[rmnelson]

I understand that Canadian Insights come with DRL, but that US models do not. Is it possible to retrofit this feature to a US model?

 

[Yves M.]

I do not know if it is possible to buy a DRL module and relay. There could be wire issues.

But there is a thread about a third party DRL module here:
http://www.insightcentral.net/forum/vie ... php?t=1669

 

[JeffKinTN]

I've read this issue on many forums. Why not just use headlights during the day? I do. :shock:

 

[Resist]

I thought DRL were required by law in the US.

 

[Billy]

Mr. Resist; fortunately, DRL are NOT required in the US. I think Saturn is one of the very few to use them here. Billy....

 

[Jackmpg]

DRL

I checked the service manuals. The DRL control unit and DRL/Low beam relays are located under the side panel (to the left of the drivers left foot). I looked. No components or DRL harness. The under dash does have the fuses installed for the DRL (# 17 & 21). I guess we can use them for spares. Fuses 8 & 10 in the under hood fuse panel control the left and right head lamps only. Running lights still come on with the switch. Oh Well… Just thought I’d check for you.
Jack Lee

 

[rmnelson]

Thanks for checking the service manuals Jack. I'm going to have to break down and get a set. I was hoping to find that I could buy a module and get DLR without a lot of hassle. I've been driving a Subaru for many years and worry that I will forget to turn off the lights if I run them for daytime driving (Subaru automatically turns off headlights if you forget). The low power use for DLR was appealing as well since I assume it means better bulb life. On to plan B.

 

[Willie Williford]

Why not just "turn on the lights" with the switch. If you turn off the ignition with the lights on in the Insight, You will hear the "dreaded buzzer".

Simple enough!

 

[fatp]

DRL

I remove mine....its just a fuse into the fuse box....so probably add one where I remove mine and you're gonna have drl.

I think that the fuse was handbrake lights

 

[fatp]

and if you want to know the reason why I remove the fuse....ill take some picture when the snow will be gone...

 

[jsanford]

Never figured out why...

...but in an earlier thread, I noted that my US 2003 Insight has DRL. It's a CVT so I doubt it originated in Canada.

I suspect my car was a fleet car in Nevada, and perhaps was retrofitted as part of some regulation there. I've seen "Official Use Only" state vehicles with DRL on cars which normally don't have them.

I thought about asking my dealer to return it to factory specification, but decided the little car could use the extra visibility in the two tunnels I drive through on my commute and on cloudy days in general.

 

[Guest]

Re: DRL

I checked the service manuals. The DRL control unit and DRL/Low beam relays are located under the side panel (to the left of the drivers left foot). I looked. No components or DRL harness. The under dash does have the fuses installed for the DRL (# 17 & 21). I guess we can use them for spares. Fuses 8 & 10 in the under hood fuse panel control the left and right head lamps only. Running lights still come on with the switch. Oh Well… Just thought I’d check for you.
Jack Lee

I believe on DLR vehicles that there is a photcell detector on the center of the dash, right near the window edge. For non DLR (like mine) there is just a plastic plug in that spot.

 

[Guillermo]

Re: DRL

I believe on DLR vehicles that there is a photcell detector on the center of the dash, right near the window edge. For non DLR (like mine) there is just a plastic plug in that spot.

Thats the photo sensor for the climate control.
So when the sun comes out from behind the clouds the A/C fan will speed up to cool you down before the solar radiation heats you up.
DLR are always on when the car is on and the headlights are off.

 

[Guest]

Re: DRL

I believe on DLR vehicles that there is a photcell detector on the center of the dash, right near the window edge. For non DLR (like mine) there is just a plastic plug in that spot.

Thats the photo sensor for the climate control.
So when the sun comes out from behind the clouds the A/C fan will speed up to cool you down before the solar radiation heats you up.
DLR are always on when the car is on and the headlights are off.

Ahhh! Thanks. I'll now be sure now not to obstruct it.

One question, I don't see any sensor 'eye'. It just appears to be a solid plastic 'dummy' plug -- non functional. I'm curious how it senses the light... or perhaps its the heat that it senses?

 

[Insightful Trekker]

Re: DRL

One question, I don't see any sensor 'eye'. It just appears to be a solid plastic 'dummy' plug -- non functional. I'm curious how it senses the light... or perhaps its the heat that it senses?

Heavily filtered so as only to respond to bright direct sunlight. The kind the needs an A/C bias.

 

[b1shmu63]

I discovered the module for the daylight running lights when I pulled back the front corner of the carpet on the drivers side. It is bolted to the aluminum chassis with one bolt, perhaps 3 inches on 2 sides, clearly marked daylight running lights, and has a wire connector on the bottom allowing it to be removed easily.

The module enables the high beams on the car apparently cutting the voltage in half by putting the lights in series instead of parrallel. This will cut the wattage drawn down to a third to a quarter of the normal rating. (Depends on how much the resistance of the fillament changes with temperature.)

Hope this helps.