Daytime Running Lights (DRL's)

[mileshoover]

This thread is not meant to start a war on use/nonuse of these lights. Please don't.

I have had DRL's on my last 3 Chryslers and consider them to be a valid safety feature and I want them to be installed or activated on my 300C. Unfortunately, thus far, DC has told me that DRL's cannot be activated on US-delivered current DC products and that the only such equipped cars are for fleet use or Canadian-delivery. I find that statement to be questionable since the same BS was given before on the other LH cars. By a bit of research, I found that there was an additional module that could be installed and activated the DRL's.

I can see great differences electrically in this LX car so I know that system has been vastly modified but doubt if DC can afford to make two completely different systems, as they claim for US and Canadian delivery. So, there has to be some, probably modular addition for DRL's, as was on the LH car.

Does anyone know just what is the difference between those products to achieve DRL's on US models? I need the Mopar stock number of that item(s).

My alternative is to use an aftermarket module, but haven't found them to work reliably.


Thanks.

[Hemi300c]

Here are some thread's from the TDR (Turbo Diesel Register) regarding DRL's on US Dodge truck's. I have not had my truck done yet but I will soon. I also wish that the 300c had DRL's. I sure enjoy the car.

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/f...highlight=DRLs

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/f...highlight=DRLs

[mileshoover]

Thanks Hemi300C for those leads. They led to the following info:

I am now advised that the DRL's can be turned on for US-delivered 300C's as follows:

1. Can be done regardless of headlamp style or mode of normal operation, whether auto on or not, or HID's (which are only on the low beams in this car).

2. DRL's are controlled by the body module on LX models (300C, etc.). There is no separate DRL module as was the case on LH models.

3. This option is turned on by hooking the car up to the diagnostic computer and switching from the current US country code to the Canadian country code. No additional steps are needed; it really is quite simple and easy; and should be at no cost.

4. All gauge settings remain in US measurements.

5. Lights enabled are high beams, at about 3/4 power.

6. During daytime use, all dashboard lights remain at normal settings. No sidemarkers or taillights are on (except when applying the brakes as normally done). If you maually turn on your headlamps during daytime, normal operation will occur. Wipers on, headlamps on will function normally.

7. When you turn on a turn signal, the DRL on that side of the car will go off temporarily to ensure that the front signal can be seen easily. It will resume the usual DRL setting when the turn signal is cancelled.

I will get mine turned on ASAP; suggest anyone interested print a copy of this info and hand it to your service writer.

[mileshoover]

Unfortunately, I am now informed by DC that DRL's cannot be activated on US-delivered 300's. Only the fleet version has the software built-in to permit enabling these safety measures. The regular US-distributed 300 is absent this capabilty. There is no way to swap modules from a fleet version to a US version, according to DC, who is being very obstinate about this.

And you cannot just take it to a dealer and ask to change the Country Code from US to Canada as I had formerly been told. DC says again that the software is not in the US version to do this.

Further, the dealer diagnostic computer, DSB-II, used on all other DC products, will not function on this car. Another computer is required -- something like Star * something or other (I'm not clear on the name).

I had 2 different dealers attempt to turn on the DRL's on my car and couldn't even access the country code.

Apparently, this 300 series is a very different kind of beast from previous DC/Chrysler products in just about every respect. I have already determined that my LH wheel locks, DRL module, and locking gas cap won't fit this LX body. Even after-market DRL kits won't work because this car uses a resistive lighting system whereas the previous model did not.

Just turning on the headlights is not a solution since the HID's are on the low beams; I don't want them on during the day. I could turn on the fogs and parking lights, but that is not what I want to do.

I'm frustrated for I believe DRL's to be an important safety feature and that DC is very remiss in not providing the option to enable DRL's on all production of this important new auto. I suggest that all US owners interested in enabling this feature keep calling DC to insist upon its inclusion ASAP. All it would take is a software change from what I have been told.

So, back to my original request -- if anyone knows how to activate DRL's on the 300C, either OEM or after-market, please advise.

Thanks much.

[Fast300C]

Thanks for info:, I figured since it's a new car it had DRL. When my insurance agent asked I said yes. Looks like you get a discount if your car has them. D C should look at these lights as a safty issue.

[mileshoover]

Originally Posted by Fast300C

Thanks for info:, I figured since it's a new car it had DRL. When my insurance agent asked I said yes. Looks like you get a discount if your car has them. D C should look at these lights as a safty issue.

Yes, they deifintely are a safety feature recognized by the Insurance Institute. My Insurance Co., USAA, asked the same question and I had to tell them that no, they didn't.

I agree that DC should make them available to all owners, irrespective of where their car is delivered.

[II kings 9:20]

Ditto fellas, side lane change lights are needed although not as important as DRL. What about an aftermarket solution say PIAA in those slots in the front lower fascia. Just a thought, might look hideous. I think pressuring DC for software is best. We should start calling and emailing now.

[mileshoover]

Originally Posted by II kings 9:20

Ditto fellas, side lane change lights are needed although not as important as DRL. What about an aftermarket solution say PIAA in those slots in the front lower fascia. Just a thought, might look hideous. I think pressuring DC for software is best. We should start calling and emailing now.

Chrysler's web site is:

http://www.chrysler.com/webselfservi...sler/index.jsp

then select "Customer Service" and make your statement.

Phone is :

1-800-992-1997

The more of us who make this statement, the sooner they will add the DRL software to the US-distributed cars.

[II kings 9:20]

Thanks for the info mileshoover. I made the call and sent an email. DC gave me another # for their outside suggestion office 248-576-3878, I left name and address and they are to mail a suggestion agreement form (I imagine to sign all rights away for some brilliant suggestion they may use). It is a long distance call but very short and free on most cell plans these days.

[II kings 9:20]

Got an email from DC this evening, they will forward my concerns about DRL to the product planning group for review. Keep the emails going to DC we may actually get somethind accomplished unlike the other D.C.