DRL and Turn Signal Mods.
- Thread starter J.A.
- Start date
J.A.
Senior Member
what year vehicle? are you using an optional harness and if so which one?
Kyle C
New member
2004 SE
As far as I know the DRLs are factory? I did not add them and the pervious/original owner didn't seem the type.
As for the vLEDs, I am using;
The V3 5K switch back with the 3157 adapter base.
J.A.
Senior Member
So no parking light adapter? Are the DRLs coming on when the headlights are switched on? You are sure you had operating DRLs before the V-Led switchback addition?
Kyle C
New member
Correct, no parking light adapter. Would that be the cause?
Yeah, the turn signals (down by the fogs) lit up when the vehicle was on but headlights off. I always assumed those were the DRLs. The bulbs that I removed were dual filiments.
Do DRLs run on a different fuse by chance?
J.A.
Senior Member
No they should work without the adapter, not sure why they dont. Did you check operation with the headlights on? Did you want them to work with the headlights on as if so you would need either the adapter or you need to perform the DRL on mod.
Kyle C
New member
I was going to perform your mod eventually.
I just don't understand why its currently not functioning as I THINK it should.
I'll continue to investigate.
J.A.
Senior Member
Agreed, it should work. Go back and check all connections are solid and secure.
esb_t4r
Member
LEDs Installed!
Installed the switchbacks yesterday. Took a little bit longer than I thought it was going to - there really isn't any good mounting locations for the control box on the 05 4Runner (with the turn signals being in the bumper as opposed to the headlamp assembly). I also had a difficult time getting the actual bulbs installed - it was hard to find that sweet spot for the most snug fit without turning the bulbs past that point and then becoming loose again - Cookie/JA - did either of you guys have that issue?
Anyways here is a few pics. I didn't get a chance to take any at night but will try to do so tonight.
Random Shot of my car (before lights)
Hard to see, but I mounted the passenger side control box to the part of the bumper frame just above the turn signals. I will have to keep an eye on this since it is plastic.
(I know it's not a great pic)
On the driver side I routed the cables similarly to Cookie. The box I mounted to a piece of sheet metal.
Few pics of the lights
I will probably figure out a more permanent mounting solution for the control boxes/cables in a few weeks when I get back from vacation. Until then I will probably just check the bulbs every day to make sure they haven't popped loose from the light boxes.
Thanks to Cookie/JA for the great write-ups and pics!
Installed the switchbacks yesterday. Took a little bit longer than I thought it was going to - there really isn't any good mounting locations for the control box on the 05 4Runner (with the turn signals being in the bumper as opposed to the headlamp assembly). I also had a difficult time getting the actual bulbs installed - it was hard to find that sweet spot for the most snug fit without turning the bulbs past that point and then becoming loose again - Cookie/JA - did either of you guys have that issue?
Anyways here is a few pics. I didn't get a chance to take any at night but will try to do so tonight.
Random Shot of my car (before lights)
Hard to see, but I mounted the passenger side control box to the part of the bumper frame just above the turn signals. I will have to keep an eye on this since it is plastic.
On the driver side I routed the cables similarly to Cookie. The box I mounted to a piece of sheet metal.
Few pics of the lights
I will probably figure out a more permanent mounting solution for the control boxes/cables in a few weeks when I get back from vacation. Until then I will probably just check the bulbs every day to make sure they haven't popped loose from the light boxes.
Thanks to Cookie/JA for the great write-ups and pics!
Kyle C
New member
I forgot to post an update, the next day they magically started working correctly :shrug:
Anyway, I am in love with them.
esb_t4r
Member
It's been a few weeks with the switchbacks installed and I still like them very much - only one small thing bugs me about them, and I was wondering if I was the only one who had this issue -
When I first hit the turn signal I get a quick "hyper-flash" before the switchback kicks in and blinks like normal. I know it's a pretty small quirk, but was wondering if other people had the same thing happen when they first hit the blinker.
When I first hit the turn signal I get a quick "hyper-flash" before the switchback kicks in and blinks like normal. I know it's a pretty small quirk, but was wondering if other people had the same thing happen when they first hit the blinker.
CookieRoe
Senior Member
Yep, perfectly normal. I'm still trying to get used to it, but it will hyper-flash for like half a second until the system knows it is on "turn-signal" mode instead of a steady "on". It will do this forever. So, no worries, perfectly normal operation! :thumb:
J.A.
Senior Member
Same here.
