DRL Daytime Running Lamps - Disable Dash Headlight Icon?

thx1200 · 09-30-2009, 07:21 AM

Hello! I'm wondering if anybody has any ideas on how one might modify the factory daytime running lamp (DRL) system such that the headlight indicator on the dash is NOT illuminated when the DRL is on.

The current behavior is as follows:

Headlights off / DRL on: Dash indicator ON / Speedo illum OFF
Parking lights on: Dash indicator OFF / Speedo illum ON
Headlights on: Dash indicator ON / Speedo illum ON

I want it like this:

Headlights off / DRL on: Dash indicator OFF / Speedo illum OFF
Parking lights on: Dash indicator OFF / Speedo illum ON
Headlights on: Dash indicator ON / Speedo illum ON

The reason is that at dusk, I sometimes forget to turn on my headlights because the DRLs ARE the headlights, so visibility is the same for me, BUT my rear lights will not be on, so it actually is less safe because somebody behind me might not see me. I only begin to notice when it gets dark enough that I can't see my speed since the light behind the speedo doesn't turn on until you are in parking light / headlight mode.

Carlarm · 09-30-2009, 12:02 PM

With DRL the rear lights are on all the time as well as the headlights. When you turn your headlights "on" the only thing that changes are the speedo and dash illumination. Then when you turn your ignition off the headlights will remain on and you'll get warning bleeps to turn them off.

Oh, and don't disable your DRL unless you want them off permanently. I did this once and had to take my smart back to the dealer to get them back on again; they had to reflash the software.

Padawan · 09-30-2009, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carlarm

With DRL the rear lights are on all the time as well as the headlights. When you turn your headlights "on" the only thing that changes are the speedo and dash illumination.

Correct.

jetfuel · 09-30-2009, 12:22 PM

...Carlarm...how did you disable the DRL??
jetfuel..like to know

Carlarm · 09-30-2009, 01:26 PM

Daylight Running Lights

How to Turn off DRL:

1. Engine off
2. Pull the high beam lever
3. push "unlock" on the key remote
4. car beeps - DRL is disabled!

To turn on, press "lock" in step 3.

EXCEPT pressing "lock" in step 3 does not turn them back on again!

thx1200 · 10-01-2009, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carlarm

With DRL the rear lights are on all the time as well as the headlights. When you turn your headlights "on" the only thing that changes are the speedo and dash illumination. Then when you turn your ignition off the headlights will remain on and you'll get warning bleeps to turn them off.

Oh, and don't disable your DRL unless you want them off permanently. I did this once and had to take my smart back to the dealer to get them back on again; they had to reflash the software.

The taillights are on with Smart's DRL? I've never seen a car do that before. I'm going to have to go play with my Smart tonight and see. that eases my mind at least with the concern they might not be on at dusk.

As for the disable/enable steps. Are other Smart owners experiencing the same problems (turning them back on) or was that just a quirk with your car?

Carlarm · 10-01-2009, 12:27 PM

I haven't seen anyone else complain about not being able to turn DRL back on again. But I suspect no one else tried turning them off. I don't know if it makes any difference, but my smart didn't originally come with DRL; I paid $75 for the dealer to install this software option.

I turned them off to see if it made any difference in my gas mileage and whether I seemed to be less visible on the road. I didn't see any difference in MPG. Neither did I see any apparent difference in behavior of other traffic. Never the less I felt uneasy with them off much like I do when I don't have my seat belt buckled.

nickinsacramento · 10-01-2009, 01:21 PM

Tailights are on with DRL's, but I'm pretty sure that the license plate lights are NOT ON with only the DRL's active.

**jwight** · 10-01-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickinsacramento

Tailights are on with DRL's, but I'm pretty sure that the license plate lights are NOT ON with only the DRL's active.

Quick trip to the driveway; the license plate lamps are on, as well as the little orange "peanut" bulbs up front. Of course, low beams and tail lights also. Interior lights are not on, which is my first clue as it gets darker to turn on the headlights.

SmartChip · 10-01-2009, 02:02 PM

I like the factory set-up. Don't worry- Be happy. Quick fix small piece of black tape over dash icon. easily reversible. Cheerz, SmartChip