DRL (Daytime Running Lights)

[peterk9]

I'm going to blame it on the Zoomers down here, they're the only ones that go out of their way to give me grief. The Army gate guards don't seem to mind as much (full disclosure: I'm Army, so of course I have to give the USAF guys some gloom )

Careful now. I spent almost 12 years in the Air Force here before finishing my career with the the RCMP.

 

[teh bishop]

Careful now. I spent almost 12 years in the Air Force here before finishing my career with the the RCMP.

Lol, I'm Army Aviation, so it's probably that I'm just jealous that the AF guys get all the cool fixed wing stuff.

 

[calb]

I'm going to blame it on the Zoomers down here, they're the only ones that go out of their way to give me grief. The Army gate guards don't seem to mind as much (full disclosure: I'm Army, so of course I have to give the USAF guys some gloom )

Hmm - I thought "stand down soldier" and a flash of your epaulets solved all issues

 

[DRLExplUS12]

Ok, I just got my DRLs turned on by a Ford dealer but they went in the "backdoor" to actually turn them on for a US model (2012 Explorer XLT) He said he was only able to turn on the Amber/turn signal lights as that was the only option. I thought this option was only to be used for vehicles that had HIDs? My Explorer has Projection Halogen Headlights and I was hoping he was going to have the actual headlights on but again, said he wasn't able to?

My question is, are ALL 2011-12 Explorer DRLs, the Amber/turn signal lights? Just wondering as I would go back to the dealer to have them changed to the headlights if this is truly an option to choose in their IDS laptop?

 

[Spengracin]

Don't know, it would be nice to have some aftermarket drls like the Audi headlights, any ideas for LEDs?

 

[RandyH2]

I only found a few "high quality" options and now it comes down to fit and aesthetics. As I recall, there were options from Hella and Philips. Another option is to go with a round driving light to replace the fogs, but I didn't get into that yet. I thought I had bookmarked all of the choices I liked, but I can't find them in my bookmarks.

 

[peterk9]

Ok, I just got my DRLs turned on by a Ford dealer but they went in the "backdoor" to actually turn them on for a US model (2012 Explorer XLT) He said he was only able to turn on the Amber/turn signal lights as that was the only option. I thought this option was only to be used for vehicles that had HIDs? My Explorer has Projection Halogen Headlights and I was hoping he was going to have the actual headlights on but again, said he wasn't able to?

My question is, are ALL 2011-12 Explorer DRLs, the Amber/turn signal lights? Just wondering as I would go back to the dealer to have them changed to the headlights if this is truly an option to choose in their IDS laptop?

Welcome to the Forum DRLExplUS12.:wavey:
I have only seen the amber lights used for the DRL's here and that includes the XLT model. DRL's are mandatory here in Canada.

Peter

 

[fifthranger]

I personally don't see why everyone makes a big deal about Daytime Running Lights. I am American, and I know that our Canadian neighbors are required to have the DRL's on their cars. Anyway, I am 34, been driving for 18 years, and I always get into the habit of turning on my lights unless it is bright and sunny in August. I think (not to offend any members) that we have gotten so spoiled with electronics and this/that. On the other hand, I think that those that want the option should have the right to visit the dealer and have them correctly make the electronic modification at no charge.

 

[yow04xplr]

Ok, I just got my DRLs turned on by a Ford dealer but they went in the "backdoor" to actually turn them on for a US model (2012 Explorer XLT) He said he was only able to turn on the Amber/turn signal lights as that was the only option. I thought this option was only to be used for vehicles that had HIDs? My Explorer has Projection Halogen Headlights and I was hoping he was going to have the actual headlights on but again, said he wasn't able to?

My question is, are ALL 2011-12 Explorer DRLs, the Amber/turn signal lights? Just wondering as I would go back to the dealer to have them changed to the headlights if this is truly an option to choose in their IDS laptop?

I'm from Canada, so the DRL's are mandatory. On the 2011 EX, the DRL's are the parking/turn signal lights as others have mentioned. However, what has not been noted is that when the vehicle is put in gear, these lights are extremely bright. They have two levels of brightness. One level for the turn signal or when used at night and a much brighter level when used as DRL's.


mv

 

[EKY]

Do your DRL's work in all positions of the light switch?

The manual states the switch must be in the "off" (round circle) or "parking lamp" position.

My question is do the DRL's still activate when in the "auto" position?

Ok, I just got my DRLs turned on by a Ford dealer but they went in the "backdoor" to actually turn them on for a US model (2012 Explorer XLT) He said he was only able to turn on the Amber/turn signal lights as that was the only option. I thought this option was only to be used for vehicles that had HIDs? My Explorer has Projection Halogen Headlights and I was hoping he was going to have the actual headlights on but again, said he wasn't able to?

My question is, are ALL 2011-12 Explorer DRLs, the Amber/turn signal lights? Just wondering as I would go back to the dealer to have them changed to the headlights if this is truly an option to choose in their IDS laptop?

 

[peterk9]

Do your DRL's work in all positions of the light switch?

The manual states the switch must be in the "off" (round circle) or "parking lamp" position.

My question is do the DRL's still activate when in the "auto" position?

I have my switch on 'Auto' all the time. I can't comment on the U.S. model but on the Canadian Explorer the DRL's come on as soon as the vehicle is taken out of 'Park', regardless of the switch position. The intensity is quite bright on DRL and turn signal and only drops when the headlamps are on.

 

[DRLExplUS12]

Do your DRL's work in all positions of the light switch?

The manual states the switch must be in the "off" (round circle) or "parking lamp" position.

My question is do the DRL's still activate when in the "auto" position?



