05+ DRL (Daytime Running Lights) Install OEM

Fog lights on anytime modification:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/4838-cheap-free-mods.html#post45430

 

Thanks a lot 007Tacoma....did the DRL mod. It looks great!!

 

What are cheaters?

--->Rob

 

My 2004 DC had DRL's that used the low beam headlights. I used to go through new headlights every 6 months, at least. The low beam always burned out.

It got expensive when I used the Philips lamps from London. (About 22 pounds/USD35 + SH)


I almost did the mod to put in the switch and then traded the truck. Glad my 2009 DC doesn't have them.

--->Rob

 

Reading glasses

 

I wouldn't want the low beams on either. Not only replacing the bulbs, but I don't care for the look. I had an 04 Tacoma and just left the lights on (they shut off when you open the doors). I do that now in my 09 but am really looking forward to installing the relay to use the inner amber lights.

I like the look of just the amber lights being on. If they do burn out, they are not expensive to replace.

And I am using DTRL's for the added safety above the looks. I ride around with my 2 yr old daughter and want to be seen. My wifes Jeep was t-boned 2x in 2 years because people pulled out in front of her - once while she was pregnant. Added visibility is important to say the least!

 

I am doing this now also. If the headlamps burn out how difficult is it to replace them?

Rick

 

Ahhh, hehehe, ok. I had LASIK done about 10 years ago and haven't gotten quite to that point. Well, not that I am willing to admit to yet. That's what kids are for

--->Rob

 

Well, at 59 I am still not doing too bad at 20/20-20/30 uncorrected but I do use the 1.25 cheaters from the Dollar Store for close up stuff.

 

I have a little problem looking at some of the really fine print these days. Used to be that I never had any problems with it. I used to laugh at my dad for needing a hand held magnifying lens but then he was also a watchmaker when he was young. I guess I might have to break down and get some, some day. The youngest kid is only 7 so I have a few more years before I will need them

--->Rob

 

I haven't done it in my 2009 but I can't imagine it is difficult to do. You don't have to rip them apart like the guys doing the BHLM

 

It would be nice to see if this actually works on the '09's also. How about you go first?

edit: I nutted it up ordered the parts. Film at 11:00...

 

Ouch. What mistakes did you make so we can learn from them? Pics?

--->Rob

 

No ouchs yet. I just ordered the parts. After the installation I will report if anything is different on the '09.

 

I hope to get mine installed next weekend. I'll snap pictures but I hear it is not much different.

 

Well, I jumped in and installed the DRL this morning. It really wasn't that difficult even for an old fatman. The thing I had most trouble with was trying to get the RSCA and Traction switches unclipped from the lower dash panel. I never could get them loose and just worked around it with the lower dash dangling. One thing that did go easier than expected was unplugging and replugging all of the plugs in the fuse panel. They come out very easy and are easy to figure out when putting them back in. It took me about and hour which included 15 min. f'ing with the lower panel plugs. I did have one plug left over that I couldn't figure where it went but it was taped snug to another wire. I have a basic Taco so I guess it goes to something I don't have. Everything seems to work. There are some sharp edges and I drew blood on the back of my right hand, probably wrestling the new relay in the side clip.

I was really surprised how bright the DRL's are. I am very pleased and the job wasn't really

that bad.

One thing that might be different on my '09 was in the picture that shows the "rubber grommet" that you "pull off" after removing the foot rest. After pulling off the foot rest the round black plastic plug with the three holes in it is a screw. Just unscrew it.

Thanks to 007Tacoma and everyone else who contributed to this thread.
So now I have added DRL, Interval Wipers and Cruise. Now if I could only find a thread on someone who has done power side mirrors.

Edited: After looking at some pics on the DRL thread at Toyota Nation I am guessing the loose plug I have goes to the power mirror switch which I do not have.

 

Thanks for the write-up. I plan to tackle this on my 2009 next week. I am bit intimidated because I have all of the options except the JBL and bluetooth. I imagine my panel is pretty well loaded and I HAVE to find where everything goes.

I am adding a switch as well. Not sure if I will ever be turning them off but I would like to have that option.

 

The best I can tell each plug in the fuse panel has a different shape and will only go in one place so don't let that intimidate you. If you have switches next to the power mirror switch try pushing them from behind and out of the front of the lower dash panel then try unclipping them. Those were the only ones I had any trouble with.

Rick

 

Regarding the switch I have not seen a posting of which wire to cut to add the switch. The new jumper grey plug goes to where the old relay was and the white jumper plug goes to where the grey dummy cap was. I am guessing you ad the switch to one of the white plug wires?

 

Looks like it might add 5 minutes to your install time but worth it in my opinion.

Here is the write-up by 007Tacoma:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/19468-05-drl-enable-disable-switch.html