no autolamps or DRL option - rewire lights to run accessory power?

[pkforbes87]

I recently purchased a 2010 Fusion SE which does not have the autolamp or daytime running light options. Has anyone tried powering the low beams from an accessory power source so they automatically lose power when the ignition is turned off? There are multiple ways of doing this I guess, rewiring at the headlights which could also include rewiring the parking and tail lights as well, or just rewiring the switch inside to an accessory power source.

 

I'm looking for some way of having an automatic source of lighting at all times.

[xmech2k]

Are you looking to add DRL, or is it something else? I'd be careful with rewiring the switch, as I guess all the lights (and who knows what else) run through the smart junction box. Probably need someone more educated on this subject. I'm just putting in my 2 cents worth.

[pkforbes87]

looking more for the autolamp function than I am DRL.

[FFHdriver]

looking more for the autolamp function than I am DRL.

Do a search. You'll find many posts about having the dealer turn on the DRLs. Using the service department's computer it's a 5 minute job and a good dealer won't charge you..

Edited November 17, 2010 by FFHdriver

[akirby]

Do a search. You'll find many posts about having the dealer turn on the DRLs. Using the service department's computer it's a 5 minute job and a good dealer won't charge you..

 

He said he was NOT looking for DRLs.

 

The safest option is an aftermarket solution that won't affect the SJB.

[pkforbes87]

I've seen those posts. Assumed that the DRL had been deactivated on those models for some reason, and needed to be reactivated.

 

After reading your post FFH, can I assume that every Fusion model has the ambient light sensor and associated wiring that's needed for DRL's?

 

As long as I can drive the car during the day and have external lights turned on without physically turning anything on, I'll be happy. From a ssafety standpoint, I dont like the idea of having no lights on.

[xmech2k]

As long as I can drive the car during the day and have external lights turned on without physically turning anything on, I'll be happy.

 

Then it sounds like you are looking for DRL. Autolamps turn on your lights when it's dark, so they won't come on during the day. DRLs make the lowbeam headlamps come on at 1/2 voltage whenever the transmission is out of park.

[akirby]

I've seen those posts. Assumed that the DRL had been deactivated on those models for some reason, and needed to be reactivated.

 

After reading your post FFH, can I assume that every Fusion model has the ambient light sensor and associated wiring that's needed for DRL's?

 

As long as I can drive the car during the day and have external lights turned on without physically turning anything on, I'll be happy. From a ssafety standpoint, I dont like the idea of having no lights on.

 

In that case you have 2 options:

 

1 - have the dealer activate DRLs and add an aftermarket autolamp kit for nighttime

2 - get an aftermarket autolamp kit and wire it so it's on all the time (cover the sensor with tape)

[Waldo]

Sounds like you are confused about what DRLs really are. DRLs do not use an ambient light sensor, they are simple low powered headlights that come on all the time. You still must turn on the headlights at night. The software for DRLs is present on all Fusions, it's just turned on for Canada and off for everywhere else when it leaves the factory.

[akirby]

Sounds like you are confused about what DRLs really are. DRLs do not use an ambient light sensor, they are simple low powered headlights that come on all the time. You still must turn on the headlights at night. The software for DRLs is present on all Fusions, it's just turned on for Canada and off for everywhere else when it leaves the factory.

 

Pretty sure the OP was asking for DRLs during the day and autolamps at night - he just got confused about the terminology.

[pkforbes87]

Thanks for the clarification guys. I was under the impression that the autolamp function was an extra position on the light switch that only applied power to the lights with the ignition on.

 

Just got off the phone with the dealer and they'll activate the DRL no charge.