Headlights with RKE & DRLs

[Quiet Lunatic]

Our headlights turn on when we use the remote keyless entry and stay on for 90 seconds. We don't have the EVIC so can't disable the lights on function. I asked the dealer to use the StarScan to set the on time to 0, they couldn't do it. Also asked dealer to enable the Daylight Running Lamps and they claim it's a factory option when you order the car. That's strange because the DRLs are controlled by the TIPM module and it receives it's information over the CAN bus. The same dealer programmed both functions on my Magnum RT using the StarScan. Has anyone had either of those functions done to their Caliber?
(I posted this on the other forum also.)

http://www.******************/forums/images/buttons/quote.gif (http://www.******************/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=27896)

[dakman]

I know the day time running lights shows up as a $40.00 option on my RT's invoice, must be another part involved for them to work? You'd think now days the Day lights would be standard and not just a option, specially seeing it's a minor cost upgrade.

[MetroAWD]

Even without the EVIC, you can change the 'approach lights delay' or whatever it is called... the instructions should be in the owners manual, I recall seing them when I skimmed through my manual. Regarding the daytime running lights, I have no idea.

[Prop1]

Even without the EVIC, you can change the 'approach lights delay' or whatever it is called... the instructions should be in the owners manual, I recall seing them when I skimmed through my manual. Regarding the daytime running lights, I have no idea.

I went through the manual and there is no way to reset the time without the EVIC. I'm sure it's something that can be reset by a competent dealer tech. I would hope.:rolleyes:

[Quiet Lunatic]

On the other Caliber forum one of the members just asked and the service department turned on the driving light option.

[dakman]

Oh, so you pay in advance for the factory to turn it on when it comes as a option on your vehicle! Thats a good one.

[Quiet Lunatic]

Yeh! it pissed me off. In Canada its manditory, why don't they just turn it on here as well. If they want more money just hide it in the price.

[Coastal]

Our headlights turn on when we use the remote keyless entry and stay on for 90 seconds. We don't have the EVIC so can't disable the lights on function. I asked the dealer to use the StarScan to set the on time to 0, they couldn't do it. Also asked dealer to enable the Daylight Running Lamps and they claim it's a factory option when you order the car. That's strange because the DRLs are controlled by the TIPM module and it receives it's information over the CAN bus. The same dealer programmed both functions on my Magnum RT using the StarScan. Has anyone had either of those functions done to their Caliber?
(I posted this on the other forum also.)

http://www.******************/forums/images/buttons/quote.gif (http://www.******************/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=27896)

I tried to have my dealer turn off my Daytime Running Lights because I work on a military installation and they complain when I roll up to the gate with the lights on. The senior mech hooked it up to the Star Scan while I was watching and could not find a way to turn them off. He looked into it and said I would have to get the TIPM re-flashed and that the regional manager would have to approve it.

GRRRRRRR I was hoping to get on here and find some way of toggling those things off. I also don't like when on DRL's and the one headlight turns off when that side turn signal is actuated. It looks like you've got a bulb out!

Has anyone posted any wiring diagrams yet?

Thanks

[dakman]

I don't like the daylight off when the turn sig on either. The other thing i'd like to be able to do is turn on my parking lights and fogs lights without the dam daylights staying on. This only works when parked and as soon as you put it in drive the daylights come on no matter how dark it is. There is no way to drive without the daylights or headlights on. I know these are a safety feature but seems you should be able to turn them off or over ride them somehow for certain situations.

[Coastal]

I don't like the daylight off when the turn sig on either. The other thing i'd like to be able to do is turn on my parking lights and fogs lights without the dam daylights staying on. This only works when parked and as soon as you put it in drive the daylights come on no matter how dark it is. There is no way to drive without the daylights or headlights on. I know these are a safety feature but seems you should be able to turn them off or over ride them somehow for certain situations.

I know there are two ways to override the lights even when in drive. Either pull the emergency break, or turn on the flashers. If one could wire in a switch to either circuit (without freaking out the computer) you could temporarily fool it into thinking one of the two conditions have been met. ????:confused:

[xcanuk]

to be able to do is turn on my parking lights and fogs lights

the daylights come on no matter how dark it is. There is no way to drive without the daylights or headlights on.

