05+ DRL (Daytime Running Lights) Install OEM

Good info, thanks. I am an industrial sized old fart with big hands and need cheaters to see. I am a pretty handy DIY guy but this looks like a day of hell for me.

Has anyone had this done by a Toyota dealer?

 

It's your choice, I wouldn't run to a dealer just yet. Maybe you have some offspring or other folks available that may be able to help. It's really not that bad of a job. Just a little time time consuming as you venture into the unknown as it is with every first-time project. The shape of the plugs, the cable lengths and routing will not allow you to reassemble incorrectly.

 

Thanks again. I am a beliver in DRL's. About 10 years ago I was cruising at 55mph and some dude pulled right out in front of me and I T-Boned him. Fortunately neither of us was injured but I did get to eat the airbag which was not a pleasant experience.

 

Yeah... I run with my DRLs and my fog lights on all the time now.

 

For those of you that asked how to disable the DRLs or put a switch to them to disable and enable at will, here you go...

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/19468-05-drl-enable-disable-switch.html#post255555

 

Thanks! Worked great for my 09!

 

Hey 007Tacoma, I just bought a truck that had the DRL installed at the dealership but they wired the DRL to the small lights to the outside of the headlights. All the wiring from the relay is under the hood and I've followed one wire and it runs directly to the drivers side outer light and connects into it there...but there is no wire connected to the other side as far as I can see. It all runs into the fuse box under the hood. I want to be able to rewire it so that I have the signal lights as the DRL as pretty much every other truck. Do you have any thoughts or suggestions on how I can wire it up this way using the relay that is allready installed? I can post pictures later to show you what is installed if you need it. Thanks alot.

 

FWIW I found out in another thread that my headlamps turn off automatically when I turn off the ignition and open the door. When I start the Taco the lights come back on automatically so I have DRL's without having to do anything on the stalk. I prefer the full low beam illumination for DRL's over the amber ones anywho.

 

I am a bit confused as to why they did that. Typically, a dealership will just install the OEM DRL module and jumper wiring as it is covered under warranty, and the wiring diagram for it is publicly available. I am also not entirely sure that I understand how they wired it. Therefore, it is difficult for me to tell you how to rewire your lights to act as turn signals. I am afraid I will lead you astray if I tell you how to rewire it without seeing it myself. That is why I tend to stick to to the OEM ways of wiring when I am showing other people. However, there are two methods of doing this - one with relays (alternating signal) and one without relays (synchronous signal). I did the first version before the second version came out.

If you want to know more about it, check out those links. Also, check out the Cheap Mods Thread.

 

Will this work on a 2008 w/ auto transmission? Anyone in WI want to do it for me since these hands are accident prone?? LOL Seriously if it works I am seriously thinking of doing it but I am not very mechanical.
And since has to do with lighting maybe someone can answer this for me. Is there out there the mirrors with the directional built in them or side markers to be used as directionals?

 

Yes, this will work on the 2008's with tha auto transmission. Also here are two links to threads about the Muth Signal mirrors. Both threads have links to where you can buy them:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/12384-muth-mirror-install-clarification.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/17599-muth-mirror-w-heating-element.html

 

This setup uses the signal lights to function as the DRL's correct? (Front and Back I am assuming?) How does this function when the parking lights are turned on? Does the DRL (signals) turn off and the little outside lights come on? Just curious because my truck came pre wired with the DRLs from the dealer and they used a Hamsar unit and they have it connected to thoes little amber parking lights on the outside of the Headlights. With this unit also, my dash lights are always lit....which is a PITA. I am seriously considering ripping this unit out and doing this DRL mod but I want to know how the lights work...sorry so long.

Thanks

 

This does use the signal lights as the DRL's, but only the front ones, NOT the back signal lights. Also, you are correct, when you turn the parking lights and headlights on, the DRL's turn off and function strictly as signal lights, and the little outside lights come on. I have never heard of the Hamsar unit so I can't give you any information on it, but it does sound like a pain in the ass. I also don't know why they used the side marker lights for the DRL since the signal lights are much brighter in the daytime and therefore make you more visible. If you decide to rip out your old Hamsar unit, then just be careful to not damage any wiring a. Good luck.

 

Why the heck would you want drls?

 

Saftey for 1, and they are manditory up here in Canada.

 

Have you ever "T-Boned" a vehicle at 55mph who pulled out in front of you because they "didn't see you" with no obstructions in broad daylight? I have and got to eat the airbag. That's why I use DRL's.

 

Just seemed funny to me; I saw the link in the Mod/Tutorials menu and thought to myself, "I'm pretty sure these trucks don't have DRL's," and having owned so many cars and always found the DRL thread about turning them off, was suprised to see one to actually enable them.

So they don't sell cars in Canada that have no DRLs right? You're talking about when you buy one from the US and bring it up there huh?

 

I have an '09 Taco a was surprised that it did not come with DRL's. I haven't done the mod yet but I just leave my lights turned on and they turn themselves off when I open the driver's door.

 

Though my truck is RED, I still want the added visibility of daytime running lights. I usually keep my headlights on and really like that they shut off when the door is opened (no more beeeeeeeeeeeping). But I don't always leave them on and it will be the one time I forget that someone doesn't see me.
My wife has been in 2 accidents in the last year with cars pulling out in front of her from side streets. One resulted in an injury and she wore a boot for 6 months. With a small child riding with me, this is an easy buy.

Anyway, the parts are on order. The cheapest I found was through ToyotaWorld.com. It was $59.58 shipped.

TRDParts4U was $66 shipped and Toyotaparts was $61 shipped.

 

two questions, A: do the drls stay on when you turn on the parking lights only, that looks sweet. B: MotoX shows the fog lights on without the headlights; do share!!!