Disable DRL's

[atwinda]

Short Description: Disbale those day time running lights on your ?? - 2001 Tacoma.

http://www.mor4wd.com/mods/drl/small.jpg
Link: Disable URL's (http://www.mor4wd.com/mods.asp?ID=6)

[4xClover]

Do you know if that same thing would apply on an '02 4 Runner?

[atwinda]

Do you know if that same thing would apply on an '02 4 Runner?
Like it says in the article, I don't suggest this for anything over a 2001. It works, but the high beam light comes on when you start the truck, they will go off if you flick the high beams on and off.

[Will Revis]

I did this mod today after knowing about it for 2 years. I have an 03 DC and yes the blue light blinks but I dont know why I never tryed it before. What a difference. Night and Day. haha

[4xClover]

Like it says in the article, I don't suggest this for anything over a 2001. It works, but the high beam light comes on when you start the truck, they will go off if you flick the high beams on and off.

Okay, thanks for the reply. The wife was asking about being able to shut hers off - will check with the yotatech guys or something.

[BigDaddyToy]

I did this mod today after knowing about it for 2 years. I have an 03 DC and yes the blue light blinks but I dont know why I never tryed it before. What a difference. Night and Day. haha

But, can you stop the blinking by activating and deactivating the high beams?

[Will Revis]

But, can you stop the blinking by activating and deactivating the high beams?
yes sir.

I figure it's not that big a deal because it only blinks in the daylight and doesnt blind me like it would at night. At night I just turn on the lights and no blinking.

I guess its kind of annoying but being able to shut off my lights outweighs it.

[txtaco1]

Suh-weet!!! I asked how to do this on the old site and everyone replied like I was crazy that all their lights had to be turned on manually! I hate the day running lights simply because I like to run just the parking lights at dusk or in the rain but don't want the head lamps on and on my 01' this is not an option. I think I will get on that one here in a few days or so... Awesome tip, Thanks!!!

J

[mgyver1]

No, it's actually really easy on a 4runner. Next to the battery there is a black little box with a connector on it. Unplug the connector. Viola!

[marcat75]

On my 2001, about 4 months after doing this mod the drl's quit working entirely. A few weeks before the hi-beam indi light had gotten to where it would never go off. Just curious - anyone else have this happen after doing the mod? Anyones drl's go out w/o doing the mod?

[txtaco1]

I finally took a few minutes to do this one... You couldn't be more correct about that damn day runner box being in a hard place to reach. Once I finally got the F'in plug out I still ended up screwing it up and pulled the wire out of the pin with it still in the plug. I just taped it off and figured I will never use those agian. I guess if I sold it I could figure something out.

Anyway, the good news is that (knock on wood) my blue high beam light does not come on like you guys all talk about. It did the very 1st time I cranked the truck but, not since.

And most important... I can turn my damn lights on and off as I please!!! I love runnibg with just my park lights... Stealth Mode!!! LOL!!!

I installed a pair of Silverstar bulbs as well. I like them but, they don't make any vast improvement over stock. It's cool for $40 though.

Later,

J

[atwinda]

Anyway, the good news is that (knock on wood) my blue high beam light does not come on like you guys all talk about. It did the very 1st time I cranked the truck but, not since.


What year truck do you have?

[txtaco1]

What year truck do you have?


01'

I was pleasntly suprised... The truck was purchased in Texas if that makes any difference.

Later,

J

[playaz0429]

maybe this is known, but i dont have drl's on my 04 taco, weird?

[txtaco1]

What year truck do you have?


Looks like I spoke too soon! :( I noticed on the way home from work that the high beam does seem to come on. It's too dim to see during the day but, I could see it after dark.

Anyway, it's till one of my favorite mods so far! I thought I was special!!! :D

[txtaco1]

I think that it varys by year and maybe even by state. Mine came that way and I hate it! They are fixed up now though...

