Daytime Running lights?

[corncobs]

I think I would like that too. At the absolute minimum I wish I could get the threshold that turns on the auto lights modified so they come on in "brighter" conditions than they do now.

Yes that would be a really good compromise being able to set the threshold when the lights come on.

 

Regarding the DRL I think I read this on the BOF but it appears to be possible since a few people already did this. Not sure if the price some guys paid is worth it. According to some accounts it takes 5 minutes and the dealer charged at $60 for it.

You should be able to find the reference on BOF one guy also had contact information from his service advisor in there.

[hermans]

Some paid nothing to have the DRLs activated. Depends if the dealers wants to put it under customer service.

[corncobs]

Some paid nothing to have the DRLs activated. Depends if the dealers wants to put it under customer service.

That's what I would expect and call good customer service.

[PASSINOS]

I took a sharpie to some invisible tape and placed it over the sensor.

I would rather have DRL.

 

What hit to the battery do you think it will be?

[rdr]

My dealer activated my DRLs last week when I took delivery of my 2013 FFH.

[storksb]

My dealer activated my DRLs last week when I took delivery of my 2013 FFH.

Do you know how they did this?

 

I would expect it to be a setting only accessible via their computers, or maybe with something similar to the VW Vagcom system I had a GTi enthusiast use on my GTi a few years back.

[hermans]

It's done at the dealer using their computer system. That is if they will admit to being able to do it. Some dealers just flat out lie and will tell you it can't be done. My dealer offered to activate them on my MKZh and my FFH for free and I respectfully declined.

Edited August 21, 2013 by hermans

[MaineFusion]

It would be interesting to know how much extra energy turning them on would consume. Also, it would be great to find a service bulletin that explains how to turn them on so that those with reluctant dealers can show them how it is done.

 

Overall, if this is just a software change, it seems really stupid that Ford didn't make it a setting the driver could change. Personally, I'd love LED "eyebrow" DRLs

[corncobs]

Some company should make Taurus style fog lights inserts with one or two led fiber optic strips that you can replace the original inserts with.

 

I would buy those in a second.

[GrySql]

I'm heading to the Dealer on Wednesday and just talked this afternoon with my Service Writer about DRL's.

"Ahhhh, DRL's, are you sure, never heard of that one" says he.

"Of course, all the Forums folks are getting them turned on, the same time as getting the other computer updates" says I.

'Mmmmm, you Forum guys..., I'll have to check with the Tech's about that, are you sure about that?" he responds.

"You are the best Dealer in the country aren't you?", rejoins me.

He says "sure we are, we have to be able to do that if you say other dealers are doing it, see you Wednesday" he ends with.

I'm still smiling, we'll see what Wednesday brings.

 

I have the Fuel Module Recall, PCM calibration re-check, DRL's and the MFT updates scheduled.

[SteveB_TX]

It's done at the dealer using their computer system. That is if they will admit to being able to do it. Some dealers just flat out lie and will tell you it can't be done. My dealer offered to activate them on my MKZh and my FFH for free and I respectfully declined.

 

I want to figure out how to turn on the "signature" LEDs up front on the Z (without resorting to the parking lights switch). I am on the waiting list for the 2013 Fusion/MKZ Hybrid Wiring Diagrams from Helms. Why Ford refuses to light up the front of their cars is beyond me. I have added the Ford DRL kit to my Sport Trac, and had an aftermarket DRL setup on my 2005 Mustang GT Convertible.

[Waldo]

 

I want to figure out how to turn on the "signature" LEDs up front on the Z (without resorting to the parking lights switch). I am on the waiting list for the 2013 Fusion/MKZ Hybrid Wiring Diagrams from Helms. Why Ford refuses to light up the front of their cars is beyond me. I have added the Ford DRL kit to my Sport Trac, and had an aftermarket DRL setup on my 2005 Mustang GT Convertible.

 

The answer is posted in this thread. Just have the dealer turn on the DRL function - it's all in the software. The wiring diagram won't help you.

They could have done the same on your Sport Trac, the DRLs are just a software setting on that one as well.

Edited August 27, 2013 by Waldo

[jcg1005]

I made an appointment for a variety of things for tomorrow, and another shot at DRL activation is on my list.

 

It is going back for a check engine light issue that is some vacuum control valve sticking. (Can't remember the name). The test they run to cycle all those valves takes around 30 minutes, and they ran it twice to make sure last week. When I was chatting with the technician and the service manager about things, the service manager said "hey didn't we try DRL already once for you?". Yep. But, you know, the forums. :) (Which gets a chuckle and an eye roll, all friendly). The tech chimed in and said "I can't believe we can't do it. I haven't tried a '13 Fusion yet, but there has to be a way". My reply "the other tech said the setting was grayed out or not there the first time. I can't remember which." Tech's reply - "Yeah maybe, but there are like 5 software updates to our control computers A DAY, so it probably changed. If it is there, I'll find it for you." He is also going to check and see if there is an adjustment to the auto-headlights. While I think they turn on earlier after the PCM update was done, I still wish it was earlier still.

 

My other issues to resolve are a MFT update that syncmyride.com says I need the dealer to do (I already did the 3.6.2 myself), and a hopeful flash of the software controlling the windows to resolve my random failure on auto-up. (Auto down works fine).

