DLR Relay Socket - Works, But...

[Powerslave]

DRL Relay Socket - Works, But...

I have a socket in my side dashboard fuse center, that fits a standard Relay, and is labeled "DLR." Ok, so I plug a relay in, the lights come on, even with the key OUT, and vehicle off. So, I ran it to the store, turned it off, the lights were still on. Does the BCM need programmed for this? I don't NEED DLR, but I figured the socket was there I would try it...

 

[Corwyyn]

Do you mean Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)? If so then yeah the BCM would probably need to be reprogrammed since they don't offer that in the States (which is fine by me).

 

[Powerslave]

Was just a test... It would turn off after 8-minutes, when the battery saver kicked in, but, I don't need them anyway. My Vibe has DLRs... Just good for when it starts raining, because PA is now one of those "Wipers on, then lights on" states where it's the LAW, like in NY state.... I would rather the FOGs be the DLRs...

 

[Ry' N Jen]

For what it's worth, it is not a standard relay, it is an actual Day time running light relay with an aluminum case with integrated finned heat sink. It's a Canadian thing! And yes, from what the service manager at the local Chrysler dealer told me, the BCM does need to be programmed for use if your vehicle didn't originally come equipped with them.

 

[Powerslave]

They are not SPECIAL as in, different circuit inside, the relay I have, is the same. The Aluminum case and heatsink are just because they are on all the time and is designed to have power running through it for extended periods of time, however, it is still a 30AMP rated relay. The one I have would work, but would the plastic melt? Who knows, it is a 30AMP relay. They are pin for pin compatible, the aluminum ones are just a made for longevity.

Its not a Canadian thing anymore, because a lot of cars here now have DLRs. IT is nice to have, only due to the new laws states are adopting with rain. If your wipers are on, then your head-lights should be on. With DLRs, you don't have to worry about that, they are on all the time anyway.

DLRs was originally a Scandinavian thing, when during certain parts of the year, it was persistently dark throughout the day.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

They are not SPECIAL as in, different circuit inside, the relay I have, is the same. The Aluminum case and heat-sink are just because they are on all the time and is designed to have power running through it for extended periods of time, however, it is still a 30AMP rated relay. The one I have would work, but would the plastic melt? Who knows, it is a 30AMP relay. They are pin for pin compatible, the aluminum ones are just a made for longevity.

Its not a Canadian thing anymore, because a lot of cars here now have DLRs. IT is nice to have, only due to the new laws states are adopting with rain. If your wipers are on, then your head-lights should be on. With DLRs, you don't have to worry about that, they are on all the time anyway.

DLRs was originally a Scandinavian thing, when during certain parts of the year, it was persistently dark throughout the day.

I like DLR's on a vehicle.
Even on my Classic Mini's I did a simple wire swap and my headlights come on full power when I start the engine.
More visibility is best in my opinion.
I know DLR was implemented in Canada back in the early 1980's by an engineer working for GMC. Shortly there after the Canadian Government passed a law that every vehicle was to have it as standard. That was a big issue for the Americans, because they didn't like to be told that they had to have their headlights on. Several articles about it were in every major automotive magazine at the time. All blaming Canada of course!
But yeah, leave it to the Scandinavian countries to come up with something like that, that makes sense, just like Volvo and three point (Read shoulder strap) seat belts. (Nils Bohlin of Sweden invented a particular kind of three point seat belt for Volvo, who introduced it in 1959 as standard equipment. Bohlin was granted U.S. Patent 3,043,625 for the device.) They allowed the rest of the automotive manufactures to copy and use the design as it was considered a must have item in the name of safety!
Yet there are people who still don't use them either... Once again, "They don't like being told what to do!"

If I can figure out how to post a picture on this site finally, I'll snap a picture of one of the "Official" DLR relays and post it here!

 

[Powerslave]

When I plug this relay into the DRL relay spot, you can hear the headlamp relay click on too, like you turned the headlights on. There is not a lot of amps running through the DRL relay, as it clicks on the OEM Headlamp relay, THAT is where most of the current is at...

See the schematic in the attachment, Standard Relay... 87a is no connection.

 

[Austen]

I hate DRLs if yoir lights are not on by the time it gets wet enough the rain ex is not enough by its self something is wrong.

 

[Marlon_JB2]

I never turn my headlights off. Problem solved. I just let the battery shutdown turn them off for me.