Later,

J

[MassiveAttack]

I'm not bashing anyone or trying to discourage, but I don't understand why anyone would want to totally disable there DRLs. Let me tell you a short story that may help explain why I feel so strongly against this idea. Two years ago, I was driving southbound on a two lane highway on a sunny summer afternoon. To my right was a hillside that shaded both lanes peroidically from the sunlight. A 4:35 pm I was hit head on at 45 mph by a Cadillac Deville. the impact was so intense that my '90 civic flipped completly over and landed on it's top. I suffer a broken collar bone, three ribs, both feet, left ankle, both wrists, and a left elbow. I also had multipule skull fractures and two broken veribrate, from where the car landed upside down. The driver of the other car broke his left sholder and was ejected from the car when it rolled into the ditch. There were no skidmarks. I spoke to the man a few weeks later and he said that he looked twice and never saw me until he was less than 30 ft away. He swore to me that my car simple "appeared" out of a shadow. I'm not writing to scare anyone but I hope that everyone will take into consideration that this accident might not have happened if my car had been equiped with DRLs. They are a great passive safety device that has very little cost and does not interfere with your ability to driver or off road. (I read the site, and I understand why they suggest the modification) Thankyou and I invite your feed back, MassiveAttack

[CronusTRD]

I'm not bashing anyone or trying to discourage, but I don't understand why anyone would want to totally disable there DRLs. Let me tell you a short story that may help explain why I feel so strongly against this idea. Two years ago, I was driving southbound on a two lane highway on a sunny summer afternoon. To my right was a hillside that shaded both lanes peroidically from the sunlight. A 4:35 pm I was hit head on at 45 mph by a Cadillac Deville. the impact was so intense that my '90 civic flipped completly over and landed on it's top. I suffer a broken collar bone, three ribs, both feet, left ankle, both wrists, and a left elbow. I also had multipule skull fractures and two broken veribrate, from where the car landed upside down. The driver of the other car broke his left sholder and was ejected from the car when it rolled into the ditch. There were no skidmarks. I spoke to the man a few weeks later and he said that he looked twice and never saw me until he was less than 30 ft away. He swore to me that my car simple "appeared" out of a shadow. I'm not writing to scare anyone but I hope that everyone will take into consideration that this accident might not have happened if my car had been equiped with DRLs. They are a great passive safety device that has very little cost and does not interfere with your ability to driver or off road. (I read the site, and I understand why they suggest the modification) Thankyou and I invite your feed back, MassiveAttack
Not going to read your posts, but i have mine hooked to a cutoff switch for when i come home late at nite. My driveway angles the headlights right at the bedroom window.

Plus it helps for sneaking around for various covert ops

[Peanut Butter]

I have an 04 DCab w/ DRL. Will the same mod work for me? Any complications?

[atwinda]

There are indeed a great number of reasons to keep your DRLs, but I and many other have chosen to disable them. I have paid for new headlights, and running them all the time does not sound so exciting. I also like the ability to turn them off in the fog and run only my fog lights (with the parking lights on of course). To each his own.

[atwinda]

I have an 04 DCab w/ DRL. Will the same mod work for me? Any complications?

As far I as I know this mod will work, but will make the high beam light on your dash be on when you start it. A quick flick of the highs on and off will clear the light, but it is just a pita.

[txtaco1]

I too agree they are a saftey feature but, to me I would rather have the ability to control when my head lamps are on/off for various reasons none of them that important.

I still run my head lamps during the day when on the highway or if I feel I need to be seen, but other than that I love not having them on all the time. I guess the risk is worth it to me.

Later,

J

[VolcomTacoma]

Anyone try to add DRL's on a 98-00 Tacoma that didn't come with them? I heard it can be as simple as getting a different relay, but not sure.

[kamaaina1]

On my 04 Xcab I don't have DRL, but I just leave my light switch on all the time, and when I open my drivers door, the lights shut off automatically.
Good Luck!

[zero4]

I'm not bashing anyone or trying to discourage, but I don't understand why anyone would want to totally disable there DRLs.....

Another reason why to disable them. DRLs powers up the headlights at partial power, I have HIDs. Installing HIDs without disabling the the DRLs is a no no. When the DRLs activate, it will cause the HIDs to flicker which is killer on the ballasts. DRLs are a good safety device but I rather have my HIDs than DRLs.

[Mike-in-WV]

Well, I have to say that I see no reason to disable them either. It's a great safety feature in low light or dark areas like we have here on our roads in WV.
That being said my 01 SR5 doesn't have the DRL but I leave mine on all the time anyway and they go off when I open the door just like Kammina1.

[RCPractitioner]

If I have ever wanted to run around with my DRL's off I simply engage the e-brake 1 click with the truck off. Then I start the truck and voila! No more DRL's. 1 click on the e-brake isn't enough to really engage the rear brakes and I only do this on an occasional basis when I don't want the DRL's on. Seems like a much easier solution to me.

[Tufemup]

I have an '01 but no DRL's. Was it an option in '01?

