DRLs on a 97?

[kyle_in_rure]

Wondering if there is an easy way to get the headlights to function as DRLs on a 97 expy? DRLs have been required for a while in Canada so it seems like Ford wouldn't make it too hard of a change to do.

 

[bedrck46]

The 97 expeditions had DRL available. Although it may have been a option. The electrical prints show the circuit and components. Let me know if you need the prints and if so send me a PM with your e-mail address so I can send them to you.

Update after looking in the 97 owners manual the DRL's were available only in Canadian models

 

[BAD RONALD]

Wondering if there is an easy way to get the headlights to function as DRLs on a 97 expy?

Easiest way is to turn the headlights on before driving.

Please don't say it's too hard too remember to turn them off after parking the truck.

 

[bedrck46]

Copied from 97 Owners Manual

Daytime running light (Canadian
vehicles only)
The daytime running light system
turns the headlamps on, with a
reduced light output, when:
the vehicle is running
the parking brake is released
the headlamp system is in the O position

The Daytime Running
Light (DRL) system will
not illuminate the tail lamps and
parking lamps. Turn on your
headlamps at dusk. Failure to do
so may result in a collision.

 

[kyle_in_rure]

Easiest way is to turn the headlights on before driving.

Please don't say it's too hard too remember to turn them off after parking the truck.

Haha that's not the case at all. I do usually turn my headlights on anyway during the day just out of habit. I feel like the parking lamps and tail lamps make the turn signals harder to see in the daytime, though, so having DRLs makes more sense to me.

If it was as simple as plugging something in somewhere I was going to do it.

 

[bedrck46]

there are some parts that would be required and you may be able to obtain them from a dealer. But being they were only on Canadian units the US units may not have the wiring harnesses that are required

 

[Lightnig]

I would offer to check it out to see how it is installed on mine (a Canadian sold '97), but I do not have functional DRL.

Either it failed or it was removed.

And I am just fine with that.

 

[BAD RONALD]

... I feel like the parking lamps and tail lamps make the turn signals harder to see in the daytime...

Never thought about the turn signals being harder to see in daylight with all lights on. I can't remember the last time I drove without turning on my headlights, day or night.

For every one guy on the road with his headlights on in daylight there are fifty riding around without them after dusk or in gray and rainy conditions. Makes me wish headlights on EVERY MOTOR VEHICLE turned on and off with the ignition key.

 

[z168]

The 97 expeditions had DRL available. Although it may have been a option. The electrical prints show the circuit and components. Let me know if you need the prints and if so send me a PM with your e-mail address so I can send them to you.

Update after looking in the 97 owners manual the DRL's were available only in Canadian models

what does activating the DRL entail? how hard is it?

 

[stamp11127]

All of the mid 90's and up school buses have a driving light module which does exactly what bedrck46 posted. The module is about $135 at government pricing so expect close to $200 retail for a little black box.

Cheaper to turn the headlights on and replace bulbs when it is needed or source from a Canadian junk yard.

 

[Lightnig]

...

or source from a Canadian junk yard.

Now that's probably your best bet.

Heck, if someone describes what it looks like and where it is installed in the truck, I'll drive over to the wreckers and try to pick one for you. It's about time I went and looked for a few odds and ends myself...

 

[IMINYOURCHAIR]

Never thought about the turn signals being harder to see in daylight with all lights on. I can't remember the last time I drove without turning on my headlights, day or night.

For every one guy on the road with his headlights on in daylight there are fifty riding around without them after dusk or in gray and rainy conditions. Makes me wish headlights on EVERY MOTOR VEHICLE turned on and off with the ignition key.

I had a Volvo that did this. Half of its interior lights were blown too. If I were to do this, I would find a key on trigger wire and connect that to a relay to switch only the headlights. I'd rather replace headlights than cluster bulbs.