way to just disable drl and not automatic lights
way to just disable drl and not automatic lights i have searched and looked at stickys. is there a way to just disable drl without effecting the automatic lights? i looked at sticky and i thought if you jummper the sensor it will kill both along with the orange wire. any help would be great. thanks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
First, let me comment that disabling the DRLs because they "don't look cool" is dumb. They are a safety item - both for you and for other drivers on the road. However, since I'm sure nobody will listen to my opinion...
There have been several hacks that people use to disable DRLs. Most of them have unwanted side effects. For example, some suggest unplugging the DRL module. This disables DRLs but also disables the automatic headlights, disables the brake warning light on the dash, and prevents the remote hatch release from working (on M6 cars).
The only way to disable DRLs without any side effects is to bypass the DRL module. The DRL module is a black box about the size of a pack of cigarettes mounted to the ductwork behind the radio. It has two connectors - an 8-pin black and an 8-pin blue. In the black connector you will find pairs of blue wires. The light blue with white is the left signal input from the T/S switch and the plain light blue is the DRL & T/S output to the left front light. Similarly, the dark blue with white is input for the right side and the plain dark blue is output to the right front light. You can't just disconnect them because you would lose turn signals. You need to cut (or remove from the connector) those four wires and connect the pairs together - light blue with white to light blue and dark blue with white to dark blue. This will retain the turn signal function and all other functions of the DRL module but eliminate the DRLs themselves.
This same bypass has been proposed by opening the DRL module then cuttting and soldering the traces inside. It achieves the same result but I prefer external, reversible modifications because they are easier to troubleshoot down the road.
There have been several hacks that people use to disable DRLs. Most of them have unwanted side effects. For example, some suggest unplugging the DRL module. This disables DRLs but also disables the automatic headlights, disables the brake warning light on the dash, and prevents the remote hatch release from working (on M6 cars).
The only way to disable DRLs without any side effects is to bypass the DRL module. The DRL module is a black box about the size of a pack of cigarettes mounted to the ductwork behind the radio. It has two connectors - an 8-pin black and an 8-pin blue. In the black connector you will find pairs of blue wires. The light blue with white is the left signal input from the T/S switch and the plain light blue is the DRL & T/S output to the left front light. Similarly, the dark blue with white is input for the right side and the plain dark blue is output to the right front light. You can't just disconnect them because you would lose turn signals. You need to cut (or remove from the connector) those four wires and connect the pairs together - light blue with white to light blue and dark blue with white to dark blue. This will retain the turn signal function and all other functions of the DRL module but eliminate the DRLs themselves.
This same bypass has been proposed by opening the DRL module then cuttting and soldering the traces inside. It achieves the same result but I prefer external, reversible modifications because they are easier to troubleshoot down the road.
would i just splice the wires together when taken out of module or would i leave them in the module and splice together. i realize that they are for saftey and agree with the fact they just look dumb. i guess thats not a real mature reason but it is what it is. thanks for the help in advance
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
You need to connect the white stripe wires to the corresponding plain wires - light blue to light blue with white and dark blue to dark blue with white. If you cut the wires near the DRL module, connect the ends that go into the car (just tape up the ends that go into the DRL module so they don't short against anything).
If you pull the pins out of the connector, just connect the wires together. A little bit of solder will hold the connection together. That's my preferred method because you can easily desolder and put the pins back in the connector to go back to stock - no cutting involved.
If you open up the DRL module, you'll have to carefully cut the existing traces on the board where the pins are connected. Then use some solder to add your own traces connecting the corresponding pins as above. Some people like this method because it's hidden but that's exactly why I don't like it. Down the road you may need to trace a problem with the turn signals or some related circuit. Spliced wires will be an obvious indication of the modification but you (or whoever is troubleshooting) might not think to look inside the DRL module.
If you pull the pins out of the connector, just connect the wires together. A little bit of solder will hold the connection together. That's my preferred method because you can easily desolder and put the pins back in the connector to go back to stock - no cutting involved.
If you open up the DRL module, you'll have to carefully cut the existing traces on the board where the pins are connected. Then use some solder to add your own traces connecting the corresponding pins as above. Some people like this method because it's hidden but that's exactly why I don't like it. Down the road you may need to trace a problem with the turn signals or some related circuit. Spliced wires will be an obvious indication of the modification but you (or whoever is troubleshooting) might not think to look inside the DRL module.
If you dont like the way they look have you considered other options? They do make covers for the whole signal light that will just darken the light not totally remove it. You could also use some VHT nightshade to add the same effect.
Not saying dont do waht you want just tossing out some other options for ya.
