DRLs on the cheap?

[studio460]

Okay, so I know Ford makes a DRL (daytime running lamp) electronics module for our cars, and it's about $100 or so. When I asked the dealer what the labor would be to install the DRL option, he said, "about $200 since we have to get into the harness." So, I'm thinking, ****** that. Can't I just make the optical sensor opaque or block it out somehow? Then if I leave the headlamp switch in the "auto" position, I would then have automatic DRLs all the time for free!

My question is, where is the light sensor? Is the sensor on the blinking "alarm" LED somewhere?

[Murader03]

Okay, so I know Ford makes a DRL (daytime running lamp) electronics module for our cars, and it's about $100 or so. When I asked the dealer what the labor would be to install the DRL option, he said, "about $200 since we have to get into the harness." So, I'm thinking, ****** that. Can't I just make the optical sensor opaque or block it out somehow? Then if I leave the headlamp switch in the "auto" position, I would then have automatic DRLs all the time for free!

My question is, where is the light sensor? Is the sensor on the blinking "alarm" LED somewhere?

If you look on top of the dash around the PATS light, you should see what looks like a small vent. I believe this is actually the sensor that turns the lights when it gets dark. Put a piece of heavy paper on it and check to make sure I'm right, something that will not let the light pass through to the sensor. I also think the harness it already there, I'll have to check my wiring manual for sure. Some others here have done this and I think they only had to purchase the relay..........

[03SILVERSTREAK]

Okay, so I know Ford makes a DRL (daytime running lamp) electronics module for our cars, and it's about $100 or so. When I asked the dealer what the labor would be to install the DRL option, he said, "about $200 since we have to get into the harness." So, I'm thinking, ****** that. Can't I just make the optical sensor opaque or block it out somehow? Then if I leave the headlamp switch in the "auto" position, I would then have automatic DRLs all the time for free!

My question is, where is the light sensor? Is the sensor on the blinking "alarm" LED somewhere?The electronic module does more than turn your lights on , It controls your voltage on the headlamps by cuting power by half so as not to to have your lights on at full output ...

[Sactown]

More questions for those who know...once DRL's is installed, is there still an OFF position? Are the dash lights on all the time also?

[stevengerard]

More questions for those who know...once DRL's is installed, is there still an OFF position? Are the dash lights on all the time also?

Just had this done, just like knowing they are on and it was done correctly. Anyway the standard "off" position still works but the DRL's are always on, the dash lights are not on until the headlights are on full. So now I can leave the lights on "auto" and if its cloudy, too contrasty or raining, folks can see me coming and going and I don't have to worry about turning my headlamps off after I leave the car.

[O's Fan Rich]

My DRL's go "off" when I'm in park and apply the parking brake. That's the only time I've found.

[RCSignals]

What does he mean they'll have to get into the wiring? On a Marauder the module should just plug in to the harness. A plug outlet should already be present, with a "dummy" in it

[Bradley G]

What does he mean they'll have to get into the wiring? On a Marauder the module should just plug in to the harness. A plug outlet should already be present, with a "dummy" in itdummy was present,:confused: he saw no harness just a splice kit.

[Black Terror]

If anyone has found the plug already installed, please advise. I have searched for wiring which Service Manual Wiring Diagram indicates but haven't found it to be installed on a 300A built 6-12-02.
Would like to have DRL but didn't like the underdash kit sold by Ford.
The only members I have communicated with that have Factory wiring has been Canadian members.

[Sactown]

Just had this done, just like knowing they are on and it was done correctly. Anyway the standard "off" position still works but the DRL's are always on, the dash lights are not on until the headlights are on full. So now I can leave the lights on "auto" and if its cloudy, too contrasty or raining, folks can see me coming and going and I don't have to worry about turning my headlamps off after I leave the car.

My DRL's go "off" when I'm in park and apply the parking brake. That's the only time I've found.
Sorry to sound like a bonehead, but once DRL's are installed, is it impossible to turn off the headlamps while driving?

[mmmmmmarauder]

for $100 I would just pull the headlight switch manually...:pimp:


Is there some kind of LAW that requires this...are you in Canada?
Perhaps you are just a safety fanatic?


If you want to drive like you are in a funeral procession, be my guest...
I personally think you attract more attention laying on the horn every
few blocks...:shot:

[QWK SVT]

My DRL's go "off" when I'm in park and apply the parking brake. That's the only time I've found.
That's odd!?! My (Canadian) DRLs do not :fire: In fact, I wish there was a way to disable them, at least while parked... Uhmm... No specific reason why I'd be parked, at night, and not want to draw attention... :shake: :D

[studio460]

If you look on top of the dash around the PATS light, you should see what looks like a small vent. I believe this is actually the sensor that turns the lights when it gets dark. Put a piece of heavy paper on it and check to make sure I'm right, something that will not let the light pass through to the sensor.
Yeah, I thought that's where the sensor was too (the PATS light). But I tried covering it with no success.

[RCSignals]

If anyone has found the plug already installed, please advise. I have searched for wiring which Service Manual Wiring Diagram indicates but haven't found it to be installed on a 300A built 6-12-02.
Would like to have DRL but didn't like the underdash kit sold by Ford.
The only members I have communicated with that have Factory wiring has been Canadian members.
The place the DRL module plugs in should be under the radiator shield, on the wiring that passes in front of the radiator brace. It might be tucked in somewhere out of obvious sight.

'03 CVPIs do not have the plug, but the Marauder should have.

[O's Fan Rich]

Ok, the kit I had installed ( ford factory part) had no plug, it was all spliced in.
DRL's have no way, as installed, to turn them off while driving. I'd imagine that a kill switch could be installed to do that.
I paid $69.00 for the module and $200.00 for the install. When I looked at it, it was worth it.
I like being able to just keep my headlight switch set to the far left auto setting and drive. The only time I touch it is to turn the driving lights on.

[studio460]

Anyone here located the ambient photo cell location (light sensor) yet?

[RCSignals]

It should be on the left side top of dash near the PATS LED