Daytime Running lights?

[Toz]

I just don't understand how some dealers are STILL having issues with this. I wonder if some of the dealers techs have outdated software for their Ford laptops? Glad my dealer was one of the ones that knew how to do it with no hassle.

[djminfll]

I saw a Fusion (non-hybrid) following me on the highway today, and he had DRLs. I wanted to flag him down to find out how he got it done on his, but I'm sure he would have thought I was exhibiting some sort of road rage!

[acdii]

CC dealer is EV certified, so you would "think" they have the latest software. To me it just seems they dont want to waste the time to do it. My car is still in the shop, they had to order the trim pieces for the front doors, and they didn't arrive until after the techs went home, so its in for one more day. At least it will get a nice bath. When I pick it up I will ask Gene if he can do your DRL Corncob.

[corncobs]

Last year when bringing it in for the PCM update I was told very firmly that the computers are updated daily!

 

@ acdii - let me know what Gene is saying it would be very cool.

[murphy]

My service manager told me that he didn't have the resources to enable the DRLs. I suspect that he doesn't want to go against Ford's wishes.

I know that he contacted them and was told it is not supported.

[jeffo65]

We had our 2013 FFH SE at the dealer for oil change, tire rotation, fix the trunk lid from falling and possibly have the DRLs turned on. The service advisor said that their electronics tech would look into turning the DRLs on, but they were not turned on.

 

I was told that "the DRL is not a programmable parameter for this vehicle."

 

They also gave me a print out Ford tech manual that states this. I guess I will check with another local Ford dealer and maybe the local Lincoln dealer about turning them on.

 

They also chipped 2 rims with the impact wrench while doing the tire rotation. The good news is that they are going to replace the 2 rims when the fix the trunk lid struts.

 

.

[DeeCee]

This doesn't make a lot of sense. Some dealers get the DRL's turned on with no problem and others say it can't be done. Are there two Ford Motor Companies out there?

 

I have not asked my dealer as I have installed my own LED DRL's. I think the next time I visit him I will ask the question.

[GrySql]

We had our 2013 FFH SE at the dealer for oil change, tire rotation, fix the trunk lid from falling and possibly have the DRLs turned on. The service advisor said that their electronics tech would look into turning the DRLs on, but they were not turned on.

I was told that "the DRL is not a programmable parameter for this vehicle."

They also gave me a print out Ford tech manual that states this. I guess I will check with another local Ford dealer and maybe the local Lincoln dealer about turning them on.

They also chipped 2 rims with the impact wrench while doing the tire rotation. The good news is that they are going to replace the 2 rims when the fix the trunk lid struts.

Isn't it amazing when you stand there and hear that DRL's are not possible and KNOW that they are wrong (or unwilling) to provide what their department is called ---> SERVICE

Then, when they do anything slightly complicated they screw it up, rotating tires is very complicated - not. It's a good thing you caught those chips on the rims before you left!

Yes, looking for another Dealer sounds like a good plan.

 

BTW, did you check the oil level in the ICE to see if they did that right?

Edited March 15, 2014 by GrySql

[acdii]

Well if Corncobs dealer says it cant be done, maybe I should take mine there and show them! LOL

 

SO, DRL cant be turned on? O'RLY? Hmm I guess I am imagining mine are on everytime I put it in drive then.

[kbailey990]

Ashley,

 

I'm very uneasy, and I continue to be very concerned about DRL, and I'd like to readdress your earlier post about company policy. Clearly DRL can be turned on for all FF. (see my earlier photo and GrlSql's groundbreaking work) It's the law for every model in Canada, and all the fleet vehicles come turned on. Some dealers have no problem turning them on, while others run into a software block.

 

DRL are a well documented safety feature that can save lives. See the links to the IIHS on my earlier post. I can accept that for some reason Ford doesn't want them on by default. (I speculate that you'd have to take a minuscule MPG hit with the EPA ratings?) I can't accept that it is company policy to block owners from turning them on by request.

 

I think you've been on our forum long enough to realize how thoughtful and measured our members are. Issues are carefully evaluated here and there are hundreds of readers for every single poster. We don't ask for your support lightly, and we value all the inside info you bring to the table. However your last official post exposes Ford to a dilemma: is it official Ford policy to turn off life saving safety equipment even if owners expressly want to turn DRL on?

 

I request that Ford update all dealer software to allow owners the choice of this critical safety device that already exists on their car. Please elevate my request, and post the response on this forum as to why Ford has this policy. I look forward to a change in policy soon.

[murphy]

I agree with kbailey990's thoughts in post #185 above.

