On/Off DRL's - it works!

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Nice job loner :D

I've always though this would give you the best of both worlds. However, I'd prefer to use a stock switch instead of a toggle, just so I could keep the interior as stock looking as possible.

My thought was to use a 115V on/off switch to control the lights so you would have a stock look as well as a light that would turn on when the DRL's were activated. Does anyone know if this would work?
 
Great info , scares the crap out of me to do it . I know you said its easy but I'm more of a step by step pics guy. I really dont understand the instructions and what gets routed where. I also would like a factory switch ( like your foglight switch for the DRL's to keep it stock looking . (I'm Leased).
 
spyne said:
Nice job loner :D

I've always though this would give you the best of both worlds. However, I'd prefer to use a stock switch instead of a toggle, just so I could keep the interior as stock looking as possible.

My thought was to use a 115V on/off switch to control the lights so you would have a stock look as well as a light that would turn on when the DRL's were activated. Does anyone know if this would work?
Click to expand...


Don't get too hung up on my switch, guys. That was the result of a spare blank, a spare switch,and some spare time. I think I'll eventually just put a blank back in that hole and use a hidden switch.

Stock switch = mucho dinero.

Here's how simple this mod is:
Remove the lower dash panel (2 bolts)
Remove a metal plate (2 bolts)
Unbolt the fuse box (2 nuts and 1 bolt) and pull it down toward you.
Disconnect the flasher on the back of the fuse box.
Find the green/red wire, cut it, and splice in a switch.
Reassemble.

Why turn off the DRL's? For some people it is because of driving on military bases. For some other people, it's personal preference. For me, I disconnected them due to a possible incompatibility with my ARB bumper turn signals. Now I'm switching to LED turn signals and wanted to re-connect the DRL's. I figured while I was in there messing around, I'd install a switch just for kicks.
 
I would still buy a stock Toyota switch. Looks much better IMO and clean. How much could a switch possibly cost ?

So the red wire gets spliced in and out of the switch and the green wire gets spliced in and out of the switch. That would mean there are 4 posts on the switch ?

I like DRLs and think they are a great must have safety feature. I have times where I need to be idle, but ready to go and would like to have them off while waiting, sometimes for quite a while....hours.

Loner, Is that switch on the dash for your fogs or aftermarket lights. Just wondering since my fog switch is on the light on/off post on the left hand side of the wheel.

My DRLs are my parking amber lamps. I wonder if the switch is in the off position if it disables the parking lights, directionals under normal driving conditions or when the headlights are on.
 
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Falls said:
I would still buy a stock Toyota switch. Looks much better IMO and clean. How much could a switch possibly cost ?

So the red wire gets spliced in and out of the switch and the green wire gets spliced in and out of the switch. That would mean there are 4 posts on the switch ?

I like DRLs and think they are a great must have safety feature. I have times where I need to be idle, but ready to go and would like to have them off while waiting, sometimes for quite a while....hours.

Loner, Is that switch on the dash for your fogs or aftermarket lights. Just wondering since my fog switch is on the light on/off post on the left hand side of the wheel.

My DRLs are my parking amber lamps. I wonder if the switch is in the off position if it disables the parking lights, directionals under normal driving conditions or when the headlights are on.
Click to expand...

That switch is for my aftermarket fogs.

The new style switches that match perfectly run about $45 from Partznet, plus the optional $20 wiring connectors that make installing them much easier. Rather than pay $10-12 for a fog lamp switch that doesn't match the style of the other switches and shows the wrong symbol, I'll just hide a small switch under the dash.

Sorry to have confused you, Falls, but there is only one wire to deal with. It is green with a red stripe. See my ghetto diagram below.

Also, your turn signals and parking lights will work normally, at least on a 2003-2005 truck. I guess I should say that I have not tested this on a 2006 model, so you'd have to try it to see. Are you sure that the DRLs are really the same bulb that is lighting up when your parking lights are on? I would have guessed they are different, like with the 03-05 models.

splice.jpg~original
 
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Falls said:
I would still buy a stock Toyota switch. Looks much better IMO and clean. How much could a switch possibly cost ?
Click to expand...

The fog switch that goes in the blank on the dash over by the center diff lock switch, AC 110v outlet switch and airbag cut-off switch comes from the 2005+ Tacoma's. IMO, it's the best way to go for a stock and clean install. The switch if I recall is $60-70.
 
Thanks you so much , that clears it up for me.

I'm going to order a switch from partznet , maybe even get an extra on e for some aftermarket off road lights too while I'm at it.
 
sharp4runr said:
Here is another option for switches: http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/4Runner/tech/switch/

Maybe it is just me, but why would you want to turn off the DRL?
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There are a lot of times when I find myself sitting in a parking lot waiting for the kids or my wife and need to run the engine to keep either the AC or heat on. I'd rather not advertise the fact that the car's running and would like to turn off the DRL lights. Also, as much as I love the DRL's when I'm on the highway or on country roads, I don't see the need for them in city traffic.
 
spyne said:
There are a lot of times when I find myself sitting in a parking lot waiting . . . . I'd rather not advertise the fact that the car's running and would like to turn off the DRL lights.
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In a situation like this doesn't engaging the parking brake turn them off?
 
if it is like my 01, then no

you have to put the ebrake on, then turn the truck off then back on for that to work.
 
Uneek said:
The fog switch that goes in the blank on the dash over by the center diff lock switch, AC 110v outlet switch and airbag cut-off switch comes from the 2005+ Tacoma's. IMO, it's the best way to go for a stock and clean install. The switch if I recall is $60-70.
Click to expand...


looks good for sure!
 

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lee said:
if it is like my 01, then no

you have to put the ebrake on, then turn the truck off then back on for that to work.
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Doesn't work on my '05. May be because it's Canadian version.
 
Alex,

I think lee meant that on his, the DRL comes on when you release the parking brake after the engine has been running. Engaging the parking brake again after the DRL has come on, doesn't turn them off. The only way to get them off is to set the parking brake shut the engine off and restart the truck. That's how the setup is like on my Camry. But the Camry has a DRL off position. (The stalk is like the Limited if yours is like the US trucks, but instead of the 'Auto' position it's the low beam. So it's DRL-off, DRL, parking and low beams, instead of Off, parking, low beam and Auto for the Limited.)
 
lee said:
if it is like my 01, then no

you have to put the ebrake on, then turn the truck off then back on for that to work.
Click to expand...

Alex,
Works for me on a Canadian '04.
Engage the parking brake with the truck off. Start the truck and the DRL are off. Release the parking brake and they come on. Engage the parking brake again and the DRL don't turn off. You need to cycle the truck off to turn the DRL off with the parking brake on.
I think it's in the owner's manual.
Nice piece of trivia but personally I have no reason to ever turn them off. LLOTGWN (Low Light of The Great White North.)
 
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