Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

[Bob Fennema]

I know this topic was talked through a few months ago but I still need some help. I want DRL on my 2004 2500. My dealer did the C44 recall today and gave me the idle control TSB. I asked for DRL and he said it can't be done. The tech claims to have "enabled" DRL but it doesn't work because I have missing hardware. I though this was a software issue but don't know enough to take the dealer's tech on.



Does anyone know exactly what to do to give me DRLs?

 

[DPKetchum]

All they have to do is change countrys with the drb. Same truck in Canada and Mexico the daytime running lights are turned on. No biggy. Works on other D. C. products also.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Your dealer is misinformed - mine have been enabled.

 

[Bob Fennema]

Well I needed another oil change and went to the dealer armed with all of the info from this board about turning on Daytime Running lights and was now told that it was illegal for them to turn them on.



The only thing wrong with owning a Dodge Ram is dealing the Dodge dealers. What idiots.



Bob Fennema

 

[DPKetchum]

Illegal?? Do WHAT! its a option is all in this country anyway. I don't care for them but turned it on for many customers as I'm sure other service people/shops have. Its interesting how many ways a Dealer or any shop try to make a hassel out of something instead of making it easy and turning a buck $$ at the same time. Heck we'd flip them things on all day for . 5 labor. take or send this post to THEM.

 

[RKerner]

Had DRL and fast idle enabled on my truck last week. $40 plus greasy rag (er, shop supplies) fee.

 

[Bob Fennema]

Look what I got from DC about running lights. I guess they are not the ones "in the know. "





From: customerassist <customerassist@daimlerchrysler.com>

To: Bob Fennema

Date: Tuesday - September 7, 2004 11:30 AM

Subject: Re: DaimlerChrysler Customer Assistance (KMM1869493V81434L0KM)

Mime. 822 (3253 bytes) [View] [Save As]



Dear Robert,



Thank you for your recent email to DaimlerChrysler Motors regarding your

2004 Dodge Ram.



Your vehicle was designed to operate as it was built at the factory. We

do not recommend that you alter the vehicle.



DaimlerChrysler does not have a retrofit kit available for daytime

running lights.



Thanks for writing.



Bob Fennema

 

[DPKetchum]

What a dumb butt! On them being illegal I guess G. M. has been illegal for YEARS. Reply to that non informed D. C. fellow that daytime lights are turned on with a DRB and the auto's/trucks are THE same ones built in or moved to Canada/Mexico were DAYTIME running lights are mandatory! HE did NO fact finding or investigation on them. He gave a standard reply which made HIM look bad. Poor job on his part. Shooting from the hip when YOU DON"T KNOW THE ANSWER usually does backfire in ones face. In fact I'd go ABOVE him and complain about about HIM and the DEALER that they were illegal.

 

[vortex]

is the same dtr proceedure done for the 2003?

 

[DPKetchum]

YES! Same for all D. C. built autos/trucks since 2000 I think.

 

[vortex]

thanks DP what do we tell the dealer if they say they dont know how to enable them? Does any one know the steps so we can inform them?

 

[bpenrod]

Forget the DC help line. When I asked them about a SRW 3500 short bed they told me they don't make one, even though I could price it out on the web!!

 

[DPKetchum]

They can call STAR its the tech helpline to tell them how. Its basicly change country(Canada) then ENABLE daytime running lights.

 

[Bob Fennema]

Who at DC can we called to get dealers knowledgable about DTRLs? I feel like we are alone. The service writers are certainly not experts, just service salespeople. I have searched the Dodge.com website and can't find any number that might be helpful. What do we do when we need help about something really serious?



BTW my dealer is proud of his 5 Stars.



Bob Fennema

 

[DPKetchum]

Boy thats a good one! The dealer service dept calls STAR. Thats the in house tech assistance. THE SERVICE MANAGER is suppose to be the ONE. He also can pass info along easily. If you call 1800-992-1997 the NOT so helpful line and INSIT on opening up a CASE FILE there suppose to and then someone from THE DEALER gets in touch. I know its a pain but call that number and insit on a explanation of whats illegal about turning them on and WHY is it hardly any one including WHOMEVER sent you that e/mail is no more knowledgeable about their own product. I'm at a loss otherwise. I use to call STAR about lots of questions. At times they even laughed at the answers the reps and D. C. NO service gave. My nick name was HOUNDDOG cause I'd (maybe too much at times)push a issue or hunt for a REAL answer until I got it. What started the daytime running light thing for me was a OLD(80)retired Chrysler rep that bought a new Town&Country and came in and insisted his lights get turned on. Said he SAW other D. C. stuff with daytime lights. I was at a loss. Called STAR and they said chill,NO biggy and we had his on in 30 minutes from then.

 

[DGFoster]

My dealer claims he can do it in a few minutes,I will get the fast idle done at the same time.

 

[sag2]

I loaned my truck to a buddy, so I can't verify it tonight, but I believe this is correct.

Access the FCM (front control module) with the DRBIII. Change the country code to Canada. Enable DRL, and select the intensity (dim or bright). Exit out and cycle the key. Check to see if they work (engine running, parking brake OFF). If they do not work try same procedure. Once they are working, change the country code back to USA.

I had them on my 03, and currently have them on on the 04. It should take 10 minutes tops.