1) By right (law) fogs are supposed to be used with headlights (not with parking lights, nor highbeams), even aftermarket fogs are set with a relay to you normal headlamps.

2) DRL are "daylight running lights" nothing to do with darkness, safety measure to be seen during the day. Since they actually use your highbeams, you wouldn't want the on at night.

[1lops]

Daylights in Latvia
I am owner of Caliber 1.8 SXT, but, unfortunately, my car not equipped with DRL. How is possible to upgrade my Caliber. My dealer in Latvia has told, that it very difficultly and did not recommend it to do.
May be this action is possible in other EU countries?

[McEsa]

Daylights in Latvia
I am owner of Caliber 1.8 SXT, but, unfortunately, my car not equipped with DRL. How is possible to upgrade my Caliber. My dealer in Latvia has told, that it very difficultly and did not recommend it to do.
May be this action is possible in other EU countries?

Same car in Finland. And it is with DRL. Quite expencive 490€. But it wont lightup decklights (gauges and buttons) so we have to turn lights on anyway when its dark outside.

[.50]

I tried to have my dealer turn off my Daytime Running Lights because I work on a military installation and they complain when I roll up to the gate with the lights on. The senior mech hooked it up to the Star Scan while I was watching and could not find a way to turn them off. He looked into it and said I would have to get the TIPM re-flashed and that the regional manager would have to approve it.

GRRRRRRR I was hoping to get on here and find some way of toggling those things off. I also don't like when on DRL's and the one headlight turns off when that side turn signal is actuated. It looks like you've got a bulb out!

Has anyone posted any wiring diagrams yet?

Thanks

Im just curious..why do they complain if you have your DRL's on at the front gate??

As for the one light turning off, or winking as we call it, I think its a great feature of the Caliber. I've also started seeing some other vehicles doing it as well.

[ryanvc76]

Im just curious..why do they complain if you have your DRL's on at the front gate??

Dead thread revival... I too want to turn off the DRLs... I like to decide what lights are lit and when.

They complain because it makes it more difficult for them to verify your license plates and kills their night vision. If you are gaurding an entrance to a military post all night, some idiot pulling in with their lights on is really annoying. Often, if you're the idiot with your lights on, you'll get pulled in for the "random" inspection, which holds you up for a while.

[Pete Snaith]

ryan, why would your car be fitted with DRL's if they are not compulsory in Germany???You must have got one that was originally destinedfor the Canadian Or Swedish market.!!!

[Pete Snaith]

I have set my lights in both Approach & Walk Away on locking mode.I have set them for 30 secs. on both settings.All this is done on the Remote Key...

[ryanvc76]

ryan, why would your car be fitted with DRL's if they are not compulsory in Germany???You must have got one that was originally destinedfor the Canadian Or Swedish market.!!!

DRLs are part of the Security Group option which I have. I wanted it because of the ESP and such, but can't stand DRLs.

[xcanuk]

ryan, why would your car be fitted with DRL's if they are not compulsory in Germany???You must have got one that was originally destinedfor the Canadian Or Swedish market.!!!

DRL is an option, everything is there, it just has to be turned on or off through the ecu (that's my understanding anyway) If its legal in your country, the dealer will not turn them off.
In the case of approaching a gate...night vision etc, raise the hand brake a touch, which will kill the drl.

[Pete Snaith]

Thanks for answers folks !!!

[ryanvc76]

I have an appointment on Tuesday with the dealer... They're going to kill the DRLs and the annoying honk when I lock it (the trick with the key fob didn't work for me).

[Rodentman]

Personally I don't mind the honk when I lock the doors. It lets me know the signal was received. I don't want the lights coming on, however, since the less wear on the bulbs the better considering how hard they are to change. Fortunately I was able to personalize these options with the EVIC.

[ryanvc76]

Okay, I was at the dealership today and had them disable the "horn chip on lock" feature and had them change the "approach illumination" to 30 seconds instead of 90.

