How to disable DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) on 2004 Tacoma?

Hello,
Just like the title says, I would like to find out how to disable the DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) without doing damage to my 2004 Tacoma. If I can install a switch, that would be preferable, but I would even cut a wire just to disable it, as long as the headlights still worked. I tried just removing the DRL fuse, but that did not work as I believed. Any help appreciated.

(I only have a schematic from a basic car manual that does not go into detail.)

John

 

I believe your DRL's are linked to your parking brake. Try this... with your car off, set your parking brake. Then turn your car on and see if the DRLs come on. My bet is that they won't. If that's the case... you want to fool the DRL control relay in thinking that the parking brake is always set (which in actuality, it won't be).

Find the parking brake switch behind the dash. Should be green w/ white stripe and white w/ black stripe wires. Install a manual switch in parallel with the parking brake switch that will allow you to ground it out and trick it to think the parking brake is set.

The only caveat to this is that it won't work if the lights are already on. In other words, you have to do it when you start up the car. If you want to test this... with your car on and DRLs on... set the parking brake. It shouldn't turn the DRLs off. This is the same reason that this switch wouldn't disable them once they are on.

 

Thanks, I will look into it and see if the parking brake has any effect.
John

 

Here's is the schematic. On page 3, it talks about the parking break relationship to the DRLs.

 

Why doesn't mine have DRL. Mine have a cool feature where the headlights turn off when I stop the motor and open the door. But they're not DRL they are the actual headlights. Was this strictly a DC thing?

 

finally a response to my question that was posted in the lighting section about a month ago hahaha

 

DRL's were an option, not a standard feature, up through 2004.

The 'light auto turn-off' feature was not a Double Cab - specific thing.

 

It was an option by itself? Or was it only on the limited version. Mine has the light auto turn off and mine's an access cab. This is different from the DRL correct

 

DRL = Daytime Running Lights (headlights on whenever the truck is running).

DRL's were a standalone option on 2004 Tacomas. They weren't included or bundled within any other option package.

The automatic turn-off of lights after the truck is stopped and the door opened is an entirely different feature.

 

Here you go. This should take care of it.

The link is from a another site though.

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=89359&highlight=daytime+running+lights

 

Sorry to bring such an old thread back to life, but this is exactly what I was looking for! Great link! Thanks!

That said, does anyone know where that connector is actually located? I can't tell from the picture :/

 

Under the drivers side dashboard. It is almost directly under the steering wheel and the module is labeled DRL or something close to that. You'll know it when you see it. You don't have to remove anything to get to it.

 

thank you sir!

 

Bringing it back from the dead. What connector is this in. Any clearer pics?

 

I really don't get the problem with this? on my 04 there is a completely separate 7 amp fuse for DRL in the fuse box under the hood, remove it and no more DRL.

why go hacking on wires?

 

I don't have DRL's on my 04 Tacoma DCSB 4x4. WTH???

 

Is the OP in Canada ? DRL have been the law since the 90's here

 

I did take fuse out of my 04 fuse box under the hood and the DRLs are still there. How did yours work ?

 

did you remove the 7 amp drl fuse? that should do it

I never disabled mine but I was told by Toyota mechanic I just needed to pull that 7 amp fuse

 

I pulled the right fuse according got the diagram on the fuse box and turned on my truck and it still came on