 

I have this sickening feeling that because all GM cars have DRLs enabled by default Ford wants to differentiate themselves from GM by having the DRLs off.

They don't seem to care about the lives of their customers with a proven safety feature.

 

I have started running with the parking lights and fog lights on. Unfortunately I don't always remember to turn them on.

:waiting:

[corncobs]

Well if Corncobs dealer says it cant be done, maybe I should take mine there and show them! LOL

 

SO, DRL cant be turned on? O'RLY? Hmm I guess I am imagining mine are on everytime I put it in drive then.

What did Gene have to say? If they can turn on mine I would love to make to stop for you.

[jeffo65]

Isn't it amazing when you stand there and hear that DRL's are not possible and KNOW that they are wrong (or unwilling) to provide what their department is called ---> SERVICE

Then, when they do anything slightly complicated they screw it up, rotating tires is very complicated - not. It's a good thing you caught those chips on the rims before you left!

Yes, looking for another Dealer sounds like a good plan.

 

BTW, did you check the oil level in the ICE to see if they did that right?

Yes the oil level was good. Their service dept is usually good. Maybe they had a new wheel guy doing the rotation. Who knows.

 

I am going to check with another dealer on Monday about the DRLs. It would be nice to get them turned on before going back to the dealer.

[GrySql]

I agree with kbailey990's thoughts in post #185 above.

 

I have this sickening feeling that because all GM cars have DRLs enabled by default Ford wants to differentiate themselves from GM by having the DRLs off.

They don't seem to care about the lives of their customers with a proven safety feature.

 

I have started running with the parking lights and fog lights on. Unfortunately I don't always remember to turn them on.

:waiting:

Some Dealers will do extras like the DRL's for free if your car is in for service.

Some Dealers will charge to do it no matter what.

Other Dealers won't do it because Ford says so.

Some Dealers don't have trained personnel and the best equipment in their Service Dept.

 

Every Ford/Lincoln Dealership is a franchise and do as they see fit in a number of areas.

I suspect a weak/low volume Dealer will follow Ford's policies no matter how misguided, employees just come to work and go home, no pride in doing their jobs any better than the basics.

Strong Dealerships will make more independent decisions and have employees that take things to the professional level and try very hard to satisfy their customers.

But the sad fact is that many franchises have less than optimum leadership and that makes the entire facility less than desirable.

They all sell cars, but the service aspect is where the leadership, training and job loyalty really shows.

 

I have had my car serviced by both ends of the Ford Service spectrum, I drive a much longer distance for warranty work now because of that.

Getting my car serviced at this facility meets or exceeds all my expectations, every time. I will buy my next car from this Ford/Lincoln Dealership too.

Edited March 16, 2014 by GrySql

[corncobs]

Ashley,

 

I'm very uneasy, and I continue to be very concerned about DRL, and I'd like to readdress your earlier post about company policy. Clearly DRL can be turned on for all FF. (see my earlier photo and GrlSql's groundbreaking work) It's the law for every model in Canada, and all the fleet vehicles come turned on. Some dealers have no problem turning them on, while others run into a software block.

 

DRL are a well documented safety feature that can save lives. See the links to the IIHS on my earlier post. I can accept that for some reason Ford doesn't want them on by default. (I speculate that you'd have to take a minuscule MPG hit with the EPA ratings?) I can't accept that it is company policy to block owners from turning them on by request.

 

I think you've been on our forum long enough to realize how thoughtful and measured our members are. Issues are carefully evaluated here and there are hundreds of readers for every single poster. We don't ask for your support lightly, and we value all the inside info you bring to the table. However your last official post exposes Ford to a dilemma: is it official Ford policy to turn off life saving safety equipment even if owners expressly want to turn DRL on?

 

I request that Ford update all dealer software to allow owners the choice of this critical safety device that already exists on their car. Please elevate my request, and post the response on this forum as to why Ford has this policy. I look forward to a change in policy soon.

+ 1 on this request

 

Well felt like there was a statement by Ashley earlier in this this thread and there is. Just follow the link that former expedition owner posted.

 

There you can find her statement about DRLs.

Edited March 15, 2014 by corncobs

[hermans]

And yet, I see police departments disabling the DLRs on their GM cars.

Edited March 15, 2014 by hermans

[Former Expedition owner]

I had the DRL's turned on in December 2013 when I had my 2013 Hybrid Titanium in to the dealer for an oil change.

 

Here's what my HyTi looks like with lights off, DRL's on, and headlights on:

 

[inco]

I believe all cars should have DRL's, but then in Canada of course we do. It feels like discrimination in a way that they don't make them universal. I cannot see any reason why they won't other than the fact that in your world it isn't required.

