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Daytime Running Lights don't work

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Old Oct 26, 2005 | 01:05 PM
  #1  
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Default Daytime Running Lights don't work

Ok here are the facts:

I have a 2002 Z06. The DRL's don't work.

-When I turn the light switch (on the stalk) 1 click, the Ambers light up (as normal)
-The Turn signals DO work (as normal)

Based on this info, I have ruled out:
-Expired bulbs
-Bad circuit/No power getting to them

My next step was to check the fuse. I pulled the fuse panel and it appears that the DRL's are governed by a Micro-Relay, rather than a standard fuse. I can see no sign of failure on the relays themselves (bad smell, burnt pins etc). How do I check them to verify? I don't think a standard Multimeter continuity check will work (there are 5 pins on the M-R). Do I have to use a relay tester?

Am I on the wrong track entirely? Anyone else have another possibility or theory?

Before anyone suggests using the DIC to activate them, I was told by other Z owners that Z's do not have that feature (which I suspected when I wasn't able to find it in my DIC options menu)
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Old Oct 26, 2005 | 01:40 PM
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IIRC, the DRL can be disabled via the DIC if it's a Canadian Z06 . . . ditto, via a tech2 (albeit, that's a lot of work just for the DRL).

Checking the relay is the easiest part, however there's 1 relay per corner -- if they're both out, then that's a different story. If you're not the original owner of the car, the common tricks to disable DRL's on the Z's were disabling the twilight sensor on the dash, and sticking a shim between the relay contacts. For starters, check the light sensor since it's easiest (just pull the vent up, make sure the sensor is still connected) then pull one of the microrelays, pull the lid off of it and see if there's an isolator between the contacts.

If you *are* the original owner, then it could be a set of burned relays or an open circuit -- I don't recall which is hot on the relay, but can check the service manuals later in the day.
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Old Oct 26, 2005 | 07:54 PM
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'Thanks for the suggestions.

Yes, I'm the 2nd owner. I didn't realize that Z's had the twilight sensor?? I don't have automatic headlights. Regardless I will look for the sensor tomorrow. It has to be something goofy...the chances of BOTH M-relays being bad are slim.
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Old Oct 26, 2005 | 08:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Ebbsnflows
'Thanks for the suggestions.

Yes, I'm the 2nd owner. I didn't realize that Z's had the twilight sensor?? I don't have automatic headlights. Regardless I will look for the sensor tomorrow. It has to be something goofy...the chances of BOTH M-relays being bad are slim.
Pull the relays and check the contacts. A trick to disable the DRL's is to bend over one of the contacts then reinsert the relay. If you pull a relay and find a bent over contact, just straighten it and reinstall... it should work. Ask me how I know...

GUSTO
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Old Oct 26, 2005 | 09:55 PM
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mea culpa, the light sensor on the dash isn't for the "twilight" mode typically associated w/ the C5 . . . but it's same basic sensor, same basic function. in the case of DRL, an open on that circuit nets the same basic results (ditto with approach lights, etc).

I hadn't seen too many relays w/ a folded tab, but that would net the same result -- regardless, I'd pull the drl relays and investigate before spending too much time anywhere else.

. . . . . I knew there was a reason why I was going to put a toggle-switch kit together for disabling/enabling DRL . . . .
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Old Oct 27, 2005 | 12:10 AM
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Don't forget that if the parking brake is set before you turn on the key the DRL's will not be on.
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Old Oct 27, 2005 | 01:28 PM
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just for kicks, set and release the parking break several times to see if that's it
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Old Oct 27, 2005 | 02:57 PM
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I've already checked both relays (what a BITCH to pull out!). They both look fine, all 5 pins are straight, there are no burn marks on the pins, nor do the relays smell fried. That's why I was asking about using a relay tester to check them.

I've also messed w/ the parking brake. I chocked the wheels, released the brake...nothing. The only time the lights come on are:

-when using the turn signals
-when manually turning the switch on the stalk a single click
-unlocking the car remotely (approach lights)

I know the DRL's aren't that big of a deal, it's just the principal of the matter. I want to know why they're not functioning. I still haven't had a chance to pull the vent to check the sensor. I'll try to get in the garage tonite and check it. Thanks again for all of the suggestions.
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Old Oct 27, 2005 | 03:55 PM
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check for a blown or missing fuse.i think it is #22
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Old Oct 27, 2005 | 04:01 PM
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Default How To Disable DRL's?

Check out this thread and see if anything looks familiar...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=273&TopicID=1

It should be reversable...

GUSTO
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Old Oct 27, 2005 | 04:38 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by dpd
check for a blown or missing fuse.i think it is #22
What does #22 correlate to? The I pulled several other fuses that I thought MAY have some type of control (turn signals for example) and all fuses looked good. I'll look for #22 this evening and see if that's one of the fuses I didn't check.

Gusto-
Both of my Relays are present. No jumpers are replacing them.
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Old Oct 27, 2005 | 07:43 PM
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Did this just start happening? If so, you may have popped fuse #2 in the engine compaertment. If they have never worked, the P.O. may have pulled this fuse to disable them. That's what I did on my '03. I personally don't care for them. Here's some info from the search I ran in the forum.. If this just started happening on it's own, then I would check fuse #2 to make sure it hasn't blown.

If my memory serves me correctly, you may be able to pull fuse #2 in the engine compartment fuse block to disable DRLs, but that fuse also controls your approach light feature so those will be disabled.

The best way to disable DRLs is to modify the micro relays #38 and 40 in the passenger footwell fuse block which control the right and left DRL circuits. Members have opened the plastic case of these relays and placed a paper insulator (like a piece of business card) between the relay contacts so the relays become inoperative and hence the DRLs do not come on.

Hope this helps...

Randy
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