Pretty sure I have not used the right terminology in the title of my inquiry but here what it is really: Here in Canada I have to get the headlights getting on when the truck is actually started..a feature that my american made 1994 2500 doesn't have.
I guess I could bring it to a local garage and they would tweak me something with but I am curious to know if there is not a kit out there that is just made for my year/model truck that could be easy to install and don't mess everything up into the stock wiring?

suggestions?
thans,Ron.

 

Daytime running lights.
I thought that they were only required on vehicles manufactured after 1996 in Canada, but were an option since around 1994 (when it was obvious that the ruling would go into effect).
Check the fuse block, there may be a place where a DRL fuse would be installed if that option was available in 1994.

 

I have just checked the fuse box..something strange here: my 94 owner's manual shows the case number 15 (10A) as for automatic shading mirror (operational on the truck),back-up lights (unoperational actually) and finally daytime running lights (unoperative actually).

When I read on the actual fuse cover the same number 15 refers as only for back-up lights...i have put in a new fuse but that did not fix the back-ups neither it didn't get the daytime system working!

I still have to received the official inspection formula but been told over the phone running lights would be demanded.

The fuse thing would have made my day!!

thanks,Ron.

 

I know this is not the safe way to do it but this is a true story. I worked for the state several years ago and we bought some 1999 dodge rams with the daytime running light option. When I took delivery of the truck I was assigned I decided to disable the daytime running lights because for the work I needed to be able to go completely dark. When I dug into the dash I found that someone (the delivering dealer I'm sure) had taken two wire taps and a short length of wire, found an "ignition hot" and the wire to the headlight relay and jumped across so anytime you turned on the ignition the lights came on. I sent the taps and short piece of wire to my supervisor to show him what he got for an extra $200!

It did work however, for how long I don't know

 

Our Daytime lights are different. they actually power the high beams as far as i know, but with a reduced voltage. I have a 94 suburban that i bought used, it doesnt have them and i was able to register it...as stated above, im sure the rule is 1996 and later. What province are you in?

 

I am in québec province.I have just checked on the internet and found one federal transport site mentionning that all canadian cars had to have it by 1989 and thereafter..

I just found a company in the US who advertise an apparently good kit for this purpose..they are model/years specific..I'll check with them on monday.
thanks,Ron.

 

Hey Ron,

I found a Transport Canada website that states all vehicles manufactured after Dec 01 1989 require them by FEDERAL law. i know in Alberta i did not need them, but Quebec may be different as many Quebec laws mimic the Federal regulations. I have a consulting co and me largest contract is with a company in Joliette, just north of Montreal. i will talk to our transport guy and see if I can find any further info for you.

 

Onemoretruck , I remember reading the rules on importing a vehicle , and i remember reading exactly what you did , that our trucks are required to have them, And , with that said , my truck was origionally imported from south of the border (origionally sold in maine I believe) And it does not have DRL... My fathers truck was origionally sold here in NB , and it too does not have (functional at least) DRL. I don't know if this helps your or not though.

 

There is a DRL module that goes on the driver side fender in the engine compartment. Dealer only module for around $150. The DRL setup in the dodges are something like 30% output of the highbeams for daytime running.

From what I understand the US trucks do not have the same wiring as the Canadain trucks. So I don't think it will be as simple as getting the module and plugging it in.

I know it is for inspection but I have always felt DRL reg's to be stupid. Not sure why a person can't just turn on their headlights instead of requiring some box that will fail down the road leaving you headlights always on even when the truck is off. When the module failed on my truck I just unplugged it and left it!

 

My '93 W200 has DRLs(CDN model).

Personally I would just put in a jumper wire from an ign source to the headlight relay, get it inspected, then take it out. Once you have it inspected you won't have to have it checked again.

 

Just a thought but did you try "Canadian Tire". They have a Daylight running light system for $24.99. The product # is 20-4001-6. Go to canadiantire.ca and have a look. A friend had a Neon that the drl's quit and the dealer wanted a bunch of $$$ to fix and seeing you need it for the yearly inspection he picked up one at Canadian Tire and it worked fine.

 

You said it , the US trucks are wired different, i looked under the hood of dad's truck and mine today , there is no plug/pigtail anywhere NEAR where the DRL module would be on my truck.

 

Wire up some foglights off a relay and your ignition switch and have the lights come on with the key and off with the key,pass the inspection then just wire them up as normal fog lights.