Disable daytime running lights

[sbiddle]

I'd like to be able to switch off the daytime running lights as an option. Has anyone else done this? The wire diagram in my Chiltons manual is useless and if I had a good diagram I could figure it out. Can anyone provide this? The car is a '96 Metro 4 dr.
Thanks for your help!

[geozukigti]

The only way I can think of is putting a switch on the ground line of the resistor that sits in the drivers side fender well. The DRL system won't work without the resistor, but I'm not sure if that would kill the headlights too. But the DRL system is integrated with the headlight circuit, so if you disconnect the DRL module under the dash, the headlights just flat out won't work.

[sbiddle]

I can play with the resistor to see if it effects the regular light operation too. When you say the resistor is located in the driver side fender well do you mean under the hood or next to the drivers left foot?
Thanks,
Steve

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by sbiddle

I'd like to be able to switch off the daytime running lights as an option. Has anyone else done this? The wire diagram in my Chiltons manual is useless and if I had a good diagram I could figure it out. Can anyone provide this? The car is a '96 Metro 4 dr.
Thanks for your help!

Why do you want to disable a saftey device?
Better check with your local and state and federal laws.
Lot of places it is illegal to disable them.
And call your insurance company to and let them know what you are doing.
MT

[hot_sd]

Since the DRLs turn off when you engage the handbarke I believe there is a switch connected to the handbrake lever that operates the DRL. If you can find the wiring for that you can then tap another switch in series to create your DRL On/off switch.

[sbiddle]

Originally Posted by hot_sd

Since the DRLs turn off when you engage the handbarke I believe there is a switch connected to the handbrake lever that operates the DRL. If you can find the wiring for that you can then tap another switch in series to create your DRL On/off switch.

Except that would make the brake light come on the dash.

As for the safety issue, cars in the US don'e require daytime running lights. In Canada yes. I just want to be able to have the option. It will save gas if they aren't on and save on bulb life too.

[geozukigti]

Well, it's not illegal not to have it, but it is illegal to disable a factory safety device. At the same time, the "who's gonna actually notice/care" factor is pretty low, lol. The resistor is inside the fender well. You'll have to remove the tire and splash shield to gain access to it.

[hot_sd]

Originally Posted by sbiddle

Except that would make the brake light come on the dash.

Good point - forgot about that. In that case you can tap directly out of the DRL control module which should be located somewhere around the brake pedal to the lights. However, I'm not sure it is a good idea to install a switch to a wire carrying a large current. If you do make sure that the switch is appropriately rated. Another option would be for you to cook up a replacement for the DRL module with some appropriate electronic logic that would generate the correct signals as needed but is of course much more work.

[fremezal]

Hi everybody,

I have a 1996 metro and I also want to disable the DRL. In my country is not illegal to disable them (Costa Rica).

Where is exactly the DRL control Module and which wires I will have to disconnect?

Thanks

[bambambam]

just raise the parking brake one click. You said you wanted to turn them off "as an option"...so in those instances that you thing you car's cool factor outweights this safety feature then just raise your parking brake. Sure, your brake warning light will probably come on but no one outside your car will see that.
Just leave it alone in my opinion. These cars are tiny, not much bigger than a coffin. It probably wouldn't hurt to have a strobe on top of the antenna to make you even more visible.
Sorry if I seem negative, I just hate it when people people fiddle with safety features. Next thing you know we'll be cutting the seatbelts out.
Bam