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Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) on '09 T&C

10K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  nyamuk 
#1 ·
Just purchased a 2009 T&C Touring, with the 25th anniversary package plus sunroof. Sweet, I must say.

I believe in the safety of daytime running lights, but I do not want to be burning my headlights, parking lights, and taillights all together.

On my old 2001 T&C Limited, I had to visit a dealer across the border in Canada in order to get the daytime running lamps activated. I believe they simply had to set the country code to Canada using a DRB or Starscan (I've seen that mentioned here, but I'm not entirely sure what it is).

I know the U.S. 2009's that come as "fleet vehicles" have the DRLs enabled, but mine is obviously not a fleet vehicle.

Can anyone confirm that a dealer would once again simply have to change the country code to Canada to enable the daytime running lights, or is it more involved on the 5th Generation vans? If it's as simple as the country code, I may press my local dealer on it.

TIA.
 
#2 ·
Yes, I do believe it should be that simple. Try it out and please let us know.

By the way, welcome to the forum!
 
#3 ·
If the '09 is the same as the '08, it's not so easy. I started a thread on this issue when I purchased mine about a year ago. I attempted to have my dealer enable mine much like they did on every other Chrysler product I previously purchased. They changed the country code to Canada which enabled my low beams to come on as DRL's. While that sounds ok, it isn't as I have the Hi-intensity headlamps and obviously don't want them burning continuously as they are so expensive to replace when they burn out.


It's my understanding that on a Canadian vehicle, when the DRL's are enabled, only the Hi beams are on at a lower power. I mentioned my issue to the dealer and he tried for like an hour to reprogram the vehicle to have my Hi beams enabled as DRL's. Without success, he contacted Chrysler for assistance and they informed him that unlike past products, the fifth Gen. isn't so easy. Apparently, a whole new module has to be installed at considerable expense.

If anyone has any new updated knowledge on this issue contradicting what I was told I would greatly appreciate it.
 
#5 ·
Indeed in Canada the Hi beams will come on at slightly reduced intensity as DRL's. Also interesting to note that when activating your turn signal with DRL's, it will momentarily deactivate the same side DRL to enhance the turn signal notice. I like that feature. So to be clear, no other light is on when the DRL's are running. Just the hi beams. Also note that when putting the vehicle on PARK, it will turn off the DRL's.

DO NOT allow the dealer to activate your XENON or LOW beams as DRL's. Firstly you will (obviously) constantly have them illuminated and they will burn out or dim faster over time. Second the beam is obviously set to be used for night time driving and as such is pointed down and away from drivers to illumnite the roadway. DRL's are there to catch the attention of any on-coming vehicle which is why they typically (although not always) use reduced intensity HI-beams.
 
#4 ·
Jeepgrady, thanks for your post. In fact, I had seen your earlier question on these forums.

I believe my '09 Touring has the -quad- headlights, and not the HIDs, so in my case, I'm hoping someone can confirm that a dealer could enable my DRLs simply by changing the country code to Canada and that--in that case, my high beams at lower intensity would serve as the DRLs.

(I know that the original LMN option--fleet model with daytime running lights--is only a $40 option at sticker price, so I am wondering why any add-ons would be tremendously expensive.)

Looks like both of us are still looking for an answer. I wonder why this is such a confusing issue to dealers (based on other threads as well)...
 
#6 ·
If I am not mistaken either it has the module for it or it does not...I will will have to double check with this proper info and get back to u...I may have it but just not connected...via wire harness maybe tie strapped/taped near by...i for one never heard of a DRB (older tech...Now newer is starscan) being used to program day light running lights...although with the new computers it may be needed...Usually just the module and proper wire connected...
 
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