New style DRL suck

I noticed my 2012 with DRL nolonger incorporate the automatic headlight function which I find to be a PITA as I really liked the 09 cause I never had to turn the headlights on or off as it was all automatic.
Is it possible to use older parts and incorporate this function into my 2012?
I don't have access to wiring diagrams to help in this endeaver.

Merle

 

you could just leave the headlights on all the time, they turn off when you turn the engine off and open the door...

 

x2

That's what I do too.

 

There has never been an option that I know of for automatic headlights in the 2nd gen Tacoma (or any other that I know of).

Unless you're talking about how it shuts off the headlamps when you turn off the ignition...?

 

^ I agree my corolla has the auto lights that go on in the dark and off when it's light. I've personally owned an 06, 2010 and 2012 taco and none ever had them. Wish they did tho I like that option on my corolla

 

Wait there are cars that will just automatically turn them on when its dark and turn em off when its light? And people rely on this all the time? What about when there is plenty of light but low visibility? Seems unsafe to me. I dont understand why anyone would want to have the headlights off when they are driving their vehicle, period.

The system works great as it is - the headlights come on when I turn on the engine, then turn off when I open the door after shutting off the engine. That is simple, effective, perfect.

 

My wife's car has auto on/off headlights. No safety issue. Just gotta make sure you don't put something over the sensor on top of the dash. When there is plenty of light, but poor visibility, the DRLs are sufficient to alert oncoming traffic that you are there. In the winter it is not so much an issue to leave my Taco's lights in the on position because I drive mostly in the dark commuting to/from work. During the day though, I forget that they have been left on, and I'd rather have them turn off automatically so as to prolong the life of the bulbs.

 

So you would rather save a few bucks on replacing bulbs, versus having someone smack in to you because they didn't see your headlights?

Think about it this way, when you turn on your headlights, your tail lights also turn on. With just the DTRLs, the tail lights don't light up. So by having your headlights on all the time (thus having your tail lights on all the time) you're saving yourself from possibly being rear ended.

Also, say you do get into an accident. Someone rear ends you for example. It is possible (not likely, but there is a small chance) you could be deemed at fault for not having your lights turned on, therefor the other car couldn't see you.

 

In order for someone to be in the clear for rear-ending me, they'd have to prove that I was operating my vehicle negligently. In other words, it would have to be pretty dark out for my lack of tail lights to be the fault of the crash. If it's THAT dark out, and I'm not running with lights on, then yes, I would accept blame. But that's just not gonna happen.

Ironically, on my motorcycle, I converted the rear turn signals into tail lights (on all the time) for the additional lighting, but a motorcycle is a smaller vehicle and less visible to people behind than a truck. Plus getting rear ended on my bike is not going to turn out nearly as well for me as if I were in my truck.

 

That is what I do most of the time as well.

 

x2

 

Every time I drive my fusion I end up with a dead battery. glad the Tacoma Is auto off - at least.

 

Hey, don't be pushing your Canadian ways into our American ways of thinking. J/K

Yes, it would be fine with me if the U.S. government required all lights on all the time and it will probably happen sooner than later.

 

Wow, I like how everyone has a smarta#s response or bashes the OP for wanting auto on/off lights. Sorry mHagie, my 09 didn't come with auto lights and I didn't even know that was an option, I know my 06 corolla has this feature, maybe start looking at what cars have this tech and then look at a scrapyards for the dash sensor and light stalk and other equipment you will need.

 

Because this is a discussion forum? Relax Whip. (you should put the truffle shuffle back in your sig)

 

hate to admit it, but both our Jeeps have auto headlights and now with the 2012 Tacoma I miss it... but I am getting over it very fast, I have the daytime running lamps so that is good for the safety part,,, and I don't know when I can't see where I am going I guess I can move my hand three inches and turn the lights on.... just sayn'

 

Then you turn the dial manually to turn the lights on. There is still a manual switch like all the other vehicles on the roadways.

 

Wow, you realize 99.9% of the time, lights won't make you any more visable when the driver is to busy doing texts or getting head... they still won't see you.

 

I started this thread because I would swear that my 09 which had DRL in the headlights not the turn signal also had the little sensor on the dash which at dusk would switch the DRL to normal headlight low beam.
I sold the 09 in June and didn't buy the 12 untill 2 wks ago so my memory couls be a little fuzzy but it is sure locken in my mindset that my 09 was the same as my 02 Corolla in that regard.
It's hell to get old.

With that said there has not been on comment about the possibility/feasibility on converting to the automatic function.

impossible huh?

Merle

 

The DRL on the pre-'12 Tacoma is rather large and actually quite bright. I can't count how many times I've seen them driving around at night with only the DRL alight. And I can certainly see how from in the cab, the orange glow would actually be bright enough that someone would think their headlights are on.