Not saying dont do waht you want just tossing out some other options for ya.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 732
Likes: 0
From: OHIO
First, let me comment that disabling the DRLs because they "don't look cool" is dumb. They are a safety item - both for you and for other drivers on the road. However, since I'm sure nobody will listen to my opinion...
There have been several hacks that people use to disable DRLs. Most of them have unwanted side effects. For example, some suggest unplugging the DRL module. This disables DRLs but also disables the automatic headlights, disables the brake warning light on the dash, and prevents the remote hatch release from working (on M6 cars).
The only way to disable DRLs without any side effects is to bypass the DRL module. The DRL module is a black box about the size of a pack of cigarettes mounted to the ductwork behind the radio. It has two connectors - an 8-pin black and an 8-pin blue. In the black connector you will find pairs of blue wires. The light blue with white is the left signal input from the T/S switch and the plain light blue is the DRL & T/S output to the left front light. Similarly, the dark blue with white is input for the right side and the plain dark blue is output to the right front light. You can't just disconnect them because you would lose turn signals. You need to cut (or remove from the connector) those four wires and connect the pairs together - light blue with white to light blue and dark blue with white to dark blue. This will retain the turn signal function and all other functions of the DRL module but eliminate the DRLs themselves.
This same bypass has been proposed by opening the DRL module then cuttting and soldering the traces inside. It achieves the same result but I prefer external, reversible modifications because they are easier to troubleshoot down the road.
There have been several hacks that people use to disable DRLs. Most of them have unwanted side effects. For example, some suggest unplugging the DRL module. This disables DRLs but also disables the automatic headlights, disables the brake warning light on the dash, and prevents the remote hatch release from working (on M6 cars).
The only way to disable DRLs without any side effects is to bypass the DRL module. The DRL module is a black box about the size of a pack of cigarettes mounted to the ductwork behind the radio. It has two connectors - an 8-pin black and an 8-pin blue. In the black connector you will find pairs of blue wires. The light blue with white is the left signal input from the T/S switch and the plain light blue is the DRL & T/S output to the left front light. Similarly, the dark blue with white is input for the right side and the plain dark blue is output to the right front light. You can't just disconnect them because you would lose turn signals. You need to cut (or remove from the connector) those four wires and connect the pairs together - light blue with white to light blue and dark blue with white to dark blue. This will retain the turn signal function and all other functions of the DRL module but eliminate the DRLs themselves.
This same bypass has been proposed by opening the DRL module then cuttting and soldering the traces inside. It achieves the same result but I prefer external, reversible modifications because they are easier to troubleshoot down the road.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
I should clarify. The hatch release gets disabled on M6 cars when the ignition is on. It's a safety feature that requires the parking brake be engaged when the ignition is on in order to use the remote hatch release. The equivalent on an A4 car is that it must be in park or neutral when the ignition is on. This doesn't affect hatch release use when the ignition is off.
Unplugging the DRL module on an M6 car prevents opening the hatch with the dash switch when the ignition is on.
The original poster specifically mentioned that he wanted to retain the automatic headlights.
BTW, did you also remove the seat belts because you don't like the way they look?
Unplugging the DRL module on an M6 car prevents opening the hatch with the dash switch when the ignition is on.
BTW, did you also remove the seat belts because you don't like the way they look?
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WhiteBird00, my man you are a genius!!
I myself also wanted to maintain automatic headlights but just do away with the DRL's. Your write-up worked like a charm. I cut the wires on mine from the black connector instead of pulling them out of the plug. I just knew if i wanted to put them back into stock that I would not remember where they went into the plug.
I also replaced my turn signals with clear units. My bulb sockets from my turn signals was charred from the heat that the lights produced. This way I'm sure to get years of use from my clear turn signals without them being damaged from all the heat.
Thanks again.....
I myself also wanted to maintain automatic headlights but just do away with the DRL's. Your write-up worked like a charm. I cut the wires on mine from the black connector instead of pulling them out of the plug. I just knew if i wanted to put them back into stock that I would not remember where they went into the plug.
I also replaced my turn signals with clear units. My bulb sockets from my turn signals was charred from the heat that the lights produced. This way I'm sure to get years of use from my clear turn signals without them being damaged from all the heat.
Thanks again.....
You need to connect the white stripe wires to the corresponding plain wires - light blue to light blue with white and dark blue to dark blue with white. If you cut the wires near the DRL module, connect the ends that go into the car (just tape up the ends that go into the DRL module so they don't short against anything).
If you pull the pins out of the connector, just connect the wires together. A little bit of solder will hold the connection together. That's my preferred method because you can easily desolder and put the pins back in the connector to go back to stock - no cutting involved.
