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Daytime running lights question

6K views 19 replies 0 participants last post by  Jessie97XLT 
G
#1 ·
I just got a new (to me) 2002 XLT. The DRLs don't seem to be working properly. Before I ask any dumb questions, are
they standard on this model? If they're an option, how can I tell if I have them?
TIA.
 
G
#2 ·
"Jonah" <NoSpam4Me@home.Gov> wrote in message
news:mnD4e.1414$7Q6.188@fe04.lga...
> I just got a new (to me) 2002 XLT. The DRLs don't seem to be working

properly. Before I ask any dumb questions, are
> they standard on this model? If they're an option, how can I tell if I

have them?
> TIA.


I have a 2002 XLS.....and they are NOT standard on it....
Maybe on the Limited or Eddie Bowser models??
 
G
#3 ·
If you live in the Good Old USA DRL's are not standard on any Ford
product. Just like the third brake light DRL's will do nothing for you.
Sorry about that.

Ron

Jonah wrote:
> I just got a new (to me) 2002 XLT. The DRLs don't seem to be working
> properly. Before I ask any dumb questions, are they standard on this
> model? If they're an option, how can I tell if I have them?
> TIA.
 
G
#4 ·
DRL's WILL do something for you. Likely save your life one day. Ask the
Greyhound Bus Lines why they have been running with headlights ON for umpteen
years. Explorer DRL's are good, but there are some vehicles that only have
amber parking light-type "DRL's" which aren't worth spit. Pontiac Montana vans
are a good example. I always turn on the headlights when I head out on a
highway in the commercial Montana van that I drive. Even have the driving lamps
turned on. I am most comfortable driving my Explorer. I want to be highly
visible to the person who decides that he will pass the vehicle coming at me.
Or to the individual approaching from a side road.


>>If you live in the Good Old USA DRL's are not standard on any Ford
>>product. Just like the third brake light DRL's will do nothing for you.
>>Sorry about that.
>>
>>Ron
>>
>>Jonah wrote:
>>> I just got a new (to me) 2002 XLT. The DRLs don't seem to be working
>>> properly. Before I ask any dumb questions, are they standard on this
>>> model? If they're an option, how can I tell if I have them?
>>> TIA.
 
G
#5 ·
Opinions clearly vary on this, but MINE is that the DRL's are only useful
when they are "different", just like the 3rd brakelight. I was working for a
company that made the red plastic years ago who were partly instrumental in
getting the 3rd brakelight mandated. They did it to sell more plastic and
used data that showed that the 3rd light did provoke a faster response time
precisely because it was unusual. I would be interested in seeing if rear
end collisions have climbed back up now that essentially all cars have them.

Similarly, the cars with DRLs stand out because they are different, or were.
We used to notice a car with his lights on in the daytime and wonder why,
but as more and more show up with that, I wonder about the utility.
Motorcycle drivers initially appreciated being more visible with their
light(s) on, but I've heard comments that when cars started having DRL's,
people don't see the motorcycles anymore. Frankly, the daytime lights just
irritate me, kind of like fog lights do for other people I guess (I like fog
lights!).

To the initial question, Explorers have a DRL module option available that
is mounted up front if installed, and which came about becuase Canada
mandated DRL's as I understand it. It is standard in Canada.

=Vic=
Bear Gap, PA
<budman@suckeggs.ca> wrote in message
news:k4j6519vsgujnjntd9uprukbo59mt037an@4ax.com...
>
> DRL's WILL do something for you. Likely save your life one day. Ask the
> Greyhound Bus Lines why they have been running with headlights ON for
> umpteen
> years. Explorer DRL's are good, but there are some vehicles that only
> have
> amber parking light-type "DRL's" which aren't worth spit. Pontiac Montana
> vans
> are a good example. I always turn on the headlights when I head out on a
> highway in the commercial Montana van that I drive. Even have the driving
> lamps
> turned on. I am most comfortable driving my Explorer. I want to be
> highly
> visible to the person who decides that he will pass the vehicle coming at
> me.
> Or to the individual approaching from a side road.
>
>
>>>If you live in the Good Old USA DRL's are not standard on any Ford
>>>product. Just like the third brake light DRL's will do nothing for you.
>>>Sorry about that.
>>>
>>>Ron
>>>
>>>Jonah wrote:
>>>> I just got a new (to me) 2002 XLT. The DRLs don't seem to be working
>>>> properly. Before I ask any dumb questions, are they standard on this
>>>> model? If they're an option, how can I tell if I have them?
>>>> TIA.

