Daytime Running Lights

[Prairie Dog]

The DRLs are actually the high beams not the lows and they run at a reduced duty cycle not just a lower DC voltage.

 

[juicedcummins]

From what I have been told the US trucks use low beam for drl and the Canadian trucks use the highs beams @ a reduced rate. I went through this on my 99 and my 05 to make the bright-box work with Canadian Drl's. On the 05 they have been turned off. The locations I frequent require the most available light @ night. Big critters and miles of high speed open road.

 

[Matt400]

So are you saying the bright box has conflicts with DRL's?

 

[juicedcummins]

Just the high beam ones. [Canuc trucks].



I am not tied in with the bright-box boys in any way other than being a happy paying customer of an excellent device.

 

[Tomeygun]

Dug this thread up for a customer buying an 06 model



I dont think this DRL turn-on is available on the 06 models. I looked thru the "star-scan" for like 20 minutes, could not find it. Found "Country Code" but it warned about others things it would change... Bummer

 

[scottmcd]

Is this option available for the 2004 models

 

[Bertram65]

If you want DRL why not just turn on your lights and leave them on? they turn off automatically after a few minutes after the key is removed. I leave my running lights on all the time, I think it is around 5 minutes before they shut off.

 

[Tomeygun]

Is this option available for the 2004 models

Yepp'ers - It sure is

 

[jwduke]

Thats because GM does not use the headlamps for the DRL. They use a separate lamp- a 3157 that was a poor choice for a DRL. A 3157 LL for "Long Life" is available that will help and its best to just do them both when one goes.



For those that see one DRL out during the day you will probably notice they are GM SUV's & Trucks.

If you see a vehicle with a DRL out, it is usually a GM built vehicle... ...

 

[DPKetchum]

DRLs been available since 2000 on all D. C. vehicles. Change country to Canada with DRB and enable DRL. Same vehicles BOTH countrys and Mexico also.

 

[TEaton]

Has anyone done this on an '06 yet?



Troy

 

[Rebel69]

I use the Sylvania SilverStar fog lamps and had both of them burn out in less than 6 months. I called Sylvania and the rep told me that the high-performance lights have a shorter lifespan than standard lamps and advised me to only use them when necessary (PA doesn't have a DRL law). They replaced them free of charge.

 

[abrankod]

Just to bump this thread up to the top again, and answer the question.
I got to play with my Snapon dealer's starscan today and I found all the goodies.

YES DRLs can be enabled for any of the third gens via the Starscan. The option is available without changing country code.

Step by step in the Starscan it is as follows.
1. Select ECM View
2. Select TIPMW computer
3. Select "Misc Functions"
4. Scroll down to "DRL ENABLE"
5. Select DRL ENABLE and press the START button
6. Follow instructions from the starscan.
DONE!

The DRL option DOES NOT appear under the "vehicle preparation" tab of the starscan.

Hope this helps everyone wishing to enable DRLs. Remember if you do enable them, call your insurance company and let them know! Most have a discount available for DRLs

-Dan

 

[ColoradoKing]

Dan - you're the man! Thanks. I've been wanting to do this for a while. There are lots of personal opinions on DRL pros and cons, but IMO it's a safer way to travel for me and for others.



The argument that the lights are too bright or that they burn out quicker is not valid with me. Even if they did burn out quicker, it's usually 5 years before I replace a bulb in our Wrangler, which is equipped with DRLs. The DRLs are way too dim to drive by at night, and the fact that the dash doesn't light up ensures you don't forget to turn on your headlights when required (like any of us would forget... . )

 

[Coalsmoke]

Up here DRLs are law, and I just wanted to make a comment in response to the above one about the Silverstar bulbs. I found I'd get 2-3 years out of a set, usually equaling about 50,000miles, so I'm surprised that yours only lasted 6 months. Its good that they replaced them for you, they are nice lights.

 

[abrankod]

Oh, one other thing I forgot to mention. The third gen Ram's DRL features what has been called "winky blinky" action (featured in almost all DRL equipped chrysler vehicles now. ) That is to say, with DRL enabled and on, if you signal for a turn (not the 3 flash to change lanes) that corresponding DRL with SHUT OFF till you stop signalling so that oncoming drivers can see the signal better. Freaked me out the first time I saw one light not on... I've confirmed that this is the intended operation of the DRL/turnsignal system. So don't go nuts if you notice the same happening!

Also, just a side note; via the StarScan, one can also adjust (0-600 seconds) the "delayed headlamp" feature that keeps the headlamps lit when you shut off the truck. I'm going to the shop tomorrow and I'll compile a full list of things that can be changed via the StarScan and I'll post it all in another thread.

-Dan

 

[Coalsmoke]

Dan, that list would be great. If you remember, keep your eye open for something that allows the alarm light built into the dash to be turned on when the doors are locked with the key FOB.

 

[ColoradoKing]

Just to bump this thread up to the top again, and answer the question.

I got to play with my Snapon dealer's starscan today and I found all the goodies.



YES DRLs can be enabled for any of the third gens via the Starscan. The option is available without changing country code.



Step by step in the Starscan it is as follows.

1. Select ECM View

2. Select TIPMW computer

3. Select "Misc Functions"

4. Scroll down to "DRL ENABLE"

5. Select DRL ENABLE and press the START button

6. Follow instructions from the starscan.

DONE!



The DRL option DOES NOT appear under the "vehicle preparation" tab of the starscan.



Hope this helps everyone wishing to enable DRLs. Remember if you do enable them, call your insurance company and let them know! Most have a discount available for DRLs



-Dan

Today I decided to walk into Colorado Springs Dodge, where I bought my '05. I won't repeat the long and horrid experiences I've had with this dealership, but after boycotting them for several years, I decided to see if they'd reason with me and reflash as per Dan's advice above. I was initially told by a Service Tech that this wasn't possible. He then told me it was only possible to do so if you change the country code, but "a whole bunch of other stuff happens, too, and it is illegal". I came in armed with this TDR post, but they stuck to their guns. I went to two other Chrysler/Dodge dealers. One said they would be happy to set DRLs for $58 dollars, the other dealer would do it for no charge.



How can a dealership survive with techs who don't know what they're talking about and service agents with no clue about customer service? I am sorry if we're not to mention dealers by name if they're sub-standard, but for anyone lucky enough to live in Colorado Springs (or misfortunate enough to have a breakdown here), do whatever you can to avoid the town's namesake dealer. They are truly awful.

 

[ColoradoKing]

Just finished having the re-program for DRL done at Perkins Dodge in Colorado Springs - free of charge. Took 5 minutes. Service manager himself did the Starscan, and apologized for the negative experience I'd had elsewhere. A good day!