If you open up the DRL module, you'll have to carefully cut the existing traces on the board where the pins are connected. Then use some solder to add your own traces connecting the corresponding pins as above. Some people like this method because it's hidden but that's exactly why I don't like it. Down the road you may need to trace a problem with the turn signals or some related circuit. Spliced wires will be an obvious indication of the modification but you (or whoever is troubleshooting) might not think to look inside the DRL module.
If you pull the pins out of the connector, just connect the wires together. A little bit of solder will hold the connection together. That's my preferred method because you can easily desolder and put the pins back in the connector to go back to stock - no cutting involved.
If you open up the DRL module, you'll have to carefully cut the existing traces on the board where the pins are connected. Then use some solder to add your own traces connecting the corresponding pins as above. Some people like this method because it's hidden but that's exactly why I don't like it. Down the road you may need to trace a problem with the turn signals or some related circuit. Spliced wires will be an obvious indication of the modification but you (or whoever is troubleshooting) might not think to look inside the DRL module.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
The modification only prevents the bright filament of the dual filament bulbs from working except during turn signal use. The dim filament (parking lights) will still go on when the headlights are on.
lights off = no DRL's just turns
lights on = DRL's +turns
ABOVE ^^^^= EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED! sweet! thanks!
First, let me comment that disabling the DRLs because they "don't look cool" is dumb. They are a safety item - both for you and for other drivers on the road. However, since I'm sure nobody will listen to my opinion...
There have been several hacks that people use to disable DRLs. Most of them have unwanted side effects. For example, some suggest unplugging the DRL module. This disables DRLs but also disables the automatic headlights, disables the brake warning light on the dash, and prevents the remote hatch release from working (on M6 cars).
The only way to disable DRLs without any side effects is to bypass the DRL module. The DRL module is a black box about the size of a pack of cigarettes mounted to the ductwork behind the radio. It has two connectors - an 8-pin black and an 8-pin blue. In the black connector you will find pairs of blue wires. The light blue with white is the left signal input from the T/S switch and the plain light blue is the DRL & T/S output to the left front light. Similarly, the dark blue with white is input for the right side and the plain dark blue is output to the right front light. You can't just disconnect them because you would lose turn signals. You need to cut (or remove from the connector) those four wires and connect the pairs together - light blue with white to light blue and dark blue with white to dark blue. This will retain the turn signal function and all other functions of the DRL module but eliminate the DRLs themselves.
This same bypass has been proposed by opening the DRL module then cuttting and soldering the traces inside. It achieves the same result but I prefer external, reversible modifications because they are easier to troubleshoot down the road.
There have been several hacks that people use to disable DRLs. Most of them have unwanted side effects. For example, some suggest unplugging the DRL module. This disables DRLs but also disables the automatic headlights, disables the brake warning light on the dash, and prevents the remote hatch release from working (on M6 cars).
The only way to disable DRLs without any side effects is to bypass the DRL module. The DRL module is a black box about the size of a pack of cigarettes mounted to the ductwork behind the radio. It has two connectors - an 8-pin black and an 8-pin blue. In the black connector you will find pairs of blue wires. The light blue with white is the left signal input from the T/S switch and the plain light blue is the DRL & T/S output to the left front light. Similarly, the dark blue with white is input for the right side and the plain dark blue is output to the right front light. You can't just disconnect them because you would lose turn signals. You need to cut (or remove from the connector) those four wires and connect the pairs together - light blue with white to light blue and dark blue with white to dark blue. This will retain the turn signal function and all other functions of the DRL module but eliminate the DRLs themselves.
This same bypass has been proposed by opening the DRL module then cuttting and soldering the traces inside. It achieves the same result but I prefer external, reversible modifications because they are easier to troubleshoot down the road.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
What are your symptoms? Does one side work but not the other? Do the lights come on but not flash? Do all the lights work when you put on the hazard flashers and walk around to check each bulb?
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Do the parking lights work when the headlights are on? You could have burned out bulbs (there's two different filaments in each bulb) or it's more likely that the sockets are hopelessly corroded. Socket corrosion is a common problem because the heat from the DRLs can cause the lens to crack and then water gets in and pools in the sockets.
Replacement sockets are about $10 at auto parts stores and amazon.com.
Replacement sockets are about $10 at auto parts stores and amazon.com.
I just looked an it has replacement sockets already.
Btw is it normal for the headlights to open when you try to just put on the markers?
Btw is it normal for the headlights to open when you try to just put on the markers?
Last edited by WhiteBird00; Jun 19, 2012 at 06:40 AM. Reason: Merge consecutive posts