DRL - Daytime Running Lights

rigacci · 05-04-2009, 06:50 AM

I have seen some threads here on how to make the modification for Daytime Running Lights using an aftermarket kit.

The problem I see with the aftermarkets is that the one that sells for $99 is warning of cheaper units allowing for the voltage to feed back into the rest of the car. (not exactly sure what that means....) So, who do you trust?

In light of that, I would prefer to do it the way that the SMART people do it.

So, I am wondering if anyone can tell me how SMART does it themselves?

Is it an electro-mechanical thing like the aftermarkets or is it within the ECU?

If it is within the ECU, then any dealer should be able to activate it, no?

Thanks in advance for any help.

DR

**jwight** · 05-04-2009, 06:53 AM

It's within the ECU; I believe (check with your smart center) the dealers can enable DRLs on both the 08s and 09s now. I'm certain they can on the 09s and about 90% sure they can on the 08s.

chieftmc · 05-04-2009, 07:57 AM

The ONLY thing you need to watch out for is IF you have the comfort package. NO DRL's with the comfort package

psychobeth · 05-04-2009, 08:59 AM

Just out of curiosity, why can't you get DRL's with the auto lights/wipers? It has never been a problem doing it with those big old American cars.. Had them on my grannymobile...

LAMINI · 05-04-2009, 09:30 AM

something in the circuitry goes haywire with the automated stuff and thinks it should feed power to it while the car is off which drains your battery.

It's just a glitch which smart cure by no longer offering the CP.

babybenz · 05-04-2009, 09:34 AM

We have to plug it into the comp to activate them

WhiteNBlack08 · 05-04-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAMINI

something in the circuitry goes haywire with the automated stuff and thinks it should feed power to it while the car is off which drains your battery.

It's just a glitch which smart cure by no longer offering the CP.

Not exactly true, they changed the comfort package, now you get fog lights instead of automatic headlights/wipers.

babybenz · 05-04-2009, 09:41 AM

cars manufactured after march of 09 and have the comfort package, will come with fogs instead of the rain light sensor

fpage77 · 05-04-2009, 09:58 AM

I have a 09 that doesn't have comfort package with auto light. The dealer updated my software to have DRL for 60 bucks. The only problem is you can't have DRL if you have comfort page that was on the 08 and some of early 09 that had autolight.

rigacci · 05-04-2009, 11:02 AM

I have the heated seats, which I believe is part of the comfort package.

I don't have the auto lights or auto wipers and I am glad. I would rather turn those on myself.

Thanks very much folks. I believe I will have the dealer do the DRLs when i get my 10K mileage oil change.

DR