The technician and I then spent about 30 minutes digging through all of the menu features in StarScan to try and disable the DRL's - no luck. We couldn't find it anywhere. :thk:

Does anyone have info on where this setting is in StarScan or how to disable them? The technician is going to try to figure it out too, but I know they have other things to do too and he's likely to forget about it. I, on the other hand, am annoyed by these DRL's every day. :mad3:

I'd appreciate any help on this that can be provided. :wavey:

[Quiet Lunatic]

Hey Ryan - Can you keep me in the loop on any information to complete the DRL turn off procedure? I can't stand them either. Tugging the ebrake has that ANNOYING DING when engaged.

***ANYONE HAVE A LOCATION OF THE BELL and a HAMMER - easy removal.....NO MORE BELL

[ryanvc76]

Of course, any info I can find out, I will be sure to post it on here. I know I'm not the only one bothered by this.

[ryanvc76]

Okay, this is still driving me nuts and I can't just let it go. Does anyone have the wiring diagram for the area around the hand-brake? I really want to figure something out with this. :i_rolleyes:

I had an '03 Cavalier that had this issue and there was a wire that you clipped and grounded which killed the DRLs without the annoying brake light or chime.

[ryanvc76]

This is really becoming an issue that is making me like my Caliber less. Everyday I get people high-beaming me because of the damn DRLs. Then, on the way to work this morning, the vehicle in front me started turning his lights on and off to get my attention. Then, since my DRLs are still blinding him, he slams on the brakes mutiple times. I am DAMN TIRED of getting screwed with on a daily basis for something I can't change. I shouldn't have to turn my headlights on, nor should I have to drive around with my handbrake slightly on, being constantly beeped at and having the annoying red brake light flashing at me.

Whoever decided to use the high-beams for the DRLs is a complete moron!

I need to get this resolved ASAP and neither the dealership - nor my emails to Chrysler LLC - have offered any solutions.

Does someone have a wiring diagram for the vehicle? I'm about to start clipping wires out of frustration - it would be much nicer if I new which wires they were.

[Pete Snaith]

Ryan , Iam sure that there must be an alignment issue with your lights. I dont think any country in the world would sanction Main Beam DRL. If this was the Case is your Blue dash High Beam warning light Permenantly on?? The Volvo's in the UK with DRL are quite bright but not on Main Beam.With my old Volvo 244 I could disable Drl's just by pulling a fuse!!!

[ryanvc76]

Ryan , Iam sure that there must be an alignment issue with your lights. I dont think any country in the world would sanction Main Beam DRL. If this was the Case is your Blue dash High Beam warning light Permenantly on?? The Volvo's in the UK with DRL are quite bright but not on Main Beam.With my old Volvo 244 I could disable Drl's just by pulling a fuse!!!

Actually Pete, as stupid as it sounds, the High Beam lights are exactly what are used, at approx. 60% power. Not completely as bright as the high beams, but directed at the same level, which hits everyone right in the eyes, or rear-view mirror.

This is what it says in the owner's manual:


Daytime Running Lights (DRL) — If Equipped
Functionality
The high beam lights will come on as Daytime Running Lights (DRL) at DRL intensity (lower), whenever the ignition is on, the engine is running, the headlight switch is off, the parking brake is off, the turn signal is off, and the gear shift is in any position except park.


NOTE:

On this vehicle, the daytime running light will automatically turn off when the turn signals or hazard warning flashers are in operation and automatically turn back on when the turn signals or hazard warning flashers are not operating.



Unfortunately, our cars are so computer controlled, it doesn't seem to be so easy as just pulling a fuse or relay. So, my question is, how the heck do I fool the computer into thinking one of these conditions exists? :confused:

[Pete Snaith]

Can you use just use normal Low Beam?? Its not perfect but its what you would do normally at night.Also why do these lights go out when you indicate left or right???Seems as if Dodge has made this system overly complicated.All you reallywant is a switch---OFF or ON !!

[ryanvc76]

They go off when you indicate left or right so that the blinding light doesn't keep others from seeing the signal. Then you sit there at the traffic light looking like a retard with one headlight on your brand new vehicle. You're right Pete, a simple ON / OFF switch would have saved all the headache. I often just turn on the headlights, which are then the normal low-beam lights, however this results in trouble with the gate guards when entering the military post I work on. Bottom line: I want to be able to decide if my lights are on or not.

