DRLs?

[jwight]

Looks like the USA smart car does not have the daytime running lights feature of the Canadian version. I for one would like to have them; there must be some way to enable the feature on our cars (computer reprogram or wiring mod?) Any thoughts or info on this?

[Old smart]

I re-played the San Jose video, and if those were true US 451s, they didn't have DRLs. It should be fairly straight-forward to retrofit the Canadian circuitry.

An alternative could be this: http://www.automotiveelectronicacces...aeapn480hd.htm . It is happy to note that it doesn't involve the ECU, just tapping into the wiring.
Actually, this may be a better alternative as it is readily available; Canadian components from smartville may be much harder to come-by.

[Yellowcarsrock]

Great find Fish! You guys are so smart (no pun intended)

My MINI cooper didn't have DRLs but when it came in for delivery, the Dealer rep asked me if I wanted them.... I of course said YES! and he said they could just program it into the car's computer, which they did and VoilÃ*. I have them. This got me a discount on the insurance as a safety feature.

[dbwill]

On some cars DRL's are programmable by the dealer. I am not sure whether it is through the ECU or OBC. We may be lucky and just have to have someone program them on.

[jwight]

Thanks fish! This may be the simplest way to go if the reprogram isn't possible.

In return, here's a link to a device that pulses the third brake light:

http://www.webelectricproducts.com/products.htm

[Fredvon4]

Typically these cars have several computers> From my reading the Smart is similar to most variations

Engine and power train management is usually in one black box. Anti lock brakes in another... not sure if this version will also have the stability control in that box too but I suspect so because part of the logic in increasing or decreasing brake application independtly...OTOH maybe it is all in the ECU... I am still researching..I say this because the way to defeat the stability program (also kills anti lock brakes) is by shorting to ground one pin in the OBDII connector. In my experience the OBDII connector typically only has lines to and from the ECU

Many other electronically controlled things like alarms, starter interlock, door locks, speed sensitive sound level, and courtesy lighting are in a separate "electronics module" (on my Ford it is a GEM) I don't remember the term Evilution used, but the Smarts have one of these...

It is likely the 451 already is DRL "ready"... we may need extra hardware (circuit board, relay, etc) or just a simple combination of button pushes with the key in a certain position....

What ever will be needed to enable DRLs, I am sure will be relatively simple or inexpensive

[Billc]

Why not just cover the light sensor so it thinks its night all the time. Worked great on my Dodge van and Chevy truck. In 179000 miles on my Dodge I burnt out only two headlamps. All lights run all the time

[Old smart]

I think the insurance companies will look for something a bit more professional if you are looking for safety feature credits. With USAA, DRLs are right up there with side air bags and stability control.

[spdickey]

The Canadian's have been modifying their DLR on the 450 for a while. I'd hope the 451 is using the low beam at 60% or so for DRL. We also have different bulb configurations than the Canadian cars. There might be some info soon at clubsmart.ca

Below is US spec headlight. The Euro cars didn't have the amber inserts or the amber running light up front.


Anyone know which lamp is turned on for DRL, one of the three here, or the fog lamps below the bumper?

[CruisingAZ]

I purchased a new Jeep this year which did not come with operating DRL, they are required in Canada. However, you can use StarScan to turn them on. I would assume that the SMART will have a simliar option as it is all in the electronics and one controler for the car would be cheaper to make then one for each country.