DRL Daylight Running Lights activation - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

rigacci · 08-14-2009, 08:56 AM

I am interested in getting my Daylight Running Lights installed but my dealer (in Devon, PA) has no idea how they would do that.

I was under the impression it is a simple activation in the ECU. Am I wrong?

I have also read about a "magic handshake" that you can do with the Key FOB and High Beam switch, that also can activate the DRL. Anyone know anything about that?

And lastly, would anyone know of other dealers in this general vicinity that would be able to activate this for me?

Thanks.

DR

rigacci · 08-14-2009, 09:09 AM

My dealer just called me and said that they cannot activate the DRL because they do not have the software.

The General Manager also said that they have seen no notices from Smart Car about this option and/or their ability to be able to activate.

Doesn't sound very proactive, if you ask me.

DR

**jwight** · 08-14-2009, 09:15 AM

Same answer as in the other thread:

Quote:

The dealer (maybe we should say a knowledgeable dealer) has to activate the DRLs through their STAR computer. If your dealer doesn't know how to do that, what else don't they know?

forestacademy · 08-14-2009, 09:16 AM

I don't know the answer yet, And before you get hit with a bunch of old DRl Links what ones have you looked at?

Don't use the standard search on here you need to use the Google one. The standard search does not do 3 letter combinations like DRL

I assume the button combo you are talking about is the description in this thread from Evolution Current info regarding FOG LIGHTS retrofit but I beleive it has to be activated from the dealer first in the computer.

Are you an 08 or 09?

forestacademy · 08-14-2009, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rigacci

My dealer just called me and said that they cannot activate the DRL because they do not have the software.

The General Manager also said that they have seen no notices from Smart Car about this option and/or their ability to be able to activate.

Doesn't sound very proactive, if you ask me.

DR

Tell then to go and find out how to do it, You can save money on your insurance if you have DRl's and they should be able to do it.

Although I never had mine activated and My insurance company now thinks I have it, so it must be possible

**jwight** · 08-14-2009, 09:21 AM

PS - good you are talking with the dealership GM. Ask him (or his tech) to call the smart maintenance line in Detroit - they can walk them through the DRL procedure IF your dealership has updated their software to include the DRL function. Good luck!

Might be worth a call to:

smart center Cherry Hill
2151 Rte 70 West
Cherry Hill,NJ 08002
856.532.2525

Monalis · 08-14-2009, 12:11 PM

Yes the DRL's need to be activated by the dealer using their STAR computer. And the "handshake" you're talking about only works after they activate the software. It turns the DRL on or off.

I had DRL's on Betty when I configured her, and all it really is, is that the normal headlights are always on. kind of nice when driving at dusk and dawn so you don't have to remember to turn them on.

But I was expecting something a bit more/different, like with my Saturn its an entirely separate light or well brightness from the normal low beams.

HerrZ · 08-14-2009, 12:37 PM

the saturns and most other cars run high beams (bright) at REDUCED power. something like 60-75% power. t his saves the bulb and glare to others.

if smart DRL's run at full power... no thanks!

fpage77 · 08-14-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HerrZ

the saturns and most other cars run high beams (bright) at REDUCED power. something like 60-75% power. t his saves the bulb and glare to others.

if smart DRL's run at full power... no thanks!

Pete meet rePete.

This is same question form OP and same comment you had about it as on other thread. The lights are always on with DRL mode in the smart.

rigacci · 08-15-2009, 06:04 AM

While the dealer in Devon, PA says they cannot do it, the dealer in Edison, NJ says they can. Go figure. Which dealer is customer-oriented? (rhetorical question)

I have an appointment with the dealer in Edison. Not sure if it is worth it to ever go back to Devon as long as they prefer to remain in the dark ages.

Thanks very much for the info. I realize there were a couple of other posts (I usually search before starting a post) but this seems to answer almost any question you might have about it.

DR