[Pete Snaith]

Just one head light goes out--Depending on Direction??????This gets Crazier by the minute...I hope youget a FIX soon , I'm The same as you ---That would drive me NUTS!!!!

[ryanvc76]

Well, I think I will be attempting my own solution. I plan to cut the wires for the HIGH BEAM OUTPUT on both sides and will install switches. I can then leave the switch in the OFF position unless I'm driving at night and wish to have my high beams available. I will be in Berlin this weekend, but will be trying this soon - an update will follow.

[xcanuk]

I'm a little confused how DRL (highbeam on low power) can blind anyone during the day. As far as my own experience, DRL basically glow during the day, no direction... the ambient light diffuses them. (its the law here, maybe I'm used to it, and never been flashed for them) I only see them blinding if its early dawn or late dusk.
I can understand your control issue..best of luck to you

[xcanuk]

I plan to cut the wires for the HIGH BEAM OUTPUT on both sides and will install switches..

I would attempt the handbrake wire first personally.

[ryanvc76]

I would attempt the handbrake wire first personally.

Wouldn't this trigger the same "Brake" light and chime that lifting the handbrake does? That would annoy me... unless I could figure out how to kill the light and chime as well. And before someone suggests it, I don't want to put black tape over the light. :p

[xcanuk]

Forgot about the chime (never heard it), the brake light can become your DRL "off" light :) . Normally I enjoy wiring stuff, but I think the damn puter is the big road block.
I would have to check our fuse panel, a DRL fuse doesn't exist, but maybe the highbeams do, previous cars I had did...might be an option for a switch there?

[ryanvc76]

Forgot about the chime (never heard it)

Yeah, it chimes every time the vehicle starts moving - every time - traffic lights, etc.

I would have to check our fuse panel, a DRL fuse doesn't exist, but maybe the highbeams do, previous cars I had did...might be an option for a switch there?

There appears to be one fuse for all headlamps, not lowbeam / highbeam specific. I'll be going to the store after work to see what my options are as far as switches go, then I'll attempt to run wires from the switch, through the firewall to the high beam wires. I'll take some pics when I do it, just might not be until next week.

[wingflex]

Heres a website for drivers who are against DRL's.

http://www.lightsout.org/disable.html#Dodge

This is what it says about the caliber:


2006+ Dodge Caliber Uses high beam DRLs but can be reprogrammed by the dealer.

[ryanvc76]

This is what it says about the caliber:

2006+ Dodge Caliber Uses high beam DRLs but can be reprogrammed by the dealer.

Unfortunately, they seem to have gotten bad info. I have found threads on several forums where people have said that the dealerships are unable to do this. I personally stood there with the technician going through StarScan for over 30 minutes and DRLs are nowhere to be found in the items that can be changed.

[Quiet Lunatic]

Hi guys back again at this post - Ryan - just an FYI - you are correct with the wire at the e-brake - bell chimes and dings. There is only one wire connected to a tab on the ebrake chassis.
*DID anyone know our center consoles are held in by two screws and two push in christmas trees?**
Anyway, with the DRL's I noticed on the factory invoice there is a line item adding the feature, therefore, the dealer should be able to take it out. THE dealer I purchased from claims "FEDERAL LAW" - last time i checked DRLs weren't PA mandated etc.
I hope the high beam switched plan works!

[Quiet Lunatic]

***BUMP****

Ryan, if you are out there..... I was wondering if you rewired?????? Also, I wonder if you switched to a single stage lamp would that eliminate the high beam?

[08sxtsport]

The dealer up where i lived said they could turn it off but they wouldnt be held responsible for if i got pulled over for not having them function, next trip to the US and those dang annoying drls are gone. Too many people think i have my High beams on with the drls on this car....I HATE DRLS....stupidest thing ever and up here in canada we dont have an option of them being on or off when we order the car.... I might try my friend who is a chrysler tech at a different dealership have him switch em off and program my remote start system at the same time lol

[Prop1]

Too many people think i have my High beams on with the drls on this car....

You do have your high beams on, at half power.;)