GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Ok--I figured out this website--Now it is my goal to figure out how to disable the daytime running lights and the auto headlights. I did this with my 2000 Jimmy and with my electronic knowledge it won't be long before I crack this one.

Check out the following link, it has info on disabling DRL's. Its for the Matrix but on the VIBE its pretty much the same http://www.matrixowners.com/modules.php ... c&start=15

I have not yet been able to get anyone to answer this question on other threads, so I'll try again on this thread:What is the problem with having daytime running lights?Why this fixation on disabling DRLs?

It is not really the daytime running lights--but I wish they were designed to run the parking lights instead of the headlights---but the major complaint is that the sensor is to sensitive and constantly switches from DRL to full blown headlights when it is still daylight. Plus I see no need to run your light all the time--just a personal opinon-- Thanks and Happy Motoring.

quote:I see no need to run your light all the timeI UNDERSTAND THAT.But WHY????What is this massive FIXATION with DRLs???????

Nice big thread for you:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=381I will be moving this thread to the Exterior Mods area shortly. Check for it there.I personally love the DRL's and wish all vehicles had this feature. Point in case, too many dumb drivers in this area (and everywhere) that don't pay attention. It is just another visible indicator that a vehicle is heading towards their direction. I have had many close calls when people pulled out in front of me, luckily all were non-incidents, and all were with a vehicle without DRL's. This still does not mean you should let your defensive driving guard down, because you have DRL's, it's just an aid.

quote:I UNDERSTAND THAT.But WHY????What is this massive FIXATION with DRLs???????Why?! Because I don't like them. Just because DRL's don't bother you doesn't mean they don't bother other people.
[Modified by NovaResource, 9:07 PM 9/29/2002]

quote:Why?! Because I don't like them. Just because DRL's don't bother you doesn't mean they don't bother other people.Oh. I see. You don't like them because you don't like them. That's one heard from. Can anyone else give any other reasons why DRLs are bad? Do they blind oncoming traffic? Do they distract attention? Do they run down batteries? Do they corrupt the ozone layer? Or is "I don't like them because I don't like them" the most cogent argument available against DRLs?I am truly interested in why so many Vibe owners want to know how to disable this feature. There must be some reason why so many are concerned with disabling their DRLs. Please contribute to my education on this matter.

yea, they make me have to replace my headling sooner... whats up with that

quote:Oh. I see. You don't like them because you don't like them. That's one heard from. Can anyone else give any other reasons why DRLs are bad? Do they blind oncoming traffic? Do they distract attention? Do they run down batteries? Do they corrupt the ozone layer? Or is "I don't like them because I don't like them" the most cogent argument available against DRLs?I am truly interested in why so many Vibe owners want to know how to disable this feature. There must be some reason why so many are concerned with disabling their DRLs. Please contribute to my education on this matter.What's your favorite color? Why is it your favorite color?It's called personal preference.

Here we go again

As I said earlier: "That's one heard from."How about all those others who have been pleading for ways to disable their DRLs? Do any of you recognize the distinction between aesthetic taste and functional operation?Aesthetic Taste: My Vibe is silver because that's a color I like.Function: My Vibe is a GT because GTs offer four-wheel disc brakes, larger engine, and six-speed manual transmission.Function: I wanted four-wheel discs because they enhance the safety of my Vibe.Function: I wanted the larger engine because it improves the performance of my Vibe.Function: I wanted the six-speed because ... (well, you get the idea)Function: I like/don't like DRLs because __________ (fill in the blank).If no one cares to discuss the functional implications of DRLs, that's quite alright with me, although I thought the purpose of a Discussion Forum was to Discuss. (Discuss: "to investigate by reasoning or argument; to present in detail for examination or consideration; to talk about..." _Webster's Collegiate Dictionary_)I personally have no brief one way or the other regarding DRLs. That's why I invited *discussion* of the issue. If no one cares to discuss it, I have no further questions about DRLs.

I don't like DRLs because: they wear out the headlight bulbs faster.I don't like DRLs because: the are an additional drain on the electrical system.I don't like DRLs because: there are times when having the headlights off is desired or required.I don't like DRLs because: I think they look bad.I don't like DRLs because: motorcycles no longer stand out in traffic.I don't like DRLs because: someone else decided I need them even though there is no law that says I must use them.I don't like DRLs because: I dislike not having control over the headlights.I don't like DRLs because: I just don't like them.

