Daytime Running Lights (DRL's)

[mileshoover]

...could you post a photo of your module installed? ... do you think there is enough room for the drl unit?

Photos? I'll try, but be aware that my 35mm camera uses 20 shot rolls minimally, and that takes a bit of time to get a roll ready for processing. Only digital camera I have is in my phone; it isn't sharp enough for that kind of work.

That perpendicular bracket (wonder why it's there? I have just about all options on the "C" except blockheater otherwise.) is just in front of my DRL module box location; I tied the shrink wrapped cabled wires going forward to it for dressing and security. The 2 other lines into the power distribution box likewise were shrink wrapped and cabled, tied the loop at the front of that box and then inside the box for taps.

Access to the front power distribution box is a plus since all of the headlight and ignition on sensor taps can be done at the fuses right in that box without having to splice into the wiring behind the right headlamp as I did. It is possible to run the orange line (high beam output) to both headlight fuses in there. My fused power line IS inside the box for weather protection. The wire pigtails from the module are around 18" long so they'll go far themselves w/o extending them. Just stay away from those silly splicing clamps provided in the kit. Never had one work reliably yet.

[mileshoover]

Originally Posted by mileshoover

So far, no, in my opinion, but they've only been active since Wednesday (6/30). I'll continue to check this out. Still my opinion that to turn off the DRL light on that signal side is overkill.

A followup on the DRL's and visibility of the turn signals.

After using this DRL setup now for a bit, I have seen NO problem with visibility of the front turn signals in daylight operation. And I note that in nighttime ops, when the DRL's are off, but the headlamps are operating, the highbeam light on the same side as the turn signal does NOT go off either on the OEM system.

So, I'm not going to worry about visibility of the daytime turn signal with my DRL's and will just sit back and enjoy the safety feature of having them activated on my US-distributed auto which DC said wasn't possible.

[II kings 9:20]

Originally Posted by mileshoover

A followup on the DRL's and visibility of the turn signals.

After using this DRL setup now for a bit, I have seen NO problem with visibility of the front turn signals in daylight operation. And I note that in nighttime ops, when the DRL's are off, but the headlamps are operating, the highbeam light on the same side as the turn signal does NOT go off either on the OEM system.

So, I'm not going to worry about visibility of the daytime turn signal with my DRL's and will just sit back and enjoy the safety feature of having them activated on my US-distributed auto which DC said wasn't possible.

So Miles, I am looking at one of these units. Do you think the visibility is better than using the signal DRL or is it that you wanted to maintain the DC Canadian DRL look. For example if DC used the signals for DRL like many GM cars, would you use the signal DRL unit.

[mileshoover]

Originally Posted by II kings 9:20

So Miles, I am looking at one of these units. Do you think the visibility is better than using the signal DRL or is it that you wanted to maintain the DC Canadian DRL look. For example if DC used the signals for DRL like many GM cars, would you use the signal DRL unit.

Visibility is definitely much better; therefore safer, than the units which use the turn signals. And I did want the OEM look. Just go back in this thread where I provided the kit name, price, and sources. Later, I also provided installation instructions. Any reasonably handy person can install it.

[II kings 9:20]

Ok, Thanks.

[DrDeville]

Originally Posted by mileshoover

OK, gals and guys, my "C" now has fully enabled DRL's ON THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS (that's the two center headlamps).

Here's how it was done...

Any other questions, please give me a yell and I'll do my best to help.

DON'T LET DC TELL YOU THAT SOMETHING CAN'T BE DONE!!

Hey Miles,

I just came across this thread. Let me just say:

You Rock!!!

You saw something you thought could be better,
busted your butt to come up with your own solution,
and then shared it with The Rest Of Us.

That puts a big smile on my face.

Please accept my gratitude (to you and all the other
great folks who do the same), and my wish for good
luck in all your endeavors.

Best,

George "300c Wannabe, After Folks Like Miles Tweak It" Ferguson

[DrDeville]

Hey Miles,

Could I trouble you with a few questions about your application?

I'm wondering how it is different from manually turning on
the high beams.

I think some of the differences are:

Automatic operation
75% brightness

Anything else?
If one turns the high beams on manually, do the low beams go on too?
(That would be bad for DRL operation, IMO.)

Thanks,

George Ferguson

[mileshoover]

Originally Posted by DrDeville

,,,I'm wondering how it is different from manually turning on the high beams.,,, I think some of the differences are: Automatic operation 75% brightness Anything else?,,, If one turns the high beams on manually, do the low beams go on too? (That would be bad for DRL operation, IMO.)

George, big difference is that ONLY the high beam headlights come on automatically upon startup in DAYLIGHT at reduced power w/DRL's. No other lights including tail lights or anything else come on. Further, this way you never forget to turn them on. So the safety of their use is always present within seconds of turning on the ignition.

The whole idea of DRL's is to make the car more visible in daylight. The lower power high beams do that job quite well and is the OEM way of providing DRL's for those cars which the factory has decided to so equip (Canadian and US Fleet-delivered). Using just the turn signals and/or parking lights, IMO, does not since they are quite small relatively and not as easily seen from a distance.

DRL's, as described in this thread, turnoff with a slight delay when the ignition is turned off. (High beams on this car are the two inner lamps in front which share the front turn signals and parking lights on the top (in amber)) of that light set.

If you manually turn on the high beams, you must select headlamps on the switch or have it in "A" and a demand for lights must exist. Then, unless you previously left them on high, you must push forward on the combo lever to get the high beams. Or pull it out and hold it for a flash for the visual horn (for warnings, passing, etc.) When pulling out that lever, it must be held for it will not stay out; thus the lights will only flash on high when pulled on. When the car's lamps are turned on manually, the DRL's ALWAYS go out; so these DRL's ONLY work in daytime (natch :^)) ). When high beams for non-DRL use are selected, the fog lamps, if on. are switched off. They will come back on when the high beams are cancelled and the headlamps are still selected "on" manually or "A"utomatically.

Manual or automatic control of the headlamps, emergency flashers, and windshield wiper control of the lamps, including autowipe, is normal (provided some of that stuff is enabled in the EVIC).

A word of caution, if your car has or will have HID's (they are on the outside lights, the low beams), DO NOT attempt to use them on reduced power. The high beams are xenon and accept lowered power well; the HID's aren't designed for that kind of treatment.

[DrDeville]

Thanks Miles,

I greatly appreciate detailed answers like yours.
Did they teach you mind reading in the navy?
You even answered the question I forgot to ask--
which lights are HID with the HID option, and
DRL effects on them.

Happy (and safe) Driving,

George Ferguson

[mileshoover]

Originally Posted by DrDeville

Thanks Miles, I greatly appreciate detailed answers like yours. Did they teach you mind reading in the navy? You even answered the question I forgot to ask--
which lights are HID with the HID option, and DRL effects on them. Happy (and safe) Driving, George Ferguson

WHAT NAVY, George? ROFL

I was never IN the Navy tho I served w/'em for well over 10 years of my time in the U S M C. "^))

I was just trying to save bandwidth by answering possible future questions all at once.