 

[al7fi]

Go to post #16 under Day Time Running Lights for what has to be done. (my post). I have the DTRL working on my 03 Liberty. I got my relay from Rockauto on line( it is a specific relay, not just one that will fit). You insert the new relay and REMOVE the high beam relay. The BCM needs to have a setting changed. Under Country it needs to be changed to Canada from the USA that is standard for the US.
When the engine is running the high beams come on BUT at reduced voltage. The lights will stay on in that fashion unless you apply your parking brake (one click), turn on your normal headlights or shut the engine off. Most of us in AK run headlights most of the time and on several roads it is mandatory. By activating the DTRL I save on bulbs, since it is on high beam at reduced voltage. I got lucky and one of the techs at my jeep dealer wanted to see if what I found out in the Service Manual would work and he hooked up the DBIII and made the change at no cost. Works for me!

 

[Powerslave]

Got to post #16 where? You can't just put the link in for us?

The FSM for the 06 shows the High Beam relay installed for the DLRs.

I have that schematic in my last post.

 

[tjkj2002]

DRL's is a failure that just won't die,but hey it makes me money from headlamp bulb/alternator,battery replacements.GM has the highest alt/battery failure due to DRL's.

 

[Dave]

DRL's is a failure that just won't die,but hey it makes me money from headlamp bulb/alternator,battery replacements.GM has the highest alt/battery failure due to DRL's.

I am sure this is generally true but I am also sure the type of driving has a lot to do with it also. I have a 99 Cutlass bought new with DRL's and 151,000 all highway miles on it.....well almost all highway anyway. I replaced the original AC Delco battery in 05 so it lasted 7 years. That is a real long time for a battery. Still running the original alternator. Have yet to replace a headlight. The DRL's do run at a different lower intensity. (I know that you know that). So if you ran a DRL fuse with non DRL headlights you might be burning out bulbs faster maybe.

Anyway, I like my KJ lights the way they are. If I want them on, I will turn them on. If I want them off then I will turn them off.

Dave

 

[ShafferNY]

I like the idea of DRL on a vehicle. I kind of wish my Liberty had them, but it's not something I'm dying to get.

I've been in the habit of turning my lights on for so many years that I do it without even thinking about it. Right hand turns the key, left hand turns the light....buckle up and I'm on my way.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

Just wait until all automotive manufactures install Breathalyzer's and finger print recognition for the driver as standard equipment in their vehicles!
I'd rather see an ignition lock-out for stupid drivers!

 

[ChiefRudy]

I like the way my parents Chevy's are setup. They got DRL's and then an automatic light sensor to turn the parking lights and full power low beams on for night or when it's dark out in general. Even a cloudy day or moderate to heavy rain turns them on b/c of the change of lighting. I think all vehicles should be this way.
DRL's alone are half assed if you ask me. I've noticed most DRL setups only turn on front lights. Well that's all fine and dandy until your on a highway and that car doesn't have any back lights to see it in a heavy rain.

Just wait until all automotive manufactures install Breathalyzer's and finger print recognition for the driver as standard equipment in their vehicles!
I'd rather see an ignition lock-out for stupid drivers!

your comment reminds me of the movie Fifth Element where you gotta put your Driver's License into the Cars computer so the car can move.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

I like the way my parents Chevy's are setup. They got DRL's and then an automatic light sensor to turn the parking lights and full power low beams on for night or when it's dark out in general. Even a cloudy day or moderate to heavy rain turns them on b/c of the change of lighting. I think all vehicles should be this way.
DRL's alone are half assed if you ask me. I've noticed most DRL setups only turn on front lights. Well that's all fine and dandy until your on a highway and that car doesn't have any back lights to see it in a heavy rain.



your comment reminds me of the movie Fifth Element where you gotta put your Driver's License into the Cars computer so the car can move.

It's coming! Just wait!
One bad apple spoils the...

 

[al7fi]

My comments for for an 03 Liberty

Sorry about that. I have heard that later models were different. I suspect that all that is need is to get the BCM country code changed to Canada from USA.
If you the the FSM try looking up the trouble shooting section for the DRLs. That is how I found what need doing on mine. The older rigs had two laces for relays. Stock was the High Beam Relay. The DRL position was empty. The FSM listed a series of steps to trouble shoot why the DRL were not working.
In particular (remember 03) that the HB relay had to be removed and the DRL relay had to be installed, AND the country code had to be one where the DRL were required (Canada is the only one I am aware of). The best thing I ever did when I bought the 03 was ask for a copy of the FSM. Sure makes working on stuff easier. Hope this helps and good luck PS No, Alaska is not part of Canada.

 

[tazzsrenegade]

Hey guys were is this relay as i just bought my renegade from the states and will need DRL to pass the fedrol inspection. thanks

 

[Ry' N Jen]

Pop off the side panel on the drivers side of the dash board and you will
see a gray metallic finned heat sink/relay on the top of the fuse box.