Daytime running lights (DRL) installation or fix

Is there an easy way to ensure the headlights can never be turned OFF while the vehicle is running (but still retain the ignition enabled lights ON-OFF function)?

1) I am getting my 1996 Outback ready for a Canadian vehicle inspection where daytime running lights are required to pass. 2) A quote for a daytime running light module for this car was $249CDN used, (pirates!). 3) The federal inspector told me he does not care about the module, he just wants to see that the headlights cannot be physically turned off with the vehicle running. 4) I have a HAYNES manual with Subaru electrical schematics and plenty of alligator clips. 5) Any ideas? Has anyone done this? 6) Will a plain old $10 ebay DRL module work for me?

Johnny sunbath'at'ureach'dot'com sunbath_at_ureach_dot_com

Reply to
sunbath
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The easiest solution is probably to bypass the headlight switch so it can't be used to turn the lights off. As long as that's all you do, the lights will still go on/off with the ignition. If you plan to make this permanent use something better than alligator clips, if it's temporary just to pass inspection it doesn't matter that much as long as it's safe. Unfortunately this isn't the best long-term thing for your headlights if you do make it permanent. Having them turned on every time you start the car will shorten the bulb life and also loads the electrical system which makes the battery and alternator work harder. "Official" daytime running lights are a bit more complex and that's why they use control modules- they don't come on until the parking brake is off, and they run at a reduced intensity.

Reply to
mulder

The concern about leaving the headlights on all the time being hard on the lights is not a problem. I don't legally require DRLs but still leave the low beams on all the time (unless using high beams) on my 2001 Forester. Replaced one headlight at about 75,000 miles the other about

110,000 and replace original battery at 115,000 because it cranked sluggishly at 0 degrees F.

Dan > >

Reply to
Dan

Depending on the actual arrangement of the switches involved - this COULD be an opportunity to change the function of the 'parking light' switch on top of the steering column. Perhaps it could be wired in with the headlight switch so as to 'enable' and 'disable' the 'headlights locked on' condition required.

Seems odd that they can't grandfather your car in or a waiver of some sort isn't available for vehicles which were not built with DRLs.

another way the gumint sticks it to the little guy

Carl

Reply to
Carl 1 Lucky Texan

I'd be asking to see some regulations that require DRLs on a car that didn't come from the factory with them.

Reply to
Ragnar

In 1996, all Outbacks imported into Canada DID come with DRLs. If someone wants to import a non-Canadian market car into Canada, it's entirely reasonable to expect it to comply with Canadian regulations.

Reply to
Cam Penner

It may be "reasonable", but is it "required"?

Reply to
Ragnar

only if you want to pass the inspection.

Reply to
tom klein

Go to this website:

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I am in the same situation. I have a US Forester that needed to be Canadian inspected. Their kit is very easy to install and also very inexpensive.

Etienne

Reply to
etienne

Riiiiiiggghhhttt. Everybody says its required, but no one has ponied up the regs that show it.

Reply to
Ragnar

Would this be to your liking then?

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Look at page 8. It seems pretty clear.

Reply to
Cam Penner

Finally! Thank you.

Reply to
Ragnar

How interesting, thanks. Do daytime running lights actually have a useful effect on accident statistics, then? I was happy that my US 2004 Impreza WRX STi doesn't have them, but I think the newer US ones do?

-- Mark

Reply to
Mark T.B. Carroll

Really. Interesting as my 2003 Impreza WRX does have them.

I know when I did a lot of driving on two lane highways of California and Arizona it sure helped when people had their headlights on. I could tell if that speck out in the distance was coming at me when I passed someone on a two lane highway.

Reply to
Theodrake

DRLs are required on every Canadian car 1991 and later, and the import rules are clear. If the car is less than 15 years old, it must comply with Canadian regulations; including DRLs.

Reply to
JD

They do. It is part of the reason they were introduced in Canada. We have considerably more rtwo-lane highway and considerably less divided highway than the US does. They do reduce accidents because you can actually see cars coming towards you,and the DRLs help you more acurately estimate the distance.

They also increase your insurance premiums (at least in Canada), if you don't have them. Even if they weren't required, I'd still have them.

Reply to
JD

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