day-time running lights

kingu · 07-28-2002, 03:18 PM

It's probably been asked a million times, but how do I disconnect the daytime lights on my WRX? The dealer showed me where it was, but would not undo the the connector. it looks like it has 3 parts, and I cannot figure out how to get it apart without breaking it. Help!

Bimmer · 07-28-2002, 07:45 PM

You just have to unplug it. There's a bundle of cables plugged into the silver DRL unit (bolted to the passenger side strut tower). If you squeeze the plug right it'll unlock and you can just unplug the wire bundle. Study it awhile, you'll get it.

Whether you then remove the whole unit or just leave it unplugged is up to you... you can even put the cable back together but don't click it together and it'll look bone stock without letting the DRL's work.

This is written up on Scoobymods, too.

Ben

cnk · 07-29-2002, 01:03 AM

Just disconnect the DRL module. The one in the engine bay is not the actual DRL module. Take the glovebox out and you'll see a 10-pin molex connector on the right side. IIRC it's blue. Just pull it and you won't have DRL's anymore.

Calvin

Bimmer · 07-29-2002, 03:19 PM

Pulling the plug to the thing under the hood (whatever it is) is much easier. Study it long enough, you'll see there are a couple tabs you have to depress to "unlock" the plug. Piece of cake, no tools required. It knocks out the DRL's and doesn't involve removing the glovebox (hassle).

Ben

cnk · 07-29-2002, 04:06 PM

Just an FYI. . .pulling the one in the engine bay is fine. But if you upgrade your lighting, i.e. morettes or HID's, you'll have to pull the one behind the glovebox.

Calvin

Rally1 · 07-29-2002, 09:23 PM

ditto, did the same thing, see scoobymods.com, was easy.

Bimmer · 07-30-2002, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cnk
Just an FYI. . .pulling the one in the engine bay is fine. But if you upgrade your lighting, i.e. morettes or HID's, you'll have to pull the one behind the glovebox.

Why?

CirrusWRX · 07-30-2002, 02:26 PM

Yeah - curious about that one too. Do you mean, you "have" to pull the one behind the glove box because you don't want your HID's to operate like daytime running lights?

Or do you "have" to because you should?

Or do you "have" to because most people prefer to?

I'm particularly interested because I have a set of Morette HID's on the way in a few weeks, and I haven't heard a firm answer on this one.

cnk · 07-30-2002, 03:18 PM

A lot of people who pulled the one in the engine bay had issues with the DRL's coming back on when they upgraded their lighting to HID's. The module in the engine bay doesn't actually control the DRL's. The actual DRL module is the one behind the glovebox. If you're going to do something, you might as well do it right the first time. It's only 7 screws to take out the glovebox. Takes less that 15 minutes to take it apart, pull the plug, and put it back together. You then don't have to worry about water getting into the open connectors or dirt/grime.

I put in my morettes with HID's about a month and half ago and pulled the module under the glovebox. Haven't had any issues whatsoever.

Calvin

CirrusWRX · 07-30-2002, 03:38 PM

Yeah - gotcha - that makes sense, I do remember reading about the mysterious "reappearing DRL's" now that you mention it. Yeah - glove box is easy to take off - was my first mod when I put in the air filtration "system"

but if you so choose to keep DRL's on, you could, no? I kinda like having my lights on all the time. I know it's kinda lame, but I think it's helped me avoid a few close calls, and made some REALLY close calls, a little less 'close' if you know what I mean. And I think with HID, the dumb people are still attracted to bright-blue objects so hopefully they'll be able to see me!! (or be so distracted and run right into my car!!!)

cnk · 07-30-2002, 03:54 PM

HID's aren't designed to be operated at low voltages, which is how DRL's work. You run the risk of possibly blowing out your HID's. You could always just run with your parking lights on if you want. With morettes, they use a city light in the high beam lens for parking lights.

Calvin

CirrusWRX · 07-30-2002, 04:12 PM

Ahhhaaaa

duh- I should've thought of that! (smacks head) I forgot the DRL's are low voltage, so yeah, I imagine that must suck for HID's. So I guess it's probably best to disconnect the DRL module then for any HID install.

done and done.

Bimmer · 07-30-2002, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CirrusWRX
I kinda like having my lights on all the time. I know it's kinda lame, but I think it's helped me avoid a few close calls, and made some REALLY close calls, a little less 'close' if you know what I mean. And I think with HID, the dumb people are still attracted to bright-blue objects so hopefully they'll be able to see me!! (or be so distracted and run right into my car!!!)

I ride my 'cycle with the high beams on ALL the time, 'cept at night, when I don't want to blind people. I've heard mixed reviews of how much more visible this actually makes me (it can make you invisible coming out of the setting sun, for example), but I do it anyway.