[absolut taco]

maybe this is known, but i dont have drl's on my 04 taco, weird?
It was a $60 dealer installed option in 2004.

[4xbrian]

I'm pretty sure you can do it by just setting the parking brake on one click. Its not enouugh to engage the brake, but it 'should' tunr off the DRLs. It works on my wifes car, but my truck is a 95 and doesnt have them, so I'm not sure. Worth a shot though

[migi]

my high beam indicator stays on utnil I turn my headlights on... even after i turn the truck off and I get out of it... not matter how much i flicker the high beams... can anyone help...

[Footpounds]

my high beam indicator stays on utnil I turn my headlights on... even after i turn the truck off and I get out of it... not matter how much i flicker the high beams... can anyone help...

Did you pull the fuse out of the slot marked "daylight running lights"? If you did, put the fuse back.

[zosimov21]

Well I never knew it was an installed option period, hmm, I don't have them on mine.

[ryanstoy]

It worked on my 1996. I was cursing you guyz untill i came back to read the Flick the lites thing to get them to turn off. I was cruizing with everything normal, and suddently turned it all off. Its like a UFO, i was Laughing my Ar$e off, its GREAT.

[migi]

didnt pull any fuse.. and still the light bothers me... haha

[Wiskey_33]

Ok,
so I'm gonna disconnect my DRL's and I've got the box by the battery. When I unplug the wires is it going to be a problem if the plug gets wet? It's pretty close to the grill/edge of hood and I would assume that water could find it's way down there. So, do I need to plug up the harness anyhow? Let me know,
Chris.

[migi]

the box that I disconnected the wire from to disconnect the drls is right near the e brake handle. which box are you talking about?

[wild8bill]

I think DRL are standard with SR5's, or are linked to having ABS brakes (like in my '00).

[wild8bill]

I'm intrigued - why disable the daytime running lights?

I don't know how many times I've gotten in my truck at night and took off out of a parking lot into the streets, only to discover that I didn't really have my lights on at all; it was just the DRL lighting my way. This may be fine and dandy, but Toyota in their infinite wisdom (in '00 at least) doesn't have the TAIL LIGHTS hooked into the system. So, I'm driving down the road all blacked out in back, just begging to be rear-ended. I would rather have the choice, and there are times when I don't want any lights on, and with DRL you have no choice.

[Footpounds]

I don't know how many times I've gotten in my truck at night and took off out of a parking lot into the streets, only to discover that I didn't really have my lights on at all; it was just the DRL lighting my way. This may be fine and dandy, but Toyota in their infinite wisdom (in '00 at least) doesn't have the TAIL LIGHTS hooked into the system. So, I'm driving down the road all blacked out in back, just begging to be rear-ended. I would rather have the choice, and there are times when I don't want any lights on, and with DRL you have no choice.

Isn't the fact that your instrument/dash lights aren't ON a tip-off that you don't have your lights on?

[PastorCJ]

I definitely like this mod. After almost a year of not having control over my lights, now I do. I don't know why I waited so long to do this. If I want to, I can leave my lights on, as they automatically shut off when I get out of the truck anyway. Good MOD!!!!

[pfd1955]

my high beam indicator stays on utnil I turn my headlights on... even after i turn the truck off and I get out of it... not matter how much i flicker the high beams... can anyone help...

Exactly...I am having the same problem. I cut the drl wire and no more drl's. The high beam indicator comes on and flicking the high beam switch worked for a couple days... but now the high beam indicator just stays on...driving me crazy..any word on how to fix this.

[TarHeels4Life]

call me noob, but I'm curious here.

why does pulling the e-brake level out one click turn off the drl's? enlighten me, if you guys don't mind.

[pfd1955]

question open to everyone...can you "re-connect that wire once it has been cut? Also, I have been reading previous post's and saw that some can install a switch, would that solve the high beam indicator light from always coming on. Does anyone have info regarding where I get the switch, what kind..Part number etc...and a step by step instruction how to? If you can explain it to me like I'm a 3rd grader I would appreciate it.

[reefah]

call me noob, but I'm curious here.

why does pulling the e-brake level out one click turn off the drl's? enlighten me, if you guys don't mind.
cause the lights won't come on if the ebrake is pulled. only works if the truck is off, brake pulled, then started. once the brake is released, drls stay on. my guess is toyota thought it would be a nice feature for it to behave that way... weird to me.

the ebrake trick does work though, but only when you first start up the truck.