 

They have it for the whole afternoon, so my fingers are crossed that all of the punch list items get done.

[SteveB_TX]

 

The answer is posted in this thread. Just have the dealer turn on the DRL function - it's all in the software. The wiring diagram won't help you.

They could have done the same on your Sport Trac, the DRLs are just a software setting on that one as well.

 

The DRLs are only for the headlamps, from what I understand. I want the LED strip that is located under each headlight, not the LED headlamps themselves, to be fully on during the day, as well as at night (normal op). :)

 

There is no PCM like in the FFH and MKZ, in the Sport Trac, so no, it can't be programmed to turn on DRLs. The DRLs on the 2002 require a physical switch on the headlamp switch, wiring, and the DRL module... none of which came on mine.

Edited August 27, 2013 by SteveB_TX

[GrySql]

My Service Advisor just called and found out that the DRL's can be turned on.

The down side is that they want to charge me $50 to do it.

No thank you.

[Waldo]

 

The DRLs are only for the headlamps, from what I understand. I want the LED strip that is located under each headlight, not the LED headlamps themselves, to be fully on during the day, as well as at night (normal op). :)

 

There is no PCM like in the FFH and MKZ, in the Sport Trac, so no, it can't be programmed to turn on DRLs. The DRLs on the 2002 require a physical switch on the headlamp switch, wiring, and the DRL module... none of which came on mine.

 

The shop manual says the DRL on the MKZ is the LED strip, not the headlamp, so the dealer activation should be all you need:

 

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)

The DRL system consists of the BCM and the front signature lighting (if equipped).

The DRL system operates the front parking lamps at an increased intensity.

 

 

I looked up a 2008 Sport Trac, that one can have the DRL turned on, but if yours is a 2002 then you're right, it needs some hardware.

[hybridbear]

My Service Advisor just called and found out that the DRL's can be turned on.

The down side is that they want to charge me $50 to do it.

No thank you.

I would tell them that if they want me to give them high marks on their survey from Ford then they should turn them on at no charge and see what they say. I don't know about you but if the dealer wasn't willing to turn on DRLs at no charge while they're doing everything else then I wouldn't be satisfied with their service.

[GrySql]

I would tell them that if they want me to give them high marks on their survey from Ford then they should turn them on at no charge and see what they say. I don't know about you but if the dealer wasn't willing to turn on DRLs at no charge while they're doing everything else then I wouldn't be satisfied with their service.

It's not over yet, I'll apply my personal magnetism when I'm there in person... ;)

[SteveB_TX]

 

The shop manual says the DRL on the MKZ is the LED strip, not the headlamp, so the dealer activation should be all you need:

 

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)

The DRL system consists of the BCM and the front signature lighting (if equipped).

The DRL system operates the front parking lamps at an increased intensity.

 

 

I looked up a 2008 Sport Trac, that one can have the DRL turned on, but if yours is a 2002 then you're right, it needs some hardware.

 

Well thanks, that is good to know. :)

I must now go and beat someone severely about the head for the misinformation given me... then ask them nicely to please enable my LED DRLs! :dance:

[jcg1005]

Just picked my car up. No dice on the DRL.

 

We talked at length. It seems that the option is available for a standard Fusion, but NOT Titanium.

 

If someone has a Titanium and has had success with this, I'd like to know what dealer did it so we can have our dealers communicate with one another.

[MaineFusion]

I would tell them that if they want me to give them high marks on their survey from Ford then they should turn them on at no charge and see what they say. I don't know about you but if the dealer wasn't willing to turn on DRLs at no charge while they're doing everything else then I wouldn't be satisfied with their service.

 

I'm so annoyed by the satisfaction surveys. They always expect a perfect score, which makes the surveys meaningless. Instead of expecting perfect scores all the time, why not use them as an opportunity for customers to provide constructive feedback to help make service better? Nothing is perfect all the time, and the little things (like not leaving tool marks on a body panel) make a world of difference.

[hybridbear]

I'm so annoyed by the satisfaction surveys. They always expect a perfect score, which makes the surveys meaningless. Instead of expecting perfect scores all the time, why not use them as an opportunity for customers to provide constructive feedback to help make service better? Nothing is perfect all the time, and the little things (like not leaving tool marks on a body panel) make a world of difference.

I use them as an opportunity to provide constructive feedback. Whenever I do surveys I make sure to comment where applicable to explain my ratings so that the data is meaningful.

[jcg1005]

Reached out to Ford Service via Twitter on this topic. Here is the response:

 

User Actions

Following

Ford ServiceVerified account‏@FordService

@JoeandLori Correct; having them activated is not an option. I recommend sharing your opinion on this here: http://cot.ag/SyBrV9 ^NM

 

Edited August 29, 2013 by jcg1005

[MaineFusion]

I use them as an opportunity to provide constructive feedback. Whenever I do surveys I make sure to comment where applicable to explain my ratings so that the data is meaningful.

All they care about is getting fives on the score cards.

[corncobs]

All they care about is getting fives on the score cards.

The fives don't make you better!

 

Any time I'm doing a training and there is a survey it's fun to see a high score and good feedback no question but only constructive critic is helpful for the next time. Sometimes it hurts to read such feedback but it either helps you to fix your flaws and improve on your training or you are out for the next time ( sometimes not a bad thing either ;-) )