DRL's suck. I don't like not being able to dip my lights at night to signal oncoming traffic, and I don't like not being able to come into my apartment complex at night with just parking lights on so I don't shine my headlights in my neighbor's apartments (or in the drive-thru). Took me 2 days and 16 miles on the car to get fed up and disable them.

If you want your lights on, turn them on. I turn mine on if it's overcast or dusk or raining... I see the necessity of DRL's because I see so many people without their lights on when they should be on, but this just caters to the lowest common denomenator... too bad so many drivers are such morons that we all have to be saddled with DRL's.

Ben

kingu · 08-06-2002, 05:02 PM

Another FYI, my WRX has 10 screws holding on the glovebox (9 and a plastic one on the side). Once I got the glovebox out, I saw 2 large connectors, a blue one and a black one, on the right. The blue one did not match the description (mine is about a 5 pin), but I pulled it anyway. Nothing happened!! So, fearing that I had disconnected soemthing else, like the airbag or something, I re-connected it.....Guess I will try the underhood connector again.

TerenceT · 08-07-2002, 05:53 PM

just did mine

pull the glove box

on the right side, by the door, you'll immediately see 2 relay, one blue and one black

behind the blue on, behind the bracket, there's a black "box" with a white plug on the bottom

on top of the black box, you'll see a yellow sticker "Unite D R L" and some numbers.

unplug the white plug, Voila, let there be NO lights

kastle · 08-07-2002, 08:40 PM

http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/sho...=&threadid=122

CirrusWRX · 08-07-2002, 10:23 PM

Kastle - sounds like some people are having problems pulling just the one out of the engine bay -- I'll take a pic tomorrow and set it to you of the glove compartment (if I have time, tho it might not be until Friday)

kastle · 08-08-2002, 06:55 PM

sure thing

motojosh · 10-03-2002, 01:20 AM

As the very first mod to my 2003 WRX wagon, I yanked the glovebox out and disconnected the DRL module. Along the way, I followed the instructions above (thanks all, especially TerenceT), and took a bunch of pictures. For anyone who isn't sure they want to do this without knowing exactly what they're getting into, lemme just say, it's really really simple. Some of the pics are below.

Edit: Looks like the pics are too big. If I figure out how to make the file sizes smaller, I'll post them. Otherwise, pm me if you want me to email them.

Mulder · 10-03-2002, 09:00 AM

If you know where the module is, it is possible to reach in there and disconnect it without removing the glovebox. Doing it this way takes about 10 seconds.

motojosh · 11-01-2002, 02:51 PM

Here are some of the pics that I took. I've had a few requrests for step-by-step kinda stuff, so I'll start with pics of the screws that need to be removed to take the glovebox out.

motojosh · 11-01-2002, 02:54 PM

Here are the relays that you'll see when you remove the glovebox. The DRL module is circled (note that some people have reported being able to simply reach up behind the glovebox and disconnect this without removing the glovebox).

motojosh · 11-01-2002, 02:55 PM

This pic shows the DRL module disconnected.

motojosh · 11-01-2002, 02:58 PM

Finally, I stuck the camera up above the relays to get a picture of the sticker on top of the DRL module. This would be hard to see without a mirror or something, but if you want to be absolutely 100% certain that you're disconnecting the right thing, the module will say this:

superhawk44 · 12-21-2002, 05:50 PM

This one saved my but. Had my Hid's installed and the directions said the engine compartment drl disconnect was enough,WRONG! Today the pas side went out,boy was I freakin p.o'd. Came home jumped on the old I(nasioc)-club and there was the fix,thank god the pas side came back on after the disconect. Anyone had a similar experience? Hope it's fixed for good now,thanks Josh for the great pics,CHRIS.......

07-28-2002, 03:18 PM	#1
kingu Scooby Newbie Member#: 21891 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Aliso Viejo, CA Vehicle: 2002 wrx wagon silver	day-time running lights It's probably been asked a million times, but how do I disconnect the daytime lights on my WRX? The dealer showed me where it was, but would not undo the the connector. it looks like it has 3 parts, and I cannot figure out how to get it apart without breaking it. Help!

08-06-2002, 05:02 PM	#14
kingu Scooby Newbie Member#: 21891 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Aliso Viejo, CA Vehicle: 2002 wrx wagon silver	still tryin' Another FYI, my WRX has 10 screws holding on the glovebox (9 and a plastic one on the side). Once I got the glovebox out, I saw 2 large connectors, a blue one and a black one, on the right. The blue one did not match the description (mine is about a 5 pin), but I pulled it anyway. Nothing happened!! So, fearing that I had disconnected soemthing else, like the airbag or something, I re-connected it.....Guess I will try the underhood connector again.

