DRL question:

[2Metros]

Okay, one of my Metros died and I replaced it with an '06 Aveo. That's why the wierd poster name.

It's a mixed bag, this car - more peppy but more thirsty; feels tight but shifts lousy; sits higher but I can't lock the door without a key when parking.

On the daytime running lights...how do I disconnect?

The manual makes a short reference to a DRL relay; but none of the relays at the fuse blocks are marked as such on the boxes or in the manual. The few I could pop out, that weren't obviously needed for operation, didn't shut off the lights.

Ideally, I'd like to rig in a switch to turn them off when desired. I live in the inner city and don't like to draw attention with those lights...they're not needed for safety on streets and I don't like to stand out that way. I can turn them off by pulling up on the parking brake one notch, but the brake drags lightly that way...I don't want them off badly enough to cook the brakes.

Any suggestions?

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by 2Metros

Okay, one of my Metros died and I replaced it with an '06 Aveo. That's why the wierd poster name.

It's a mixed bag, this car - more peppy but more thirsty; feels tight but shifts lousy; sits higher but I can't lock the door without a key when parking.

On the daytime running lights...how do I disconnect?

The manual makes a short reference to a DRL relay; but none of the relays at the fuse blocks are marked as such on the boxes or in the manual. The few I could pop out, that weren't obviously needed for operation, didn't shut off the lights.

Ideally, I'd like to rig in a switch to turn them off when desired. I live in the inner city and don't like to draw attention with those lights...they're not needed for safety on streets and I don't like to stand out that way. I can turn them off by pulling up on the parking brake one notch, but the brake drags lightly that way...I don't want them off badly enough to cook the brakes.

Any suggestions?

First thing first in many places it is illegal to disconnect a saftey device such as DRL running lights.
But where there is a will there us usually a way.
Ask your dealer to show you where the fuse and relay is.
Also a good factory service manual should cover the wiring and fuse and relays on it.
If the parking brake switch turns them off that may be a key to your problem.
Good Luck
MT

[tune1552]

If you live some place where it to dangerous to have DRL's.......You should have moved instead of buying a new car!

[2Metros]

Originally Posted by tune1552

If you live some place where it to dangerous to have DRL's.......You should have moved instead of buying a new car!

It's annoying. It draws attention...and attention is not what you want when you live on the outer edges of the 'hood.

To my own question: I cobbled together a half-fast solution.

When the parking brake is on...the DRLs are off.

When the parking brake is on...a dash warning light is on.

I found by testing circuits, that the switch at the parking-brake handle basically grounds the lead. When this lead grounds, the dash warning idiot-light comes on...and the DRLs go off.

I spliced a wire onto this lead...through a switch...to ground. Flip it "ON" and the DRLs are off. The "BRAKE" idiot light is on...but it's no more distracting than the DRL idiot light..

For what it's worth.

[phantomcobra]

Given that every GM product has DRL for the last several years, it would seem an Aveo wouldn't need to worry about attracting attention next to a $40,000 Suburban or a $30,000 Monte Carlo. I mean really, would you want to break into a $15K Korean car with nothing special and cheaply made or a $40,000 SUV with lots of goodies? But I have to agree with another post. If you could afford a new car, seems like moving would be item # 1 on my list and get a new car later.

[2Metros]

Originally Posted by phantomcobra

Given that every GM product has DRL for the last several years, it would seem an Aveo wouldn't need to worry about attracting attention next to a $40,000 Suburban or a $30,000 Monte Carlo. I mean really, would you want to break into a $15K Korean car with nothing special and cheaply made or a $40,000 SUV with lots of goodies? But I have to agree with another post. If you could afford a new car, seems like moving would be item # 1 on my list and get a new car later.

Good answer...for most people. I travel for a living, however (NOT in my own car) and I'm home about 2-3 days a week. So primo living quarters are not the best use of my money.

I work on call, however, with no excuses tolerated and no days off. So a reliable car is first priority.

I'm NOT worried about someone stealing it (kinda hoping, acutally). My neighborhood is "Zero Tolerance" with the law...and I'd just kind of like to shrink into the background.

As well...DRLs prevent dimming lights at customs booths (into Canada; that's commonplace for me) and flashing passing trucks back over (common courtesy from an ex-trucker).

I do not like them. I don't like the gubbermint holding out that it knows better than me when to turn on my headlights.

[mikedudley17]

Originally Posted by 2Metros

It's annoying. It draws attention...and attention is not what you want when you live on the outer edges of the 'hood.

To my own question: I cobbled together a half-fast solution.

When the parking brake is on...the DRLs are off.

When the parking brake is on...a dash warning light is on.

I found by testing circuits, that the switch at the parking-brake handle basically grounds the lead. When this lead grounds, the dash warning idiot-light comes on...and the DRLs go off.

I spliced a wire onto this lead...through a switch...to ground. Flip it "ON" and the DRLs are off. The "BRAKE" idiot light is on...but it's no more distracting than the DRL idiot light..

For what it's worth.

u could have saved urself so much trouble by just raising the parking brake one notch. it turns off the drls and the brake is not grabbing so ur brakes wont wear out thus u save urself the hassle of doin all that bull#*^@ u just did.