Disable your DRL

Stereo, security systems, vehicle electronics, and electrical-related discussions
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BigWill
Posts: 155
Joined: Tue Dec 31, 2002 5:08 am

Disable your DRL

Post by BigWill »

Here is what I have, two different ways. It doesn't get any easier than this. Enjoy...1st way to do it...Here is what I did to over-ride the DRL and Auto headlights. On the DRL module(above the gas pedal) cut the RED/WHITE and RED/BLACK (these wires are the hand brake and the brake light on the dash) tie them together. Your hand brake will still light the light and the diagnostics will still provide feedback through the dash mount light. Ground the module side of the RED/WHITE wire... this disables the DRL and Auto Headlight function. I ran this wire through a switch so I (or my wife) can re-engage these functions. 2nd way to do it... "snipped the yellow wire going to the DRL module above the gas and brake pedal, then grounded the side that goes to the module and covered the other side. There was a convenient ground right by the module that I used. I tested it out and couldn't find any ill side effects. No DRL's and I don't have to mess with any brake wiring. The yellow wire is a signal that the car is running. If the yellow wire is grounded the module doesn't think the car is running and if it's not grounded it thinks it's running. "
My Vibe... 5% Smoke Tint;Pioneer DEH 7400MP; 2 Rockerdfos. tweet; one 10" woofer Rockerdfos; (updating now to; Volfenhag ZX-7160 800 Watt 4 Channel Amp, VOLFENHAG ZX-4710 10" Aluminum Cone Woofer-800 Watts)
BigWill
Posts: 155
Joined: Tue Dec 31, 2002 5:08 am

Re: Disable your DRL (silverawd26)

Post by BigWill »

hooking up a new deck in your car does that. So the answer is yes. Almost any thing you that you do to your car that takes it from the original state, takes you away from your warranty.
My Vibe... 5% Smoke Tint;Pioneer DEH 7400MP; 2 Rockerdfos. tweet; one 10" woofer Rockerdfos; (updating now to; Volfenhag ZX-7160 800 Watt 4 Channel Amp, VOLFENHAG ZX-4710 10" Aluminum Cone Woofer-800 Watts)
nuuflava
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2005 11:33 pm

Re: Disable your DRL (BigWill)

Post by nuuflava »

hey by doing it the second way cutting the yellow wire and grounding it will that still leave the auto lights active cuz that is a nice feature despite what everybody else is saying i think
ragingfish
Posts: 11022
Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:23 am

Post by ragingfish »

It doesn't because that's how mine is done, and I haven't had auto lights since.
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Jahntassa
Posts: 2979
Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2003 2:06 pm

Post by Jahntassa »

No. By grounding the yellow wire it completely disables the DRL module, which also controls the auto headlights.
2003 Vibe GT Lava"He inched his way up the corridor as if he would rather be yarding his way down it.""For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen." - Douglas Adams...we all miss you
robodoc
Posts: 49
Joined: Sat May 07, 2005 2:05 pm

Re: Disable your DRL (BigWill)

Post by robodoc »

Hi. I am new to the forum. Here is a site I recently found concerning this topic. It is a good pictoral description of how one person did this mod. http://dalenet.com/matrixvibe/
Super Vibrator 1.8L of pure vibe-rating power
Sh@dow!
Posts: 58
Joined: Thu Aug 05, 2004 11:48 am

Re: Disable your DRL (BigWill)

Post by Sh@dow! »

Quote, originally posted by BigWill »hooking up a new deck in your car does that. So the answer is yes. Almost any thing you that you do to your car that takes it from the original state, takes you away from your warranty.Just wanted to add, I have been doing profesional car audio install and sales for 11 years and have heard this a million times gggrrrr makes me so mad.We are protected by the Magnuson Moss Act:Legally, a vehicle manufacturer cannot void the warranty on a vehicle due to an aftermarket part unless they can prove that the aftermarket part caused or contributed to the failure in the vehicle (per the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2302(C))http://www.granatellimotorspor...s.htm
Mr. Poopypants
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Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2002 11:59 pm

Re: Disable your DRL (BigWill)

Post by Mr. Poopypants »

