05+ DRL (Daytime Running Lights) Install OEM

One question: When your headlights are off, car is running, and parking brake is off... what happens when you put your turn signal on?

 

The illuminated DTR light blinks on and off like a normal turn signal. When the turn it completed the lights goes back to on.

 

Ok, thanks!

 

Its free to just splice into the parking beams...same results AND you have the option to turn them off!

 

I just performed this mod... Good writeup! Thanks for the info! I have an 08 Auto.. I didn't have a lot of problems with the cap on the lower side of the fuse box, I was able to pop it off with the flat screw driver.. I was a little confused at first with where the second connector went until I realized the lower plug was where I needed to hook it up.. the rest was pretty obvious!

Total time: 30 mins!

Thanks again!

FH

 

--Thanks for the info.
All this time I was turning ON the running lights, thinking the turn signals were on. Until one day i happened to walk around my truck and what do you know, that was not cool.

 

Correct-o-mundo. This was demonstrated to me many moons ago in physics class. A hand crank was attached to a generator and you could turn the crank easily. As soon as a load, 4 bulbs, was connected the cranking became noticeably more difficult...the more bulbs, the harder to crank.

Whit

 

the dtrl was already installed on my 06 when i bought it , i think it it causing the headlights to haze from the heat . has anyone else had this problem??? Can i go back to stock ? i think its kinda anoying to have on all the time.

 

If you are referring to the whole headlamp assy hazing, it likely has nothing to do with DRLs. The hazing is generally due to the plastic breaking down due to environmental conditions (sunlight, weather, dirt/grime.) The best thing I have found is to apply 3M clear bra to your headlamps as soon as possible. (but after you either polish your fogged/yellowing head lamps, or purchase new ones.)

I have had clear bra on all my vehicles headlamps and they all look brand new. (Even my 98 Talon.)

Here's a kit I found googling it:
http://www.cleardefender.com/toyota-tacoma-headlight-kit-5869.html
Another:
http://www.autoanything.com/lights/77A1218A1954056.aspx?kc=ffskupo

Check eBay as well.

FWIW.

 

When I did my DRL mod I noticed that the blinker clicking sounded louder...any of you guys noticed this?

 

I discovered a couple of minor variations to the directions. The lower dash can only be moved out of the way unless the hood release handle assembly is removed. Also, there is a cable that is attached to the lower dash that you use the pliers to pinch the clip to release it so that the lower dash can be moved out of the way and another cable that has metal clips that will have to be pried off. If all these components are removed, the lower dash can be removed and placed off to the side. I also had to cut 4 white tie wraps before unplugging the wiring harness. I don't know if that is something on a '08 or not. Removing the jumper cover/plug was a real booger. I had to use a small short screwdriver to push in the clip while using another to gently pry it up. After that, the install went smoothly. It took me about 30 minutes to do and the DRL's work great. One thing I did notice is that if the E brake is on when started, they don't come on. But if I pull up to park and put the E brake on, the lights stay on. Also, I discovered that if you turn on your parking lights the DRL's stay on which I like. They only go off with the headlights on. The write up is very good and a huge help. Thanks.

 

I really want to do this mod, but I also want to switch to LEDs. I read through this whole thread, and I couldn't find an alternate part that will properly flash LEDs and add DTRLs. How many pins does the new DTRL relay have? Any ideas for tracking down one that works with LEDs? Can someone post pictures (including the connector) of the new Relay?

Thanks,

Dan

 

The new LED headlights should include replacements for the central turn signals. As long as you don't mind the turn signals being your DRLs, you don't need to do any wiring modifications.

If you want the headlights to be your DRLs, then you'll need to do some wiring and experimenting.

For reference, here's the back of the panel without DRLs:


And here is the back of the panel with DRLs installed:


Good luck with however you proceed and let us know how it turns out.

 

I would not bother putting LED's in that location. I LED'ed my truck but left the headlights, fog lights, brake lights and parking lights alone. I did put LEDs in the front parking lights but it was not as bright so I yanked them. The way the lenses are cut and the way light is scattered, filament bulb was much brighter.

I did do this drl mod and it was a snap. Took me maybe 30-45 minutes as I took it slowly. Great writeup and great mod.

 

I've looked into LEDs and would probably go with a whole headlamp replacement like this one: http://www.andysautosport.com/toyot...ghts/headlights/spyder_auto/spyd00110506.html
(or the chromed counterpart found here: http://www.andysautosport.com/toyot...ghts/headlights/spyder_auto/spyd00110507.html)

Looks like the design included the provision for the factory DRLs with a nice auxiliary projector beam at the bottom of the assembly (toward the center of the vehicle).

That's just what I like (at least today anyway), but feel free to check out the market as there are a ton of styles out there for LED headlamp assemblies.

 

Well, I would like to keep my stock headlights, and using load resistors defeats most of the purpose of going LED for me. Wouldn't new LED headlights still have turn signal issues with the same flasher/relay?

 

Hey this info on DRL install is really good. How do I print this off ?

 

Thanks for the pictures and explantion. I had almost given up. Repeated searches for removing kick plate always returned no results. And once I found this, there as KICK PLATE right in the title.

Your details on removing the foot rest and the drivers side kick plate hopefully will keep me from breaking the kick plate like the one in my previous '07 double cab. Just got a new 12 and didn't want to start breaking things like I usually do!

Tonight I can finally get that brake controler installed and GO CAMPing!

Thanks again for your post!

JR

 

Has anyone done this mod on a 2012?

 

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