[reefah]

question open to everyone...can you "re-connect that wire once it has been cut? Also, I have been reading previous post's and saw that some can install a switch, would that solve the high beam indicator light from always coming on. Does anyone have info regarding where I get the switch, what kind..Part number etc...and a step by step instruction how to? If you can explain it to me like I'm a 3rd grader I would appreciate it.
this cutting the wire trick was for the older models. i'm guessing you have an 03 or 04? cutting the wire on the later models gives you the high beam flicker 'feature'. my guess is the floating voltage line screws with the computer's input (no proof though). i don't see any reason why reconnecting the wire wouldn't put things back to normal.

someone did post a write up on where they put the switch. it's not a big deal, you just need any toggle switch. since the line is probably a signal line (as opposed to a power line with 'significant' current through it) pretty much any switch will do.

[pfd1955]

this cutting the wire trick was for the older models. i'm guessing you have an 03 or 04? cutting the wire on the later models gives you the high beam flicker 'feature'. my guess is the floating voltage line screws with the computer's input (no proof though). i don't see any reason why reconnecting the wire wouldn't put things back to normal.

someone did post a write up on where they put the switch. it's not a big deal, you just need any toggle switch. since the line is probably a signal line (as opposed to a power line with 'significant' current through it) pretty much any switch will do.
thanks, I have an '04...What you are saying makes sense, although I think I cut the wire to short on the side that plugs into the relay box. Should I just try to pull the rest out of the box and stick the part I cut back in? Or I could pull out the rest and then cut the wire and install the toggle switch. I'm sorry for some dumb questions, I'm a Newbie here....where would the best place be to get the toggle?

[reefah]

if it's too short on the relay side, try pulling the insulation off the stub and soldering a wire back on it. putting in the toggle switch is up to you. location is where ever you think works for you best. some guys drill a whole in the panel between the ignition and ebrake. i'm curious myself about if using a switch is the best way to deal with the drls and highbeam flicker on newer tacos (too lazy to mess around with it myself right now). you can pick up a toggle a radio shack or any electronics store. the idea with the toggle would be to use the switch to complete the circuit of the wire you cut. you don't 'need' to use a toggle switch, any will do (ie. slider, push button, etc.)

[red_yota_01]

Pulling the fuse DRL in the fuse box under the hood won't cut off the DRLs? Would pulling the fuse cause any problems? Seems to me like that might cut them off. Anyone know?

[reefah]

nah pulling the fuse doesn't work.

[Ripper3785]

Since the DRLs are tied to the ebrake release, I wonder why nobody has explored dealing with the DRLs at the ebrake 'off' sensor? Maybe because this is tied to the Brake indicator light, which is also used as a low brake fluid warning light? Dunno, just something that ran through my head as I read through this old mod. I'd think it could be done in a way that wouldn't cause people to have to deal with ANY hibeam indicator issues.. I'd have to look at the schematics to see if it's worth the hassle.

[Dunk]

Put a switch in. Dealing with the High beam flicker is nominal compared to having control over your lights. I put the switch right on the column next to the existing light switch. I just flip it back to normal but can shut it all down when need be. VERY handy mod when offroading at night.

[mitchjw]

Man, I wish I would have read this. I put a switch in so I don't blind folks in the drive-thru's and when driving around spotting elk and such in the evenings. Had I known that I could have pulled it once click, life would have been good... UGH....

[wyosteven]

I think we should amend this thread or create another to not include the cutting of wires in lieu of the "DRL brake-click mod". It's something that most drivers wouldn't completely "forget" as there is a bright red ebreak light shining in your face from the dash for those concerned about DRL's and safety. It's not "too" detrimental on the vehicle and that makes those concerned about the ability to be "stealthy" who are normally driving slow anyway - unless you have squeaky breaks. I'm seeing some risky procedures with mixed results which might have longer term side effects. Perhaps there is a way to put the ebrake instructions as a sticky at the top or however that works for the people that cut first and read the posts later. ...Back to COPS.

[jdblatt]

Night running sucks with DRL's!!!! At least it does' for the spotter.......... :p :D

[mgyver1]

Man, I wish I would have read this. I put a switch in so I don't blind folks in the drive-thru's and when driving around spotting elk and such in the evenings. Had I known that I could have pulled it once click, life would have been good... UGH....
Once you unclick the e-brake to turn them on, you have to shut your truck off before you can turn them off. It's not like a Chevy where every time you pull the e brake it shuts off the DRL. On the Yota, once the DRL's are on, they stay on untill you shut off the truck. That's why I just clipped that little wire and now that's the end to that problem for me.

