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Disable automatic headlights and daytime running lights

Lidd
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Lidd Enthusiast

Lidd

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Posted

I've read quite a few posts about putting in resistors or removing sensors and trying to make this subject way more complicated than it needs to be. I wanted to share the success I had with my truck that took less time to disable the automatic features than writing this post will take.

 

Simply remove the light switch panel/housing from your dash and disconnect the plugs going into the back of each switch. Take the assembly inside into some good light and take apart the headlight switch from the housing. Next take apart the switch itself being careful not to pry too deep and pop the releases (the circuit board is just under this cover). Once open you'll see a small coiled spring in one of the corners. Lift it up and it pops right out. Reassemble everything and you're done. Less than 5 minutes and your lights operate the way lights used to work....turn the switch if you want them to come on. You can still move the switch to auto if you want as well but now they will stay in the off position if that's where you want them.

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repairman54
repairman54

As a motorcycle rider DRL's have made me less noticeable now. That is a real safety issue, I'm not safely tucked in a steel cage like the average motorist.. Everyone is so used to seeing headlights o

Coby7
Coby7

I have the GM TechII and you can't disable the DRLs, why would you want to anyway it's one of the best safety features ever put on a vehicle.

Coby7
Coby7

Not sure if you're a guy or girl but I guess you're not a very patient person then if you can't wait 1 minute for the ambient light sensor circuit to shut them off for you. Personally I find it works

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Coby7 Senior Enthusiast

Coby7

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Posted (edited)

Why? DRLs should still come on,,,

Edited by Coby7
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Lidd Enthusiast

Lidd

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They don't though. It's beautiful. Just like the way trucks used to be. The switch stays in the off position and no lights are on at all. Turn the switch to turn on the lights.

Edited by Lidd
Coby7 Senior Enthusiast

Coby7

Posted
Posted (edited)

Yes but DRLs are switched on when you pull your truck in drive and has nothing to do with the light switch. The BCM sends a ground to the DRL relay when you pull transmission out of park.

Edited by Coby7
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bubbanbrenda Enthusiast

bubbanbrenda

Posted
Posted

What Lidd is saying is that spring is the spring that pushes the switch back to auto when you let go. The DRLs go thru the auto circuit of the switch, If you remove the spring it will let the switch stay in the off position preventing all power to the lights.

Coby7 Senior Enthusiast

Coby7

Posted
Posted (edited)

But DRLs as mentioned in the title don't go through the light switch. He's only disabling the ambient light sensor.

Edited by Coby7
Lidd Enthusiast

Lidd

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I'm not completely sure about what's going where but I knew keeping the switch in the off position would fix my automatic headlights but it DOES also disable the DRL's. Bubba is right that the power must go through the switch and since mine now won't spring back to auto it cuts all the power to the lights. I've put the truck in gear and the lights don't come on. It's a 2008 3500 btw.

Edited by Lidd
Coby7 Senior Enthusiast

Coby7

Posted
Posted (edited)

DRLs don't come on at night. Check it again during the day.

 

DRLs ''OFF'' ; park or night time.

 

Screenshot%202017-03-05%2008.30.20_zpste

 

Drl ''ON''

 

2008%20Silverado%20DRL_LOW_zpst6shpb5e.p]

Edited by Coby7
Lidd Enthusiast

Lidd

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Yes Denali I used to have to turn the dial to off after I started my truck to get the lights to go off, every time. Try it Denali takes 5 minutes. Curious if it works for you.

 

Coby I've tried it during the day while in park and drive and it works. I've confirmed that my drl fuse is still in place and not blown. It seems like keeping the dial in the off position must override/trump everything else.

Coby7 Senior Enthusiast

Coby7

Posted
Posted (edited)

Yes Denali I used to have to turn the dial to off after I started my truck to get the lights to go off, every time. Try it Denali takes 5 minutes. Curious if it works for you.

 

Coby I've tried it during the day while in park and drive and it works. I've confirmed that my drl fuse is still in place and not blown. It seems like keeping the dial in the off position must override/trump everything else.

It may be a software issue where USA trucks are different, mine the DRLs stay on no matter where the switch is. There are 2 DRL fuses one on either side of the resistive wire loop.

 

And had you waited 20-30 seconds for the daylight sensor to detect sunlight it would have turn off the lights for you.

Edited by Coby7
Lidd Enthusiast

Lidd

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I realize it takes up to a minute for the sensor to react. I don't want them to operate at all though unless I flip the switch, ever. Now with both disabled its simple and perfect

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