OK, quick "?" Here, I know, I should know this, but can you just unplug the DRL fuse? I know it probably controls other things, but I figured I'd at least ask. I am going to install the H4 HIDs today and maybe the fogs this weekend.
A bartender is just a pharmacist with a limited inventory.
Jahntassa
Posts: 2979
Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2003 2:06 pm

Post by Jahntassa »

Nope, i'm pretty sure it isn't that easy... BUT..you can give it a shot.Make sure you don't have the DRL stuff feeding the HIDs.. it doesn't put out full voltage when it's doing the DRL thing, and it could mess up the HID ballasts.
2003 Vibe GT Lava"He inched his way up the corridor as if he would rather be yarding his way down it.""For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen." - Douglas Adams...we all miss you
kenmist
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Dec 15, 2006 4:44 am

Re: Disable your DRL (BigWill)

Post by kenmist »

Does this work for a 2006 Vibe? I located the Module but you have to be a contortionist just to do that. Not sure at 70 yrs old that I can get to the Yellow wire let alone cut it.Thanks for the information. I may it along to my mechanic.kenmist
kenmist
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Dec 15, 2006 4:44 am

Re: (Jahntassa)

Post by kenmist »

I tried that on my 2006 model and it didn't disable the DRLs, but disabled the passenger side airbag. Gave me a warning light on the instrument panel and a caution light on the passenger air bag status light. It would hav been too easy!
Mrizzle05
Posts: 3133
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2006 2:24 am

Re: (kenmist)

Post by Mrizzle05 »

i have an 05, and someone did the DRL mod to mine, i can take a pic tonight and put it up to see if that helps.I had the drls, disabled before the HIDs, cuz if you drive a lot and durin the day it just wastes the life of the HIDs.
Must resist.... V... Tec.... Temptation... to strong... "WARNING: Genvibe is a very addictive website... constant use can result in car modification and a lowering of your bank account. use with extreme caution!http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2298639
Jahntassa
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Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2003 2:06 pm

Post by Jahntassa »

If you aren't a contortionist, the easiest way to get 'under the dash' is to remove the bottom of the steering column cover.I don't know if it's changed since the 03, but on the 03 there was a screw on the bottom, and two behind the wheel (turn the wheel to see them), then you could snap off the bottom. This gives an excellent view under the dash where the DRL module lives.
2003 Vibe GT Lava"He inched his way up the corridor as if he would rather be yarding his way down it.""For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen." - Douglas Adams...we all miss you
DopeVibeGT
Posts: 1027
Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2002 6:35 am
Location: PA

Re: (Jahntassa)

Post by DopeVibeGT »

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »If you aren't a contortionist, the easiest way to get 'under the dash' is to remove the bottom of the steering column cover.I don't know if it's changed since the 03, but on the 03 there was a screw on the bottom, and two behind the wheel (turn the wheel to see them), then you could snap off the bottom. This gives an excellent view under the dash where the DRL module lives.Yeah. Thats what I did. I couldnt quite get up there right to snip the wires, then solder, so I took the steering column cover off. It's nice being able to control the lights again myself, then if I need to go back to original function, just push a switch.
Pictures of my ride!!'03 Vibe GTMy AED GA!Work in progress
tubesareking
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Dec 15, 2006 4:39 am

Re: Disable your DRL (BigWill)

Post by tubesareking »

I'm really wondering why anyone would want to disable the DRL? Sure, they don't have a lot of utility on a bright, sunny day, but on a cloudy day, they help the bozos coming the other way to see you and thus reduce the risk of some dingbat plowing into your car?I suspect in the event of a collision, the famous words, "sorry, you're not covered" might be uttered.At the very least, its something extra to add to a Statement of Claim:"THAT the Defendant, as owner of said Pontiac Vibe, did intentionally disable a safety feature, the Daytime Running Lights (DRL), in a wanton and reckless manner, thereby endangering the safety of the Plaintiff."
zionzr2
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Location: Austin, TX

Re: Disable your DRL (tubesareking)

Post by zionzr2 »

when Approaching a military instalation (base) they typically require you turn off your lights so that only the parking lights are on. This is for the safety of the guards so they can better identify whats comming their way. When you dont dim your headlights they can and often do get grumpy with you. Most bases even have signs as you approach the guards telling you to turn off the headlights.
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