 

If for no other reason that helping protect yourself from those who forget to turn on their lights, makes the whole thing viable, or more appealing and certainly safer. It would be nice to see the lobbyists get behind this and make it happen. Even better if Ford does it and takes full credit.

 

Having had them for many years we are conditioned. And boy does it make a difference. It is so much easier to see oncoming traffic in those tough lighting scenarios like early morning and near dark. Add fog or even a little rain or snow and the visibility is so much better. Ford - just do it! :worship:

[Former Expedition owner]

Hi everyone,

 

So, tonight I get to be the bearer of bad news. :(

 

I'm unable to get involved in the DRL issue because they are only supposed to be activated for those who have ordered cars through fleet sales. Technically, your dealers aren't supposed to be activating them for you. I definitely can't stop you from telling one another where to go or how to do it, but I'm not able to facilitate any of it. I've made it very clear that this is something you guys want changed, so we'll just have to see what happens down the road.

 

Ashley

[Sleddog]

I'm sure "down the road" means if you wish in one hand and crap in the other, see which one fills up first. You can see where CS is going on this subject. They can't do squat for us.

 

We need to start a list of dealers that have ability to activate the DRL.

[hybridbear]

I agree with kbailey990's thoughts in post #185 above.

 

I have this sickening feeling that because all GM cars have DRLs enabled by default Ford wants to differentiate themselves from GM by having the DRLs off.

They don't seem to care about the lives of their customers with a proven safety feature.

 

I have started running with the parking lights and fog lights on. Unfortunately I don't always remember to turn them on.

:waiting:

I do the same thing but on occasion I also forget to turn on my park lights & fog lights.

 

Ashley,

 

I'm very uneasy, and I continue to be very concerned about DRL, and I'd like to readdress your earlier post about company policy. Clearly DRL can be turned on for all FF. (see my earlier photo and GrlSql's groundbreaking work) It's the law for every model in Canada, and all the fleet vehicles come turned on. Some dealers have no problem turning them on, while others run into a software block.

 

DRL are a well documented safety feature that can save lives. See the links to the IIHS on my earlier post. I can accept that for some reason Ford doesn't want them on by default. (I speculate that you'd have to take a minuscule MPG hit with the EPA ratings?) I can't accept that it is company policy to block owners from turning them on by request.

 

I think you've been on our forum long enough to realize how thoughtful and measured our members are. Issues are carefully evaluated here and there are hundreds of readers for every single poster. We don't ask for your support lightly, and we value all the inside info you bring to the table. However your last official post exposes Ford to a dilemma: is it official Ford policy to turn off life saving safety equipment even if owners expressly want to turn DRL on?

 

I request that Ford update all dealer software to allow owners the choice of this critical safety device that already exists on their car. Please elevate my request, and post the response on this forum as to why Ford has this policy. I look forward to a change in policy soon.

I agree! Perhaps the reason for not wanting them on by default is a perceived liability thing. I've found in chatting with a lot of people at work and elsewhere that many people who drive cars with DRLs and automatic headlamps think that they don't ever need to worry about their lights. MN, like many states, has a law requiring the use of headlights when it's raining/snowing/foggy, etc (any situation with reduced visibility). Many owners of vehicles with DRLs think that they are in compliance with this law because they have DRLs and automatic headlamps. But in low visibility conditions like the aforementioned list require tail lights as well as front lights for safety. For that reason, even with DRLs I would continue to turn my park lights on so that I have rear lights even during the day. I would like to have DRLs so that I have something for the occasions where I forget.

 

Ford's legal counsel might view DRLs in the USA as a liability issue. Someone could have an accident and blame Ford because they thought they were covered with DRLs and automatic headlamps. Ppl in this country are so sue-happy that it's just ridicuous.

 

It's important to remember that big corporations don't want to do anything for their customers unless it directly benefits their bottom line. Making DRLs standard equipment isn't something where Ford execs can look at this and say that it definitely will have a positive impact on the balance sheet or income statement. So, in their minds, there's no reason to do this. The customer requests must not have reached the level of being enough yet to make them do anything about it. It took government action to get the automakers to put seat belts in cars. There was no doubt that seat belts saved lives, but until the government mandated them, the automakers saw no reason to put them in their cars. DRLs are likely in the same boat.

 

I believe all cars should have DRL's, but then in Canada of course we do. It feels like discrimination in a way that they don't make them universal. I cannot see any reason why they won't other than the fact that in your world it isn't required.

 

If for no other reason that helping protect yourself from those who forget to turn on their lights, makes the whole thing viable, or more appealing and certainly safer. It would be nice to see the lobbyists get behind this and make it happen. Even better if Ford does it and takes full credit.