>
 
G
#6 ·
"Vic Klein" <vhkleinNOSPAM@ptd.net> wrote in message
news:eek:9ucnaDRkeg7lsnfUSdV9g@ptd.net...<snip>

> Similarly, the cars with DRLs stand out because they are different, or
> were. We used to notice a car with his lights on in the daytime and wonder
> why, but as more and more show up with that, I wonder about the utility.
> Motorcycle drivers initially appreciated being more visible with their
> light(s) on, but I've heard comments that when cars started having DRL's,
> people don't see the motorcycles anymore. Frankly, the daytime lights just
> irritate me, kind of like fog lights do for other people I guess (I like
> fog lights!).
>

<snip>
I agree with the being different makes them standout.... I used to ride, and
had several incidents where someone did not see me on my bike, even with the
headlight burning, and pulled out in front of me. I obtained a device
called a "bumble bee", IIRC that would flash the headlight between high and
low beam very quickly (like once a sec) and that dramatically reduced the
folks pulling out in front......could only use it during the daytime though.
 
G
#7 ·
I found this from a prior post. Ed White knows his stuff...I was on the
Expedition list with him for years before I downsized (boy I miss that
truck) Anyway, I'd take stock in his reply:

"The DRL module, when present, is on the left hand
side of the engine compartment near one of the fuse boxes. With DRLs
there should also be a relay in the battery junction/fuse box (relay K5,
upper right corner of the box). The DRL Module Connector is a
rectangular connector with 6 pins (2 rows of three pins each). It
appears to me that if your vehicle did not come with DRLs, it will not
be easy to add them. The shop manual has completely different headlight
wiring schematics for vehicles with and without DRLs."
 
G
#8 ·
On Wed, 6 Apr 2005 14:13:11 -0400, "Gerry Pierce"
<Cruzrtwdgt@comcast.net> wrote:

>
>"Vic Klein" <vhkleinNOSPAM@ptd.net> wrote in message
>news:eek:9ucnaDRkeg7lsnfUSdV9g@ptd.net...<snip>
>
>> Similarly, the cars with DRLs stand out because they are different, or
>> were. We used to notice a car with his lights on in the daytime and wonder
>> why, but as more and more show up with that, I wonder about the utility.
>> Motorcycle drivers initially appreciated being more visible with their
>> light(s) on, but I've heard comments that when cars started having DRL's,
>> people don't see the motorcycles anymore. Frankly, the daytime lights just
>> irritate me, kind of like fog lights do for other people I guess (I like
>> fog lights!).
>>

><snip>
>I agree with the being different makes them standout.... I used to ride, and
>had several incidents where someone did not see me on my bike, even with the
>headlight burning, and pulled out in front of me. I obtained a device
>called a "bumble bee", IIRC that would flash the headlight between high and
>low beam very quickly (like once a sec) and that dramatically reduced the
>folks pulling out in front......could only use it during the daytime though.
>

I had one of those on my Wing; I don't actually know if it did what it
promised.
Yes, it was indeed unusual at night!

--
Bill Funk
Change "g" to "a"
 
G
#9 ·
Just to get an idea of how the DRL connector was present on Explorers
that didn't come straight from the factory with DRL operational see
this link

http://ourplaceusa.home.att.net/drl.htm

Keep in mind this is a '96 Explorer that had the wiring in place from
the factory but didn't have the DRL module plugged-in

I heard that in '98?? the wiring harness is not even present unless
the vehicle came from the factory with DRL operational (wiring harness
and module installed)

Also looked in what is called an Explorer Accessory Brochure, you
might see DRL mentioned as installable by the dealer.