[RCPractitioner]

DRL's do suck, I mainly just use the e-brake trick for mine but it is still a little annoying having that bright red light in your face along with the flashing red seat belt light!! I mainly want my lights off and the dash completely dark when I am trying to enjoy the drive-in movies with my gf, and here during the middle of summer in Texas that is best done sitting in the truck with the ac on. So no need for the safety nazis to flame me about wanting to disable those features.

[Footpounds]

There are still drive-ins around these parts?

[RCPractitioner]

yep, there is one in Ennis and one in Granbury (sp.?). Pretty good bang for the buck, always a double feature with new movies and it cost about the same as what it would cost you to watch 1 new movie at the theatre! You can take your own snacks and beverages (not technically supposed to but well ya know), and you have the option of either using those old time speakers that hang on your window or listening to the sound through your stereo system. Not to mention what else you can get away with at the drive-in with your girl that she probably wouldn't do in a normal theatre! ;)

[ZUK]

Short Description: Disbale those day time running lights on your ?? - 2001 Tacoma.

http://www.mor4wd.com/mods/drl/small.jpg
Link: Disable URL's (http://www.mor4wd.com/mods.asp?ID=6)

Thank you Atwinda......worked beautifully for my 2001 Taco :)

[007Tacoma]

Is this wire the same in the 2007's?

[007Tacoma]

Bump! does anyone know about the DRL "disable" wire on 05+'s?

[007Tacoma]

Nobody knows???

[007Tacoma]

I am just double checking again... anyone know what wire to disable the DRLs in a 05+ Tacoma?

:welder:

[mojavehanna]

Question about this mod, I did it on my 04 V6 DC 4x4 and put a switch in the system between the cut wire. This disabled my DRL's and I had the blue H/B light come on until I "flicked" the H/B's and then it went off for good.

However, the DRL's were always off nomatter what I did with the switch. So I finally removed the entire mod and re-connected the original clipped wire but my DRL's still are disabled even though it should now be back to stock and they should work as before.

I checked all of the fuses for the DRL, headlights, and everything else I could think of and they are all OK. So why dont my DRL's work, anyone have any ideas?

[sovereign]

Question about this mod, I did it on my 04 V6 DC 4x4 and put a switch in the system between the cut wire. This disabled my DRL's and I had the blue H/B light come on until I "flicked" the H/B's and then it went off for good.

However, the DRL's were always off nomatter what I did with the switch. So I finally removed the entire mod and re-connected the original clipped wire but my DRL's still are disabled even though it should now be back to stock and they should work as before.

I checked all of the fuses for the DRL, headlights, and everything else I could think of and they are all OK. So why dont my DRL's work, anyone have any ideas?

I have a 2002 and am in the same situation. Anyone have any ideas on why the switch will not work to bring the DRLs back?

[sovereign]

Well, this could be it:mad: :

http://yotatech.com/f127/2002-4runner-drl-disable-off-capability-87596/

Sounds like this is a "not so cheap trick.":(

[mgyver1]

Hummm....that's not good. Mine's been disabled for 3+ years but I haven't had any side effects like that. No battery drain that I notice and I really don't care if the DRL unit is fried because I hate my DRL's.

[Alika80]

so according to the yotatech article, everyone 01 and up has been cutting the wrong wire???

[sovereign]

For those of us who performed this mod and then lost all function of our DRLs, is it safe to assume that the module is fried? I intended to install a switch that would give me the option to run the DRLs or not, but the point is moot as the DRL function is gone completely. Don't really miss them too much, especially in the summer, but now that I am driving my Taco for the first time in the winter on mountain roads in Colorado with reduced daylight hours it might be nice to have them as an option.:confused:

[Alika80]

might be fried. i did the procedure in the yotatech article and it works like a charm. hooked a switch in line of the wire and ta da! i have a 2003 double cab btw.

[sovereign]

might be fried. i did the procedure in the yotatech article and it works like a charm. hooked a switch in line of the wire and ta da! i have a 2003 double cab btw.

That's what I was PLANNING to do, until I followed the procedure here and cut the wrong wire:mad: . I guess worse things have happened in the world from cutting the wrong wire.

[007Tacoma]

FYI - for the Second Generation Tacomas (2005+), there is a green wire with a red strip on it on it going to the DRL control module. If you cut this wire, it will disable your DRLs. I installed a switch on this wire, and it works very well. I will try to get a picture up later.

Cheers!