Hey folks, I bought a 98 12V 2500 from the U.S and in order for it to pass a safety it requires Day time running lights. Went to the dealer today and they have the module for 150.00. but I cannot locate the appropriate wiring at the bulk head.

Does anyone have a manual or an idea if the trucks were pre wired for the DRL module. I hate to intsall an after market job but if I have to I will.

I do have a connector that is open but is not configured to the DRL module from the dealer.

Any assistance appreciated.....

 

I always liked the way the Caravans used the orange corner markers as running lights, so I hooked mine up the same way. I didn't know what the wire colors were so I split the wiring harness from the firewall down to underneath the driver side battery where I found and tapped into the marker light wires. I soldered in my wires and ran them in the original harness back up to the fire wall where I added a relay controlled by an ignition power wire. Then I taped the harness back up all nice. With the ignition on, the front markers are on. With the ignition off, the front markers still come on with the headlight switch. It works great because the front markers are powered individually from any of the other markers and the marker filament is separate from the signal. Looks sweet too.
I didn't want to spend the money on the DRL module. I took my time and did a nice job of it and it cost me about $20 for wire and relay. Food for thought.

 

DRLs are not just meant for the marker lights though. DRLs turn your headlights on at about 50% for visbilty purposes.

I think what I've been able to find out is the U.S trucks are not wired for the DRL and I will have to wire in an aftermarket system. Only other hope is taking it to a dealer and hope it can be turned on by reflashing the computer but I'm not sure if this can be done with a 98!!!

 

Ya, I've been on that hunt too. I called my local dealer and they said I needed to install a separate module for DRL. Can't be done with the computer.
DRL module powers the headlamps on at half power. I've never seen one turn the headlights on by itself in a 2nd Gen Dodge. Father-in-law had a Canadian '01 with the factory DRL's and I know it didn't..

 

Is yours a U.S truck as well? There is supposed to be a plug near the inner fender on the drivers side where the brake booster is. It is square and has ten prongs I believe.

I don't have that plug in on mine, so I have to wire in a module.

How did your truck pass the RIV if it is a U.S truck? Its the federal RIV that will not pass if it doesn't have DRL.

 

........U can buy an aftermarket DRL from Canadian Tire for less than 50 bucks.....easy to install yourself....kim.....

 

I don't understand, if it had DRL but didn't turn the lights on itself then how did it have DRL? Thats what DRL does, turns the lights on by itself (at reduced output).

My canadian 1st gen does not sure why they wouldn't with the canadian second gen.

 

Ya, mine was a US truck too. I never did look for the plug. I just phoned the dealer and they said same as you - $150 for the module, and I said "screw that" and wired it as I said in my first post. I think it looks nicer that way. It passed the RIV like that no problem. You can mount a set of fog lights to the front bumper if you want and as long as they come on with the key, you're good to go for RIV...

 

I misread Feathermans post. When he said it turned the lights on at 50% visibility, I thought he meant it made the headlights turn on (at full power) when it was getting close to dark, or if it was stormy out or something...

Sorry about that guys!

 

ok cool, thanks for clearing that up.

 

Check this link out, I was looking at this relay to run the Directional signal bulbs instead of the low voltage high beams for the DRL's, because I want to switch to the sport headlights and relays mod, this is the only way to use headlight relays and still have DRL's. They say it is legal for Canada, but I have no personel experience to say this is correct.

http://dastern.torque.net/Mods/DRL/DRL1.html

 

In order to use this sytem from Daniel Stern, your park lamps have to have factory DRL markings that indicate they are being used as DRLs.

I've found out the Dodge lighting system is "ground activated" and most of these modules from Canadian Tire will not work!!!

 

Try these.
I'm ordering the slim version. I hope they will fit neat under the headlights but I might have to install them in the bumper cutout.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-b...html%23drl-cw5