Daytime running lights question??

[Danny13]

I purchased a 2011 Mustang Convertible Custom. I love the car. Question: Why didn't Ford manufacture the car with daytime running lights? I personally believe running lights are a safety feature. I asked my dealer's parts department and was advised they don't offer the parts. Can you shed any light on this? Thanks.

[sonic40]

Actually, I would think they did. All cars sold up here in Canada have DRLs. Its the law. My 2005 Mustang has DRLs. As all Mustangs come out of the same plant I would think that your dealer should be able to get the DRL module. I'm sure there are other members who might be able to give you more specific info.

edit: I was checking my repair manual to see if I could get you a part #. It appears that the DRLs are programmed as part of the Smart Junction Box. The repair manual states that the DRLs can be re-programmed through the SJB on vehs originally equipped with this feature. I could find no reference to another part, so hopefully someone with a little more knowledge than I will speak up to help you out.

[Danny13]

Thank you for your reply. I specifically asked my Ford dealers Parts Dept. Manager if he would check to see if there was a "Kit". He checked information from Ford and told me no. I could get an aftermarket "running lights" package and have it installed - but- it would hurt my Ford Warranty.
There must be some way to get Daylight Running Lights. Anybody out there have an idea?

[sonic40]

I know it can be done by Ford because there are lots of people from Canada who will go to the US to buy cars including Mustangs and they must get the DRLs put in/activated for them to be imported. I'll check with the dealer here on Monday and see if I can find out some more info for you.

[atlanticbluestang]

The DRL can be turned on by hooking up the SCN tool and configuring DRL in the Smart Junction Box (SBJ). DRL are turned on by the duty cycle which gives a lower voltage to the bulb. The duty cycle is when a transistor is turned on and off very quickly to achieve a lower voltage (ie: 12v X 50% duty cycle = aprox 6v)

In the Ford Manual, it reads:

When the ignition switch is in the run position, the headlamps are not on (from the autolamp system or manual control them the headlmap switch), the trans axle is not in park (P) (auto trans) or the parking brake applied (manual trans) the SJB provides a pulse width modulated voltage to the low beam headlamps. this illuminates the headlamps at a reduced intensity.

In the pinpoint test, the manual asks "Is the SBJ DRL configuration enabled?" Set to "enable" to turn on the DRL. This should take no more than 15 minutes and no charge if you have a good relationship with your Ford Service Department.

[Danny13]

Thanks. I will ask my Service Deptment when I go in. I'll print your info and give it to him.

[MrFarmdog]

The DRL can be turned on by hooking up the SCN tool and configuring DRL in the Smart Junction Box (SBJ). DRL are turned on by the duty cycle which gives a lower voltage to the bulb. The duty cycle is when a transistor is turned on and off very quickly to achieve a lower voltage (ie: 12v X 50% duty cycle = aprox 6v)

In the Ford Manual, it reads:

When the ignition switch is in the run position, the headlamps are not on (from the autolamp system or manual control them the headlmap switch), the trans axle is not in park (P) (auto trans) or the parking brake applied (manual trans) the SJB provides a pulse width modulated voltage to the low beam headlamps. this illuminates the headlamps at a reduced intensity.

In the pinpoint test, the manual asks "Is the SBJ DRL configuration enabled?" Set to "enable" to turn on the DRL. This should take no more than 15 minutes and no charge if you have a good relationship with your Ford Service Department.

KUDOS! Way to help a brother out!

[sonic40]

Yeah, way to go. I knew somebody with more knowledge than I would know the answer.

[Twstones]

My Mustang has the DRL's activated, and I'm trying to get them turned off. My other car has "auto on" headlights, so I'm not used to turning them on or off. Problem is, at half power they're too bright and I'm always driving around at night without the lights on. I'd be okay with them if they weren't so bright. During the day, I'm constantly having other cars flash their lights at me, or kids telling me my lights are on. 2 dealers have told me it couldn't be changed, but I think they just didn't want to mess with it. I'm printing off Atlanticbluestangs instructions and taking the along to the next dealer.

[MillenniumHawk]

Re: DRL for 2011's. If you are an U.S. resident, and if you purchased it in the U.S., one must get an export license for Canada, then the dealer can turn on the DRL. In addition, there is not a DRL module one can purchase for 2011; at least not yet. Both of these information was given to me by the dealer nearby.

I hope the foregoing information helped the inquirers. Happy Stanging!



Millennium Hawk