 

Having had them for many years we are conditioned. And boy does it make a difference. It is so much easier to see oncoming traffic in those tough lighting scenarios like early morning and near dark. Add fog or even a little rain or snow and the visibility is so much better. Ford - just do it! :worship:

I agree that DRLs are helpful in these situations, but if it's really that dark then shouldn't people have their headlights on?

[corncobs]

Not all people realize this and I hate to say it but I'm no exclusion. When they had my car for service they turned off the automatic headlights and I probably drove home while the sun was setting and the headlights would have come on automatically.

 

Like many other cars our dash is all electronic the dash is always lid up so you won't realize that you can't see your speed anymore - time to turn on the lights.

 

With DRLs I would have at least shown something even if it could have cost me a ticket.

Edited March 16, 2014 by corncobs

[acdii]

CC, Dang it I forgot to ask, that and he was busy and trying to finish up his daily paperwork. I will shoot them an Email and will let you know.

[acdii]

What did Gene have to say? If they can turn on mine I would love to make to stop for you.

PM me your email address, I will let you know their response.

[Sleddog]

I do the same thing but on occasion I also forget to turn on my park lights & fog lights.

 

 

I agree! Perhaps the reason for not wanting them on by default is a perceived liability thing. I've found in chatting with a lot of people at work and elsewhere that many people who drive cars with DRLs and automatic headlamps think that they don't ever need to worry about their lights. MN, like many states, has a law requiring the use of headlights when it's raining/snowing/foggy, etc (any situation with reduced visibility). Many owners of vehicles with DRLs think that they are in compliance with this law because they have DRLs and automatic headlamps. But in low visibility conditions like the aforementioned list require tail lights as well as front lights for safety. For that reason, even with DRLs I would continue to turn my park lights on so that I have rear lights even during the day. I would like to have DRLs so that I have something for the occasions where I forget.

 

Ford's legal counsel might view DRLs in the USA as a liability issue. Someone could have an accident and blame Ford because they thought they were covered with DRLs and automatic headlamps. Ppl in this country are so sue-happy that it's just ridicuous.

 

It's important to remember that big corporations don't want to do anything for their customers unless it directly benefits their bottom line. Making DRLs standard equipment isn't something where Ford execs can look at this and say that it definitely will have a positive impact on the balance sheet or income statement. So, in their minds, there's no reason to do this. The customer requests must not have reached the level of being enough yet to make them do anything about it. It took government action to get the automakers to put seat belts in cars. There was no doubt that seat belts saved lives, but until the government mandated them, the automakers saw no reason to put them in their cars. DRLs are likely in the same boat.

 

 

I agree that DRLs are helpful in these situations, but if it's really that dark then shouldn't people have their headlights on?

Of course we have to protect the masses from their own stupidity. Like the guy that sued Harley Davidson because he used the throttle fiction control as a "cruise control" by tightening it to the point that the throttle stayed set in one position. Well this wanna be biker had an accident because he could move the throttle from the position he set it and was not smart enough to pull in the clutch or hit the kill switch.

 

He lost his lawsuit. You can't fix stupid. You can't legislate intelligence. Should you penalize the masses because some are too stupid to learn the rules and apply correct techniques?

 

As it is, there are many that should not be driving, but they have a license. Here in The state of Floridiot, they used to issue licenses for 20 years. So you could be 65, renew your license and drive for 20 more years without an eye test or an evaluation of your skills. Not that this state evaluates any senior's driving skills. Just look at how many drive into houses, post offices, supermarkets, medical offices and convenience stores because they can't remember if they are in drive or reverse and what pedal does what.

 

So let's go ahead and not allow us to have an option that is beneficial to us. I'll sign a waive to have it enabled.

 

This is just one of many senior driver Floridiot stories. This is sad, but it highlights what I'm talking about. The year the new Challenger came out, an 80 years old + woman buys a high end, high powered version. She looses control control of the car making a right turn, crashes, totals the car, and unfortunately, dies. Total miles on the car, 19. Cause of the accident, woman mashes the go pedal instead of the brake.

 

While I love my FFH, Ford has their head "up and locked" when it comes to so many or things. DRLs, Sync and the Sync website are just a few examples. Ford is starting to get on my nerves with some of this stuff. When the time comes for my next vehicle, all of the company services, no matter whom that may be, will get evaluated before I make a purchase,

 

One good thing. They haven't hidden any defects that caused over a dozen fatal crashes because they are too cheap to fix it. Let's hope not anyway.

Edited March 16, 2014 by Sleddog