GM head lights

Is there any way to install a switch so the headlights can be turned off on a 2001 Chevy Tracker? thanks, Tim fm CT

Reply to
Tim Dolan
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"Tim Dolan" wrote: > Is there any way to install a switch so the headlights can be turned > off on > a 2001 Chevy Tracker? > thanks, Tim fm CT

The daytime running lamp (DRL) control module is located beneath the instrument panel to the right of the steering column. The module is mounted to the remote control door lock receiver bracket.

Reply to
LeBuick

Reply to
Tim Dolan

After defeating this safety feature you should notify your insurance company so you no longer get the discount I presume you are getting.

Reply to
HDD

Only in the state of New York (last time I checked a couple of years back) where the state legislature mandated by law that car insurance companies provide discounts for DRLs. Not all insurance companies provide discounts for DRLs on their own elsewhere since "insurance loss data" is inconclusive as to the benefit of those devices.

Reply to
James C. Reeves

My guess is that if you do this, the BCM will detect a DRL malfunction and set a code causing the "Check Vehicle Soon" light to come on. GM has effectively locked down the *owners* ability to disable the DRL on many models. Not sure about the Tracker.

| > The daytime running lamp (DRL) control module is located beneath the | > instrument panel to the right of the steering column. The module is | > mounted to the remote control door lock receiver bracket. | >

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Reply to
James C. Reeves

Reply to
Mike Levy

A number of years ago the Pennsylvania State Legislature held hearing on a bill making DRL mandatory. The results of test conducted by the engineering schools of several state universities determined that DRL's created more problems than they might correct. Among the more serious problems was causing motorist driving in less than desirable lighting conditions when Pa law requires headlamps (from dusk to dawn or in fog) to be confuse by a vehicle approaching with only DRL's that can appear to be a vehicle properly running with headlamps at a greater distance away. The misperception of an approaching vehicles distance could lead to accidents while passing on a two lame roads and to drivers making unsafe left turns, in front of approaching traffic. Another reason was that motorcycles simply 'disappear' in a sea of DRL'S. The NHTSA came to basically the same conclusion when GM requested DRL's be made mandatory in the US, about a year later.

mike hunt

"James C. Reeves" wrote:

Reply to
MikeHunt2

Not likely...that override procedure is only available on the trucks and SUVs. And the procedure also disables the ambient light control (a.k.a. auto headlights). As you mention, the next ignition cycle defaults back to "enabled"...so it would be something that would need to be done every time the truck is started or restarted.

| >| > The daytime running lamp (DRL) control module is located beneath the | >| > instrument panel to the right of the steering column. The module is | >| > mounted to the remote control door lock receiver bracket. | >| >

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Reply to
James C. Reeves

Reply to
Tim Dolan

in a word "bulls#!+!

I'd much rather see anything coming at me with any lights on than none at all. No matter what the distance between us. Long Live DRL's.

Reply to
buickman

Safety feature !?!? You drive into a campground late at night with your headlights on full and see how safe you are. tsk, tsk

Reply to
Tim Dolan

Just another example of how "they" think so little of the millions of practical people in this world. I'll stop there so I don't pollute this website with OT dribble.

Reply to
Tim Dolan

Just got a second thought. I'll make a special blackout bra for the headlights.

Reply to
Tim Dolan

Of course you know GM disagrees :-) ...even though nearly all of their competitors have come to the same conclusion you mention. Insurance loss data also shows a increase number of rear-end collisions on DRL equipped vehicles vs. non-DRL equipped ones due to some drivers not turning their lights on when it becomes dark. The inattentive operator thinks the lights are on since most DRLs provide a very similar visual headlight signature (or queue) to that inattentive operator. And there are a LOT of inattentive operators!! I wonder if that is the reason why GM now installs a ambient light sensor (a.k.a. "auto" headlights) on even their low-end model vehicles these days.

One item I don't understand though. I wonder why Pennsylvania passed the law that required headlamps in construction zones a couple of years back, given these study results. Strange...isn't it? Although I've noticed that very few people actually follow the law.

| > Only in the state of New York (last time I checked a couple of years back) | > where the state legislature mandated by law that car insurance companies | > provide discounts for DRLs. Not all insurance companies provide discounts for | > DRLs on their own elsewhere since "insurance loss data" is inconclusive as to | > the benefit of those devices. | >

Reply to
James C. Reeves

Replace the light sensor with a circuit that will always present the same electrical characteristics as the sensor does during daylight. Then, just like the old days, you can actually use your headlamp switch to control the lights! YOU have control. Not the pinheads at GM!

Reply to
SgtSilicon

Reply to
SgtSilicon

Take a hike. "Safety feature" my rear end. Gee, if it wasn't for my lights coming on automatically, I just don't know what I would driving at night! I might have to use the headlamp switch and uhh, I would uuhhhhh probably never think to do that and then uuuuhhhhh I would run into things in the dark. UuUuuUhhhhhhh.

Reply to
SgtSilicon

This may sound stupid, but with my '91 Bonnie, my Grandparent's '97 Chevy Lumina, and (IIRC) my Sister's '04 Grand Am, applying the emergency brake turns off all auto-light / DRL's...At least while the car is in park...Just a thought.

Reply to
80 Knight

Reply to
SgtSilicon

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