10-03-2002, 01:20 AM	#19
motojosh Scooby Newbie Member#: 19838 Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Missoula, MT Vehicle: 2003 WRX wagon Platinum silver	glovebox pics As the very first mod to my 2003 WRX wagon, I yanked the glovebox out and disconnected the DRL module. Along the way, I followed the instructions above (thanks all, especially TerenceT), and took a bunch of pictures. For anyone who isn't sure they want to do this without knowing exactly what they're getting into, lemme just say, it's really really simple. Some of the pics are below. Edit: Looks like the pics are too big. If I figure out how to make the file sizes smaller, I'll post them. Otherwise, pm me if you want me to email them. Last edited by motojosh; 10-03-2002 at 01:27 AM.

11-01-2002, 02:51 PM	#21
motojosh Scooby Newbie Member#: 19838 Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Missoula, MT Vehicle: 2003 WRX wagon Platinum silver	pics Here are some of the pics that I took. I've had a few requrests for step-by-step kinda stuff, so I'll start with pics of the screws that need to be removed to take the glovebox out.

11-01-2002, 02:55 PM	#23
motojosh Scooby Newbie Member#: 19838 Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Missoula, MT Vehicle: 2003 WRX wagon Platinum silver	This pic shows the DRL module disconnected. Last edited by motojosh; 11-14-2002 at 04:34 PM.

07-28-2002, 07:45 PM	#2
Bimmer Scooby Newbie Member#: 4116 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Humboldt County, CA Vehicle: 2002 Impreza TS White	You just have to unplug it. There's a bundle of cables plugged into the silver DRL unit (bolted to the passenger side strut tower). If you squeeze the plug right it'll unlock and you can just unplug the wire bundle. Study it awhile, you'll get it. Whether you then remove the whole unit or just leave it unplugged is up to you... you can even put the cable back together but don't click it together and it'll look bone stock without letting the DRL's work. This is written up on Scoobymods, too. Ben

07-29-2002, 01:03 AM	#3
cnk Scooby Guru Member#: 10757 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NJ Vehicle: 2002 WRX Sedan Platinum Silver Metallic	Just disconnect the DRL module. The one in the engine bay is not the actual DRL module. Take the glovebox out and you'll see a 10-pin molex connector on the right side. IIRC it's blue. Just pull it and you won't have DRL's anymore. Calvin

07-29-2002, 03:19 PM	#4
Bimmer Scooby Newbie Member#: 4116 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Humboldt County, CA Vehicle: 2002 Impreza TS White	Pulling the plug to the thing under the hood (whatever it is) is much easier. Study it long enough, you'll see there are a couple tabs you have to depress to "unlock" the plug. Piece of cake, no tools required. It knocks out the DRL's and doesn't involve removing the glovebox (hassle). Ben

07-29-2002, 04:06 PM	#5
cnk Scooby Guru Member#: 10757 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NJ Vehicle: 2002 WRX Sedan Platinum Silver Metallic	Just an FYI. . .pulling the one in the engine bay is fine. But if you upgrade your lighting, i.e. morettes or HID's, you'll have to pull the one behind the glovebox. Calvin

07-29-2002, 09:23 PM	#6
Rally1 * Banned * Member#: 20633 Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: PCH HB OC CA USA	ditto, did the same thing, see scoobymods.com, was easy.

07-30-2002, 02:26 PM	#8
CirrusWRX Scooby Guru Member#: 17439 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NYC Vehicle: 2002 x2 Silver WRX Sedan, White WRX Wagon	Yeah - curious about that one too. Do you mean, you "have" to pull the one behind the glove box because you don't want your HID's to operate like daytime running lights? Or do you "have" to because you should? Or do you "have" to because most people prefer to? I'm particularly interested because I have a set of Morette HID's on the way in a few weeks, and I haven't heard a firm answer on this one.

