affect the life of the bulbs. There's a DRL fuse that can be pulled (on 2nd gen trucks). '05 and newer trucks use a Front Control Module (FCM) to control the lights and can be programmed. Older truck use real wires.

 

[dcochran]

We've had this style of lighting in Canada for close to 20 years on all of the vehicles sold here. I've never had to replace a bulb yet. And why would you want to disable a feature that is clearly designed with with the safety of both you and the oncoming driver in mind???

 

[retirednak]

Besides replacing bulbs,I moose and boo hunt. I like driving in on old mining roads,trails ect and I prefer not to scare off the moose and other critters with lights shining on them. If what ever reason the diesel clatter doesn't usually scare them off,but hit them with headlights and it does it every time. Like I explained in my earlier post,I usually drive with my headlights on anyway. Your right,its a safety issue.



I'm kinda going a different way,has anyone finally came up with a decent aftermarket headlight that actually allows one to see? I've tried the e-bay junk which are worse then OEM. As far as I'm concerned the design for the '03+ headlights are defective and should be recalled.

 

[Road Dog]

There's road hunting in BC too and DRLs are a non-issue. Maybe Canadian moose are more laid back -- how's it going, eh?

 

[pullya]

I think the DW is going to be on your dime even though there are numerous TSB's out on the subject. One thing you might think about is buying the "new" steering kit, including the pitnam arm and the steering stablizer. The new kit might help your problem--

Jay

 

[retirednak]

I'll look into the kit,Thanks