Really stupid question about DRL's

Montego Murph

Montego Murph

Member
Actually, two:

I have a 2003 Limited. The turn signals and fog lamps are mounted in a rectangular housing on the lowermost part of the front bumper cover. It looks like the assembly in this photo that I stole from elsewhere:
https://cdn04.carsforsale.com/3/705934/14581213/965762917.jpg

The amber section of the assembly functions as the turn signal, but is also always illuminated and flashes on and off when the turn signal is activated.

Are these technically "daytime running lights," or is that term specifically about a headlight bulb running at a lower brightness?

Also, is there a way to turn these on and off without messing with fuses or other behind-the-scenes methods?

Thank you
 
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Montego Murph said:
Actually, two:

I have a 2003 Limited. The turn signals and fog lamps are mounted in a rectangular housing on the lowermost part of the front bumper cover. It looks like the assembly in this photo that I stole from elsewhere:
https://cdn04.carsforsale.com/3/705934/14581213/965762917.jpg

The amber section of the assembly functions as the turn signal, but is also always illuminated and flashes on and off when the turn signal is activated.

Are these technically "daytime running lights," or is that term specifically about a headlight bulb running at a lower brightness?

Also, is there a way to turn these on and off without messing with fuses or other behind-the-scenes methods?

Thank you
Click to expand...

Yes, they are DRLs. Anything from the front of the vehicle that is on at all times in the daytime is considered a DRL. They can be a low brightness output of the low beam, a seperate bulb in the headlight, or a separate housing all together.

Legally in some states and most of Canada you are required to have them on during the day. This probably relates to the second question, but no there is no way to turn them off without messing with the wiring or fuses. The only time they're off is when the headlights are on, or the parking break is on. You could cut the wiring and reroute it to a switch of your choosing however.
 
I fully disabled mine, but if I remember correctly. if the parking break is set when you start the car then they do not come on. once parking break is released post car start they are on.

I think :confused:
 
LordAbdullah said:
Yes, they are DRLs. Anything from the front of the vehicle that is on at all times in the daytime is considered a DRL.
Click to expand...

OK... Here is the reasoning for my question about "are they or aren't they."

I'm heading out later to replace a bulb, so I hopped on a manufacturer's website to see which size I would need. For my vehicle, I have the option "with DRL" uses size A, and "without DRL" uses size B.


As for turning them off, some friends of mine and I are going to a "winter wonderland" Christmas light display later on that winds through a golf course, and you're supposed to have your lights off. If I could turn them off, that would be nice courtesy to the other people there.
 
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Montego Murph said:
OK... Here is the reasoning for my question about "are they or aren't they."

I'm heading out later to replace a headlight bulb, so I hopped on a manufacturer's website to see which size I would need. For my vehicle, I have the option "with DRL" uses size A, and "without DRL" uses size B.


As for turning them off, some friends of mine and I are going to a "winter wonderland" Christmas light display later on that winds through a golf course, and you're supposed to have your lights off. If I could turn them off, that would be nice courtesy to the other people there.
Click to expand...

For our Pre-06 4runners, it's a 4157 bulb if I recall correctly :)

They do count as DRLs, so you would use the DRL sizing. The without DRL trucks only had those lights as a turn signal, and use a 7440 (I think) Bulb size which is a bit smaller.

Pulling the fuse would normally be my first suggestion, however, I do think the DRLs use a relay and might not be what you want to do. Fastest thing to do is pull the bulbs, and put them back in. Also, the DRLs are not very bright at all. You could probably just cover them with tape or paper on the golf course and it would give you a decent temporary solution.
 
LordAbdullah said:
For our Pre-06 4runners, it's a 4157 bulb if I recall correctly :)

They do count as DRLs, so you would use the DRL sizing. The without DRL trucks only had those lights as a turn signal, and use a 7440 (I think) Bulb size which is a bit smaller.
Click to expand...

Beautiful. This is exactly what I wanted to know. I wasn't sure if technically DRL's were the actual headlight bulb themselves, and these are simply "Running lights."
 
I'm also curious about what bulbs and wattage those DRL/Turn signals use. I'm guessing approx or same wattage/brightness as 1156's.. around 23 watts?

Montego Murph said:
... Christmas light display later on that winds through a golf course, and you're supposed to have your lights off...
Click to expand...
NOT a stupid question at all.
Appreciate you being considerate.. Yes, those lights may not be very bright overall but certain angle may have hot spots.

LordAbdullah said:
For our Pre-06 4runners, it's a 4157 bulb ...just cover them with tape or paper ....
Click to expand...
Yes... When we go stargazing / meteor shower viewing/photography moderate red lights are acceptable. I keep red document protector sheets (polyethylene) in my truck for that purpose. Dim even my headlight to tolerable level. Should work on DRL's to allow you to kinda see some of the path, OR someone walking in front of your truck.
 
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