07-30-2002, 03:18 PM	#9
cnk Scooby Guru Member#: 10757 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NJ Vehicle: 2002 WRX Sedan Platinum Silver Metallic	A lot of people who pulled the one in the engine bay had issues with the DRL's coming back on when they upgraded their lighting to HID's. The module in the engine bay doesn't actually control the DRL's. The actual DRL module is the one behind the glovebox. If you're going to do something, you might as well do it right the first time. It's only 7 screws to take out the glovebox. Takes less that 15 minutes to take it apart, pull the plug, and put it back together. You then don't have to worry about water getting into the open connectors or dirt/grime. I put in my morettes with HID's about a month and half ago and pulled the module under the glovebox. Haven't had any issues whatsoever. Calvin

07-30-2002, 03:38 PM	#10
CirrusWRX Scooby Guru Member#: 17439 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NYC Vehicle: 2002 x2 Silver WRX Sedan, White WRX Wagon	Yeah - gotcha - that makes sense, I do remember reading about the mysterious "reappearing DRL's" now that you mention it. Yeah - glove box is easy to take off - was my first mod when I put in the air filtration "system" but if you so choose to keep DRL's on, you could, no? I kinda like having my lights on all the time. I know it's kinda lame, but I think it's helped me avoid a few close calls, and made some REALLY close calls, a little less 'close' if you know what I mean. And I think with HID, the dumb people are still attracted to bright-blue objects so hopefully they'll be able to see me!! (or be so distracted and run right into my car!!!)

07-30-2002, 03:54 PM	#11
cnk Scooby Guru Member#: 10757 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NJ Vehicle: 2002 WRX Sedan Platinum Silver Metallic	HID's aren't designed to be operated at low voltages, which is how DRL's work. You run the risk of possibly blowing out your HID's. You could always just run with your parking lights on if you want. With morettes, they use a city light in the high beam lens for parking lights. Calvin

07-30-2002, 04:12 PM	#12
CirrusWRX Scooby Guru Member#: 17439 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NYC Vehicle: 2002 x2 Silver WRX Sedan, White WRX Wagon	Ahhhaaaa duh- I should've thought of that! (smacks head) I forgot the DRL's are low voltage, so yeah, I imagine that must suck for HID's. So I guess it's probably best to disconnect the DRL module then for any HID install. done and done.

08-07-2002, 05:53 PM	#15
TerenceT Scooby Specialist Member#: 9510 Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: San Pedro, CA Vehicle: 04 FX35 Pearl White	just did mine pull the glove box on the right side, by the door, you'll immediately see 2 relay, one blue and one black behind the blue on, behind the bracket, there's a black "box" with a white plug on the bottom on top of the black box, you'll see a yellow sticker "Unite D R L" and some numbers. unplug the white plug, Voila, let there be NO lights

08-07-2002, 08:40 PM	#16
kastle Frank Army Super Moderator Member#: 1457 Join Date: May 2000 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Phoenix, AZ Vehicle: 1991 Acura NSX 1997 Legacy GT	http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/sho...=&threadid=122

08-07-2002, 10:23 PM	#17
CirrusWRX Scooby Guru Member#: 17439 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NYC Vehicle: 2002 x2 Silver WRX Sedan, White WRX Wagon	Kastle - sounds like some people are having problems pulling just the one out of the engine bay -- I'll take a pic tomorrow and set it to you of the glove compartment (if I have time, tho it might not be until Friday)

08-08-2002, 06:55 PM	#18
kastle Frank Army Super Moderator Member#: 1457 Join Date: May 2000 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Phoenix, AZ Vehicle: 1991 Acura NSX 1997 Legacy GT	sure thing

10-03-2002, 09:00 AM	#20
Mulder Trust no one Moderator Member#: 11170 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NYC Vehicle: 02 WRX 05 GTO	If you know where the module is, it is possible to reach in there and disconnect it without removing the glovebox. Doing it this way takes about 10 seconds.

11-01-2002, 02:54 PM	#22
motojosh Scooby Newbie Member#: 19838 Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Missoula, MT Vehicle: 2003 WRX wagon Platinum silver	Here are the relays that you'll see when you remove the glovebox. The DRL module is circled (note that some people have reported being able to simply reach up behind the glovebox and disconnect this without removing the glovebox).

11-01-2002, 02:58 PM	#24
motojosh Scooby Newbie Member#: 19838 Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Missoula, MT Vehicle: 2003 WRX wagon Platinum silver	Finally, I stuck the camera up above the relays to get a picture of the sticker on top of the DRL module. This would be hard to see without a mirror or something, but if you want to be absolutely 100% certain that you're disconnecting the right thing, the module will say this: Last edited by motojosh; 11-14-2002 at 04:31 PM.

12-21-2002, 05:50 PM	#25
superhawk44 Scooby Specialist Member#: 20264 Join Date: Jun 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: not homeless Vehicle: 05 LGT arrestmered 02 Daytona yellow	phew! This one saved my but. Had my Hid's installed and the directions said the engine compartment drl disconnect was enough,WRONG! Today the pas side went out,boy was I freakin p.o'd. Came home jumped on the old I(nasioc)-club and there was the fix,thank god the pas side came back on after the disconect. Anyone had a similar experience? Hope it's fixed for good now,thanks Josh for the great pics,CHRIS.......

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