On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 17:25:58 -0400, Jonah <NoSpam4Me@home.Gov> wrote:

>I just got a new (to me) 2002 XLT. The DRLs don't seem to be working properly. Before I ask any dumb questions, are
>they standard on this model? If they're an option, how can I tell if I have them?
>TIA.
 
G
#10 ·
DRL's are standard on Explorers sold in Canada. I think Ford has
always had an extra cost accessory that activatied DRL in later model
cars (2000 and later). Not only are cars with DRL safer, you also can
save about $40.00 per year ( NY) in insurance costs. Insurance
companys think they are safer too.
 
G
#11 ·
knagy389us wrote:
>
> I found this from a prior post. Ed White knows his stuff...I was on the
> Expedition list with him for years before I downsized (boy I miss that
> truck) Anyway, I'd take stock in his reply:
>
> "The DRL module, when present, is on the left hand
> side of the engine compartment near one of the fuse boxes. With DRLs
> there should also be a relay in the battery junction/fuse box (relay K5,
> upper right corner of the box). The DRL Module Connector is a
> rectangular connector with 6 pins (2 rows of three pins each). It
> appears to me that if your vehicle did not come with DRLs, it will not
> be easy to add them. The shop manual has completely different headlight
> wiring schematics for vehicles with and without DRLs."


Ford sells an "accessory" kit to add DRLs to US model
Explorers (at least pre 2001) without them. See:
http://www.parts.com/partlocator/in...fo&PartID=125895&siteid=213787&catalogid=3138

It is Ford P/N F6SZ-13B218-AA .

Personally, if you are in favor of running lights during the
day, why not just turn on the headlights?

Ed
 
G
#12 ·
Fred 2 wrote:
>
> Just to get an idea of how the DRL connector was present on Explorers
> that didn't come straight from the factory with DRL operational see
> this link
>
> http://ourplaceusa.home.att.net/drl.htm
>
> Keep in mind this is a '96 Explorer that had the wiring in place from
> the factory but didn't have the DRL module plugged-in
>
> I heard that in '98?? the wiring harness is not even present unless
> the vehicle came from the factory with DRL operational (wiring harness
> and module installed)
>
> Also looked in what is called an Explorer Accessory Brochure, you
> might see DRL mentioned as installable by the dealer.


See

http://www.cheapfordparts.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_8&products_id=1362

Ford P/N F8AZ-13B218-AA

Lights, Automatic, Headlamp System Includes Daytime Running
Light [F8AZ-13B218-AA] $69.02

For Vehicles With or Without Daytime Running Lights Fits:
1999-2005 Estimated Install Time of 1 Hours

Ed
 
G
#13 ·
syclone wrote:
>
> DRL's are standard on Explorers sold in Canada. I think Ford has
> always had an extra cost accessory that activatied DRL in later model
> cars (2000 and later). Not only are cars with DRL safer, you also can
> save about $40.00 per year ( NY) in insurance costs. Insurance
> companys think they are safer too.


For the pro DRL propaganda see
http://www.hwysafety.org/safety_facts/qanda/drl.htm

For the anti DRL propaganda see
http://www.safespeed.org.uk/~dadrl/whats coming.html

The pro DRL sites trumpet studies in far northern countries
and use weasel wording. They say things like a x% percent
reduction in DRL relevant crashes, without adequately
defining DRL relevant crashes, or adequately examining if
DRLs are increasing other sorts of crashes. They smack of
reports that were written to justify a preordained
conclusion.