YES! I leave the switch on Auto all the time but as commented earlier, they only go on when in Drive or Reverse. And yes, since they are the amber parking lamps that come on, they are definitely much brighter when in DRL mode vs Parking lamps mode.

Just so I get this clarified for my own quirky reasons....the AMBER/PARKING/TURN SIGNAL Lights are the ONLY option to have for DRLs no matter which Explorer vehicle type it is and the actual headlights are only PROJECTION HALOGEN LAMPS and not HIDs on the 2011-12 Explorers?
I have an issue with this as I was hoping the actual headlights would go on but like I commented on an earlier post, the tech said the only option he had was the Amber lights. I have not seen any other 2011-12 US Explorers with them on anywhere so I am relying on the Canadians to answer this.

 

[peterk9]

Do your DRL's work in all positions of the light switch?

The manual states the switch must be in the "off" (round circle) or "parking lamp" position.

My question is do the DRL's still activate when in the "auto" position?



YES! I leave the switch on Auto all the time but as commented earlier, they only go on when in Drive or Reverse. And yes, since they are the amber parking lamps that come on, they are definitely much brighter when in DRL mode vs Parking lamps mode.

Just so I get this clarified for my own quirky reasons....the AMBER/PARKING/TURN SIGNAL Lights are the ONLY option to have for DRLs no matter which Explorer vehicle type it is and the actual headlights are only PROJECTION HALOGEN LAMPS and not HIDs on the 2011-12 Explorers?
I have an issue with this as I was hoping the actual headlights would go on but like I commented on an earlier post, the tech said the only option he had was the Amber lights. I have not seen any other 2011-12 US Explorers with them on anywhere so I am relying on the Canadians to answer this.

I think I answered most of these questions in my post above. DRL's are on amber lights and are ON in all positions except Park. The Limited models in Canada have HID headlamps.

Welcome to the Forum DRLExplUS12:wavey:

 

[Texas97x]

Me personally I say if you want DRL's then fine but if you don't you should not have it forced on you by the government. I can turn on my lights when I want them on. It is just like the stupid "up Shift" light many cars had back in the 80's, I'll shift when I'm ready thank you very much!

 

[EKY]

I'll find out hopefully by end of week when my Ex (non-HID) arrives which has US Spec DRL's. I'll update this thread when my car comes in.

I believe for non-HID models the DRL's are the headlamps at reduced output. I've seen it on a few Ex's which were rental cars.

YES! I leave the switch on Auto all the time but as commented earlier, they only go on when in Drive or Reverse. And yes, since they are the amber parking lamps that come on, they are definitely much brighter when in DRL mode vs Parking lamps mode.

Just so I get this clarified for my own quirky reasons....the AMBER/PARKING/TURN SIGNAL Lights are the ONLY option to have for DRLs no matter which Explorer vehicle type it is and the actual headlights are only PROJECTION HALOGEN LAMPS and not HIDs on the 2011-12 Explorers?
I have an issue with this as I was hoping the actual headlights would go on but like I commented on an earlier post, the tech said the only option he had was the Amber lights. I have not seen any other 2011-12 US Explorers with them on anywhere so I am relying on the Canadians to answer this.

 

[peterk9]

Me personally I say if you want DRL's then fine but if you don't you should not have it forced on you by the government. I can turn on my lights when I want them on. It is just like the stupid "up Shift" light many cars had back in the 80's, I'll shift when I'm ready thank you very much!

It's just another safety feature like seat belts, collapsable steering wheels, energy absorbing bumpers etc. It has been proven that like seat belts which have drastically reduced death and serious injury, DRL's have substantially reduced daytime accidents, especially in those countries where they are mandatory. Doesn't seem like a big deal to me.

 

[FlyNavy]

Ok, here's what I'm gathering...it's not good to have your HIDs function as DRL because of some lens that has to open and close each time the lights are turned on and off...thereby wearing out the part and the part is expensive to replace. However, one can have the DRL enabled, but it is the (nasty) yellow parking/turn signal light.
My question is: why can't the FOG LIGHTS be used as the DRL. With all the electronics running through this vehicle, there must be a way for the fog lights to be enabled as the DRL (those are what use on my '03 Dodge Ram).

 

[peterk9]

My question is: why can't the FOG LIGHTS be used as the DRL. With all the electronics running through this vehicle, there must be a way for the fog lights to be enabled as the DRL (those are what use on my '03 Dodge Ram).

I assume it is a question of legallity. In the U.S. it seems laws governing the use of fog light vary from state to state. Some prohibit the use of fog lights unless you are in conditions of adverse weather or situations of reduced visibility (not counting darkness).
Currently there are no such laws in Canada but they may be considered in the near future.
Personally I hate meeting oncoming traffic at night that uses both headlights and fog lights, particularily in well lit areas. It makes absolutely no sense from a lighting perspective and just adds to what I like to call, 'Light Pollution'.:

 

[nextreme]

I have a 2011 XLT and my DRL's are the headlights, NOT the amber turn signals. I have a feeling that it is only the Limited that uses the amber turn signals for the DRL's.

I actually want to change mine so that it uses the ambers for the DRL's. I think the look is quite nice on the ones I have seen.

 

[EKY]

I just received my '12 Limited (non-HID) today with DRL's.... and it unfortunately uses the headlights for DRL's.

I too want to switch it to the ambers for DRL's.

I have a 2011 XLT and my DRL's are the headlights, NOT the amber turn signals. I have a feeling that it is only the Limited that uses the amber turn signals for the DRL's.

I actually want to change mine so that it uses the ambers for the DRL's. I think the look is quite nice on the ones I have seen.