Heres a quick fix not sure if it will work but it's your vehicle so have a look if DRLs bother you so much. Just remove the lamps from the DRLs and problem solved. When you go to trade it in or sell it just reinstall the lamps.

quote:... I don't like DRLs because: motorcycles no longer stand out in traffic. ...AHA! That one I WILL accept (and I'm not even a biker). Not necessarily persuasive to the point of disabling all DRLs everywhere, but probably a valid observation.

quote:Wow...and that will put a hole in your budget???Every little bit helps. Remember, this is the board when people complain about 25+ mpg being too low.quote:Are you doing skateouts???Military bases don't like you approaching with your lights on. Also, amateur astronomers like dark sites to watch the stars because your eyes become used to the dark. Driving to a site with your lights on is a no-no.quote:Personnal taste juste like the Mono/Two tone debate!Yep.quote:Darn now everyone stands out and can be seen!!!Motorcycles are required by law to run a headlight because it makes them more visible however, if everyone used their headlights, they become harder to see again. Since an unprotected driver on a small motorcycle is at more risk than a protected driver in a large vehicle I think the motorcycle is intitled to the extra protection.quote:Maybe in your State but not in CanadaThat's right. I'm not in Canada so why should I follow your laws?quote:Didn't mean to offend you, just wanted to get back on your arguments!I know you're just bustin' my chops.
[Modified by NovaResource, 1:25 PM 9/30/2002]

In all seriousness, driving with the headlights on does make you more visible, I don’t dispute that. My main reason for not liking automotive DRLs is because it now makes motorcycles (and emergency vehicles like police cars and fire engines) less visible because everyone has their lights on. Personally, I like using the yellow parking lamps better (like the Corvette and Trans Am use) because then cars are yellow and motorcycles are white and easier to distinguish.

Well people----I really didn't mean to start a war on the DRL--but anyway opinions do differ. But I fully agree with Scott in his last comment,which I also said in my opening statement Full blown headlights are unnecessary---parking lights- YES- I can accept. Anyway-- opinions do differ and I respect everyones views.Thank You and drive Safely..Regards James

I personally don't care to disable it, I am just a little irritated that it can be 35 C and not a cloud in the sky....sunny as hell and yet, because the side panel puts a shadow on the sensor it suddenly turns on the headlights. What bugs me is that you can't manually override it. Other than that, I really have nothing bad to say about it....it's just too sensitive. But that is only my opinion.

quote:What bugs me is that you can't manually override it. Here is a way. Get one of those $5 clip on lights, attach it to your visor, aim at the sensor on the dash, plug it into your 110 outlet and voila! Fooled the sensor into thinking it is bright out!

quote:Here is a way. Get one of those $5 clip on lights, attach it to your visor, aim at the sensor on the dash, plug it into your 110 outlet and voila! Fooled the sensor into thinking it is bright out!Deja-Vu! I was just thinking of something like this the other day. I am trying to see if there is some sort of solar-powered (or battery) type light that can "clip" over the sensor and be bright enough for the sensor to think it's always light enough outside for the lights to stay off and let you manually control them.I will keep an eye out.. or if one will have to be homemade..

That is kinda funny, a solar powered light. Reminds me of dehydrated water.Just kidding, I know what you are saying. Something that would store the solar power and use it to power the light.Just thought it was funny.

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. Hope this helps everyone!My reason for over-riding: I just don't like them!

N2Sound------I have left my pager # on you cell answering machine --Please contact me as I have one question before I attempt this circui t change. Thanks James

n2sound & NovaResource,n2,Is is possible for you to post a picture or two of how you disabled the DRL's? Others may want to attempt and that would help a lot.Nova,If you do meet with the GM engineers per your posting/thread:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1127Bring this one to the table! The sensitivity of the DRL's sounds like a big annoyance for owners. It would be nice to see a GM "Factory Fix" for this one!I think the only other thing I've read as much negative press on with the Vibe is the problem seeing the RED Instrument cluster. On a sunny day with sunglasses on, it's VERY bad! The two issues are somewhat related right?

I have to disagree about making motocycles less visible because everyone else has their lights on. I would offer the opinion that the're less "obvious" as a motocycle than another type of vehicle, but you can still "see" it. As you approach it, you can still determine that yes, there is a vehicle there, and respond appropiately. This is what DRL gives you.In Canada, they've been the law for years, as well as other countries. So, no biggie for us folks up here. At least this safety feature doesn't explode in your face!

Dumb question...Is the sensor for these things that big "button" sized thingie on the left top of my dash? Thanks, Mike

quote:Dumb question...Is the sensor for these things that big "button" sized thingie on the left top of my dash? Thanks, MikeYes, but I wouldn't push it.

Too late..POOF!

Another reason to date Daytime Running lights and automatic headlights - Drive -in movies - evertime you start your car you blind the row in front of you.Also on cold winter mornings I would like to be able to go into the donut shop while my car is running without blinding everyone in the shop.