Personally, I hate DRLs. I don't think they increase safety
in my area, and they are irritating as heck, particularly
when implemented on a jacked up truck or SUV. On the other
hand, my Saturn has them, and even though they can be easily
disabled by pulling a single relay, I have not done so. But
then, my DRLs don't bother ME. As for Insurance companies
offering discounts - well they did so for 5 mph bumpers, ABS
brakes, and air bags - other debatable "safety" innovations.
It almost seem like if you are 55 years old, driving a
Toyota with 5 mph bumpers, ABS brakes, air bags, and DRLs,
the insurance company ought to pay you!

If you really, really want to add them to a late model
Explorer see
http://www.cheapfordparts.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_8&products_id=1362
..

Ed
 
G
#14 ·
I had a 97 Explorer XLT, the Day-time-running light is located on the
rear-view mirror. It has a slider to adjust the time it keeps the lights
on after the truck is powered down. I now have a 2005 Explorer Eddie
Bauer, and it has the same type of DRL on the rear-view mirror.

Hope that helps,

Jessie97XLT
 
G
#15 ·
If your 97 was anywhere similar to my 98, the slider on the mirror was not
for the DRLs, but for the auto headlights. I would risk a guess that the
same statement applies to your 2005.
In fact, unless you bought your Explorer in Canada or installed the module
later, your vehicle is probably not equipped with DRLs at all.

"Jessie97XLT" <jessie.gaeta@us.army.mil> wrote in message
news:7eb7ef12bd025ffc5eca8a61486907a9@localhost.talkaboutautos.com...
> I had a 97 Explorer XLT, the Day-time-running light is located on the
> rear-view mirror. It has a slider to adjust the time it keeps the lights
> on after the truck is powered down.
 
G
#16 ·
Those controls on your rear view mirror are not for DRL system

The DRL system if equipped in your vehicle is automatically
controlled. See the URL below for more info:

http://ourplaceusa.home.att.net/drl.htm

The DRL system turn on your vehicle's high beam headlights at reduced
power when, the headlight switch is off position, the ignition switch
is in the on postion, and the parking brake is released.


On Sat, 07 May 2005 16:33:35 -0400, "Jessie97XLT"
<jessie.gaeta@us.army.mil> wrote:

>I had a 97 Explorer XLT, the Day-time-running light is located on the
>rear-view mirror. It has a slider to adjust the time it keeps the lights
>on after the truck is powered down. I now have a 2005 Explorer Eddie
>Bauer, and it has the same type of DRL on the rear-view mirror.
>
>Hope that helps,
>
>Jessie97XLT
 
G
#17 ·

>>The DRL system turn on your vehicle's high beam headlights at reduced
>>power when, the headlight switch is off position, the ignition switch
>>is in the on postion, and the parking brake is released.


And.......if it's bright enough out that the headlights don't come on
automatically!
 
G
#18 ·
That not the way DRL (daytime running lights ) work. They are always
on when the 3 conditions mentioned below are met, even if it's birght
sun.

On Sun, 08 May 2005 00:44:27 -0400, budman@suckeggs.ca wrote:

>
>>>The DRL system turn on your vehicle's high beam headlights at reduced
>>>power when, the headlight switch is off position, the ignition switch
>>>is in the on postion, and the parking brake is released.

>
>And.......if it's bright enough out that the headlights don't come on
>automatically!
 
G
#19 ·
Disregard my last post, it's Sunday morning and I am still half asleep

On Sun, 08 May 2005 16:05:10 GMT, Fred 2 <Fred_2@anon.com> wrote:

>
>That not the way DRL (daytime running lights ) work. They are always
>on when the 3 conditions mentioned below are met, even if it's birght
>sun.
>
>On Sun, 08 May 2005 00:44:27 -0400, budman@suckeggs.ca wrote:
>
>>
>>>>The DRL system turn on your vehicle's high beam headlights at reduced
>>>>power when, the headlight switch is off position, the ignition switch
>>>>is in the on postion, and the parking brake is released.

>>
>>And.......if it's bright enough out that the headlights don't come on
>>automatically!
 
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