Disabling DRL's - (Daytime Running Lights)

Peaty · 01-03-2004, 03:26 PM

Myself, I like DRL's but many people don't for one reason or another. On my 04 Forester there is a simple way to disable them by unplugging one plug. Do this when the car has had a chance to cool down as the unit you are going to unplug, and remove if you choose, will be hot. It's also close to the turbo if you have an XT and that will be super hot.

The pic below should be self explanatory.

Peaty 1/3/04

Peaty · 01-03-2004, 04:36 PM

Some very good information from Mulder on the i-club:

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That's the dropping resistor module, it's similar on the 02 and probably on most others.
You should note that for those with stock headlights who plan to keep them that way, unplugging this resistor will suffice to disable the DRLs. However for those installing aftermarket headlights with different grounding paths, particularly HIDs, the resistor is effectively bypassed and will do nothing. In those cases disconnection of the main DRL control module inside the vehicle is required.
In the '02-03's, the DRL control module is a large rectangular unit (larger than a standard relay) with a 10-pin connector and is located between the glovebox and the passenger side kick panel. It can be accessed either by removing the glovebox, or by lying down on the passenger side floor looking up. You can see the connector with the glovebox in place and reach in there and disconnect it.
I believe the 04's are the same setup but not positive, perhaps someone with an '04 who has done this will comment. I don't think this applies to the STi because of the HIDs, no DRLs that I know of.

------------------------------

Here is a pic of the DRL module behind the glove box. If you want to know how to remove the glovebox on the Forester look here:

Click Me

Peaty · 01-15-2007, 10:12 AM

headlamp wiring diagram, this is for the SF but should be similar across the line.

DrMemory · 05-10-2007, 08:10 PM

Most of the new HID retrofit kits plug into the old socket for the bulb for power. Therefore, they will be affected like the old lights were by the resistor and all the other circuitry.

It is good news either way.

First off, if you don't want running lights, pull that resistor and they will be disabled.

Second, the resistor won't bother most HID lamp retrofit ballasts. The (typical) ones I have will run with an input voltage range of 6 - 32 volts. I saw one model that was 9 - 24 volts. Neither of these is going to be bothered by that 0.3 Ohm resistor. So if you leave the resistor in place, the HID's will be on full power anytime the running lights are on. You can be kinder on the ballasts by shorting out this resistor, but it is not vital.

I have rewired my 2007 so that the driving lights (also converted to HID) are my running lights. They go off when the emergency brake is applied, just like good running lights. The rest of the lights run like they would on a normal car. If there is interest, I'll forward the schematics of the changes. Takes about 20 minutes.

BTW -- doing an HID retrofit by just replacing the bulb and not all the optics is generally a bad idea. But then again, having a 350 HP car is not very wise either.

Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do. I have only converted those with the "lens" style optics, like the low beam and drving lights on the 2007 WRX.

Here is the 2007 schematic:

Peaty · 01-25-2009, 07:26 AM

For the 2009 Forester (and maybe some other models I don't know for sure) the DRL resistor is under the airbox. You need to remove the airbox to see it. It should have a sticker on it that says something to the effect "Caution Hot"

05-10-2007, 08:10 PM	#4
DrMemory Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 12 Threads: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts	HID Kits & Running Lights Most of the new HID retrofit kits plug into the old socket for the bulb for power. Therefore, they will be affected like the old lights were by the resistor and all the other circuitry. It is good news either way. First off, if you don't want running lights, pull that resistor and they will be disabled. Second, the resistor won't bother most HID lamp retrofit ballasts. The (typical) ones I have will run with an input voltage range of 6 - 32 volts. I saw one model that was 9 - 24 volts. Neither of these is going to be bothered by that 0.3 Ohm resistor. So if you leave the resistor in place, the HID's will be on full power anytime the running lights are on. You can be kinder on the ballasts by shorting out this resistor, but it is not vital. I have rewired my 2007 so that the driving lights (also converted to HID) are my running lights. They go off when the emergency brake is applied, just like good running lights. The rest of the lights run like they would on a normal car. If there is interest, I'll forward the schematics of the changes. Takes about 20 minutes. BTW -- doing an HID retrofit by just replacing the bulb and not all the optics is generally a bad idea. But then again, having a 350 HP car is not very wise either. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do. I have only converted those with the "lens" style optics, like the low beam and drving lights on the 2007 WRX. Here is the 2007 schematic: Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Peaty; 05-11-2007 at 07:24 AM.. Reason: Further thought

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