CookieRoe
Senior Member
[MENTION=15785]J.A.[/MENTION] I'm sure you have seen vLeds headlight LEDs. I know our high beams are 9005, not sure how many lumens the stock bulb puts out, but what you are thoughts on this? I know this has little to do with the turn signal mod, but I can't help but feel Déjà vu, LOL.
Anyway, I'm giving it some thought. Currently they are having a sale (code: PREHL25 and save 25%). Pricey, but I don't doubt they are top notch.
Anyway, I'm giving it some thought. Currently they are having a sale (code: PREHL25 and save 25%). Pricey, but I don't doubt they are top notch.
I've swapped my 9005's from VLED's (1800lm) to augment my TRS HIDs in the H11's. they offer bright but diffuse light. they are useful in illuminating any reflecting surface, road signs are visible from about a half mile, and animal eye flash (Deer) is very noticeable.
the 1800ls I've been told are stunningly bright, so the new units I'd imagine are over the top. I'm waiting for a forward firing emission source, right now all led lamps fire in to the reflector housing. as such there is a lack of a "Hot spot" like normal high beams.
the 1800ls I've been told are stunningly bright, so the new units I'd imagine are over the top. I'm waiting for a forward firing emission source, right now all led lamps fire in to the reflector housing. as such there is a lack of a "Hot spot" like normal high beams.
J.A.
Senior Member
I have looked into them myself. I believe 9005 HB3 bulbs have 1700 Lumens rating, these have 3000 Lumens big difference. But big price too. There is an alternative to go with 9011 HIR which are rated at 2530 Lumens, for much cheaper. But the color of the Leds would be perfect at 5k to match my HID lows, fogs, DRLs and parking lights.
If I drove more at night, I wouldnt hesitate to give the V-Leds a try. But for the amount of time I spend with the lights on (and a fraction of that with high beams on) it is a hard choice. I have a lot invested in lighting already.
CookieRoe
Senior Member
Still happy with them....................
Well, wanted to report that my switchback (passenger side) has failed. I took it through a car wash the other day and noticed when I got home it didn't light up. I've washed my truck before, it's gone through torrential rain, ice storm, etc etc. I've already reported to vLeds, I'm hoping they exchange it. For the record, When I installed it, I taped up all open connections, zip tied all loose wires. However, whatever happens with vLeds (the affected item WILL be replaced regardless), I will try to secure them from the elements. If memory serves, I needed more wire to accommodate them in the engine bay. I'll report back.
Well, wanted to report that my switchback (passenger side) has failed. I took it through a car wash the other day and noticed when I got home it didn't light up. I've washed my truck before, it's gone through torrential rain, ice storm, etc etc. I've already reported to vLeds, I'm hoping they exchange it. For the record, When I installed it, I taped up all open connections, zip tied all loose wires. However, whatever happens with vLeds (the affected item WILL be replaced regardless), I will try to secure them from the elements. If memory serves, I needed more wire to accommodate them in the engine bay. I'll report back.
Last edited:
thegreatdivorce
New member
Might be a little off-topic asking here, but have any of you guys seen something of similar brightness to the Triton switchbacks, but that aren't "switchbacks"? i.e. they're just amber DRL/turnsignals.
CookieRoe
Senior Member
Egg on my face
Well, turns out the LED switchback popped out the DRL/Turn signal assembly. The DRL assembly has a lot of condensation in it. Already ordered a new one. The vLed product, was wet, wiped it clean/dry and now looks new. Still works fine. When it popped out, went into a fold in the bumper where no light escapes (apparently). This is why I didn't see any light when I went to test it. I thought it was still installed. Anyway, slid it back in a locked it into place. Going to pick up the assembly at Toyota later today. Cancelled the return with vLeds.
So, looking at the DRL lens assembly, which has been wet inside for some time, proves that the switchback LED is a quality product. It was subjected to very wet conditions and never failed nor did the product suffer any physical deterioration. Very nice.
Well, turns out the LED switchback popped out the DRL/Turn signal assembly. The DRL assembly has a lot of condensation in it. Already ordered a new one. The vLed product, was wet, wiped it clean/dry and now looks new. Still works fine. When it popped out, went into a fold in the bumper where no light escapes (apparently). This is why I didn't see any light when I went to test it. I thought it was still installed. Anyway, slid it back in a locked it into place. Going to pick up the assembly at Toyota later today. Cancelled the return with vLeds.
So, looking at the DRL lens assembly, which has been wet inside for some time, proves that the switchback LED is a quality product. It was subjected to very wet conditions and never failed nor did the product suffer any physical deterioration. Very nice.
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