DRL's aren't working

white1500 · May 10, 2013

Hey everyone,

My DRL's haven't been turning on for a while now and so my lowbeams are on day and night! As you can imagine, the lifespan of the low beams have been cut drastically and before I get new and better bulbs, I want to fix this issue.

So far I've done the basics of replacing the DRL bulbs themselves along with the fuse(s) and nothing has worked, what else should I do? Hopefully the light sensor on the dash isn't the problem as it would be a pita to fix.

txab · May 10, 2013

It's the ambient light sensor.

Procedure

white1500 · May 10, 2013

Thanks, but all of that work to replace the light sensor?!

There must be an easier method, perhaps like the idea from that thread of removing the radio and going in through there?

On my dads truck we replaced the oil pressure sensor without removing a single piece from the top of the engine, even if the dealer and forums suggested that we remove the fuel lines, intake manifold, etc. We simply reached into the back of the block and managed to replace it like this.

And when I do mine I might as well fix my dad's too because his fell into the dash haha.

MikeNH · May 10, 2013

Turn off the auto lamps each time you drive. If the switch doesn't have the off position I think you use the dome override three times. Maybe five.

txab · May 10, 2013

Thanks, but all of that work to replace the light sensor?!

There must be an easier method, perhaps like the idea from that thread of removing the radio and going in through there?

On my dads truck we replaced the oil pressure sensor without removing a single piece from the top of the engine, even if the dealer and forums suggested that we remove the fuel lines, intake manifold, etc. We simply reached into the back of the block and managed to replace it like this.

And when I do mine I might as well fix my dad's too because his fell into the dash haha.

It's not as complicated as it looks. It all comes off pretty quick. The sensor is right above the dash frame, not much room back there even with the radio removed. I've done 3 of these, I'll stick with loosening the panel

white1500 · May 10, 2013

Turn off the auto lamps each time you drive. If the switch doesn't have the off position I think you use the dome override three times. Maybe five.

My 2000 doesn't have the extra position on the rotary dial to turn off the lights. I don't have a choice but to have the lights turned on at all times when the engine is on, aside from starting it with the parking break on. But I will try the dome override.

Although in the future I would like to wire in a new rotary dial from a newer model year so that I have the choice to turn headlights off when the truck is on.

And thanks guys, I'l see what I do in the near future. Even if the dashboard removal process isn't that difficult, it does seem daunting at the moment!

gmtech4 · May 11, 2013

putting in a different switch may sound good ,,,,however you are dealing with the BCM .,...but have fun trying anyways !!!!

and as tx said ,trying to cheat is not a good idea and thinking that is not the mind set to go into any repair with IMO ,,,,,it usually takes longer ,,,do it right man !!! lol

RedXray · May 11, 2013

I hate the auto headlamps plus their hard on HID ballists.

Just disable... Unplug the purple plug (C3) from the BCM under the dash. Locate the grey (A6) and the white (A4). Snip the A6 & A4 and slip on a piece of heatshrink, strip wires, connect the two wires with an 1.5K ohm 1/2 watt resistor, soldier, heatshrink and be done with it. (30 minutes) This method is only for 99-02 without auto climate controls.

white1500 · May 12, 2013

No cheating involved here, but a dash removal in 100+ degree heat is definitely not going to happen. ;)

An as MikeNH suggested, I pressed the dome override button 3 times and the lowbeams turned off! It's a start, thanks Mike. Just when I think I know my truck I find little secrets like this.

white1500 · May 15, 2013

And something that I've noticed over the years is that when I take something apart on this truck, it never ends up quite the same once put back together. I took apart my doors yesterday and now the piece that holds the window and lock switches isn't as tightly fitted as before. So... I would prefer to not poke a sleeping bear in terms of removing the dash!