Turn Signal lights as Daytime Running Lights?

[safarirevver]

I'm in Canada so my 2004 Safari has daytime running lights. They are the same bulbs as the low beams which turn on when the gear in not in park. I know there are some cars out there that use the orange turn signal bulbs as the daytime running lights (Chevy Uplander as an example). I recently got HIDs installed for the low beams/daytime running. I was just wondering if is possible at all to make the turn signal bulbs as DRLs? Has anyone ever done it? This will save my HIDs from being on during daytime driving.

[astrofur]

far as i knew, the ambers are already used as DRLs in addition to the low beams

at least, this is what my 2000 does when the key is on, parking brake off, headlights off



there is also a temporary way to cut them off. press the round button beside your headlight control, 5 times in succession. you'll hear a bell and the lights will be off for the rest of the trip.

[astroturf]

far as i knew, the ambers are already used as DRLs in addition to the low beams

at least, this is what my 2000 does when the key is on, parking brake off, headlights off

[ http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/5103/tnsdc13224.jpg ]

there is also a temporary way to cut them off. press the round button beside your headlight control, 5 times in succession. you'll hear a bell and the lights will be off for the rest of the trip.

Yours are not right. Inspect your ambient light sensor...

[astrofur]

far as i knew, the ambers are already used as DRLs in addition to the low beams

at least, this is what my 2000 does when the key is on, parking brake off, headlights off

[ http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/5103/tnsdc13224.jpg ]

there is also a temporary way to cut them off. press the round button beside your headlight control, 5 times in succession. you'll hear a bell and the lights will be off for the rest of the trip.

Yours are not right. Inspect your ambient light sensor...

ah ok i didn't know that. good to know

[safarirevver]

No, on the Canadian vans during the day, ONLY the low beam lights turn on as DRLs and not the parking/turn signal lights. During night time, all the lights come on. That's why I'm wondering if it is possible to have ONLY the orange turn signal lights on during the day instead of the low beam bulbs.

[AstroCan]

That is a good question, as I am about to purchase HIDs, too.

[94 Van Guy]

With the HIDs they sell insurance if they burn out. without ins., ouch. Like big time

[AstroCan]

The place I want to buy my HIDs off claims "This hid kit will last 10x longer than your halogen and use 1/2 the power!" So there's nothing to worry about using them as daytime running lights I guess.

[astroturf]

No, on the Canadian vans during the day, ONLY the low beam lights turn on as DRLs and not the parking/turn signal lights. During night time, all the lights come on. That's why I'm wondering if it is possible to have ONLY the orange turn signal lights on during the day instead of the low beam bulbs.

Understood. My neighbors Full Size Chevy Express Van uses the turn signal ambers as daytime lights. Perhaps if you researched their wiring for that system you may find an answer for us lil guys. Good Luck and Keep Us Posted. Jim

[AstroCan]

Any update on this?

[justsomeguy]

OK, I know I'm resurrecting a semi-old thread here... but I stumbled across a module that can convert your front turn signal bulbs into daytime running lights. I haven't actually purchased this yet, but am considering doing so for the same reason you are - I'm thinking of installing HID headlights and don't want them on all day. If we could disable the factory DRL then this should work. Or, "replace" the factory DRL with these? Our vans use the low beams (perhaps at a reduced voltage) for the DRLs, but just the low beams - no side markers, tail lights or dash lights come on with the DRL on Canadian spec vans. I like how the Chevy Venture, older Dodge Caravans, etc, used the orange (brighter filament) from the turn signals as the DRL. I'd like that on my 2005 Astro too.

Here's the link: http://www.webelectricproducts.com/products.htm

Just a sidenote... on Astro/Safari vans sold in Canada, I don't think the DRL override trick of pressing the dome light button 5 times will work. Seems to me I recall reading in the owner's manual than it does not work on any van originally sold in Canada, so mine's out. And it only works on a "per use" basis - I'd rather have a more permanent way of disabling the DRL's.

Just wondering if this would have any effect on the automatic headlight? You know, the sensor that detects when it's dark enough outside and makes the low beam headlights, side markers, tail lights and dash lights come on. I like that feature and would like it to stay in tact.

[ELDORADOV8]

We should have the conector leaving the drl module swapped out with the turn lights or something like this?? Is there any electritian in this forum?

[justsomeguy]

I still haven't done this mod yet. Partly because I'm not about to try my hand on custom electrical work. I was thinking of ordering this kit and going to someone who specializes in automotive electrical work.

[DRZ]

On my '98 Astro, it was a simple matter of unplugging the ground wire at the base of the parking brake assy. That doesn't work on my '04 so I was hoping this thread had gotten an answer.