Daytime Running lights?

[hybridbear]

I'm trying to get mine turned on and am getting the "can't do it on a HyTi runaround". I'll let them know the specific steps next time I see them, but I can't help but wonder if I would not have gotten into my accident if the DRLs were turned on. It was a somewhat brighter than normal rainy day when I was hit and the way he swiped across my front was as if he never even saw me. DRLs would have probably prevented this.

That's why I don't trust auto headlights and turn my headlights on manually. The law in MN is that headlights should be on if you're using the wipers or if visibility is less than 500 feet. I thus turn my headlights on manually on cloudy/rainy days to make sure that I'm visible to other cars.

[GrySql]

That's why I don't trust auto headlights and turn my headlights on manually. The law in MN is that headlights should be on if you're using the wipers or if visibility is less than 500 feet. I thus turn my headlights on manually on cloudy/rainy days to make sure that I'm visible to other cars.

I've driven with my headlights and fog lights on for many, many years. I know for a fact that it helps people see my vehicle (especially at dawn or dusk).

The DRL's are handy and help but when in doubt I still turn the headlights on. Why not?

 

I got into trouble when I first had the DRL's because I wasn't used to them at night.

I now use the 'Auto' setting so that I don't accidentally drive away at night with only the DRL's lit.

it's easy enough to flip to the Manual setting when you want to.

[vett93]

Okay. I have some good news to share.

I first took my FFE to the Ford dealer where I bought the car from. They told me that it would be illegal for them to turn on DRLs for me in California. They stated that turning on DRLs would be considered as modifying lighting equipment. This sounds like a BS to me....

So I took my FFE to a Ford dealer near my work one afternoon. The service writer had to go in to talk to a few folks. He came out and told me that it is not standard work they do but if I pay them $75, they would gladly do it for me. But he told me that I had to make an appointment to perform the service.

So on my way home, I stopped by the Ford dealer near my house. The service writer asked me why I wanted to turn on DRLs. I told him that DRLs may avoid crashes and I feel safer with them on. He told me that he is a certified master technician and he can direct a technician to do that for me. I, with good intention, informed him that it might be against Ford's policy. He politely replied and told me that he cared more about what customers want.

So they turned on my DRLs free of charge. I also got a free car wash. Nice folks!

Edited April 8, 2014 by vett93

[inco]

Congratulations, you will enjoy the difference.

[acdii]

 

Okay. I have some good news to share.

I first took my FFE to the Ford dealer where I bought the car from. They told me that it would be illegal for them to turn on DRLs for me in California. They stated that turning on DRLs would be considered as modifying lighting equipment. This sounds like a BS to me....

So I took my FFE to a Ford dealer near my work one afternoon. The service writer had to go in to talk to a few folks. He came out and told me that it is not standard work they do but if I pay them $75, they would gladly do it for me. But he told me that I had to make an appointment to perform the service.

So on my way home, I stopped by the Ford dealer near my house. The service writer asked me why I wanted to turn on DRLs. I told him that DRLs may avoid crashes and I feel safer with them on. He told me that he is a certified master technician and he can direct a technician to do that for me. I, with good intention, informed him that it might be against Ford's policy. He politely replied and told me that he cared more about what customers want.

So they turned on my DRLs free of charge. I also got a free car wash. Nice folks!

 

This is what matters most! This is what my dealer is like, Customer comes first.

[Toz]

I think that this may have been covered before, but when I use my blinker the DRL on the blinker side turns off. When the headlights are in the "on" position this does not happen. I guess it keeps the DRL's from washing out the blilnker in the daylight?

[hybridbear]

I think that this may have been covered before, but when I use my blinker the DRL on the blinker side turns off. When the headlights are in the "on" position this does not happen. I guess it keeps the DRL's from washing out the blilnker in the daylight?

Check out page 12 of this topic

[talmy]

I just signed up here to report my success (after Google searching and finding this thread and site).

 

I, too, was disappointed to find that DRLs, while mentioned in the owners manual, were not accessible. We also have a 2007 Camry Hybrid which has DRLs and we are happy with the safety feature. In 2001 we were in a head-on collision that we feel could have been avoided had the car we were driving had DRLs (or if I had the foresight to always drive with headlights on).

 

The first time we went in for service we asked for them to turn on the DRLs. After asking if we used "Auto" (which we do) the service advisor said "OK". When we got the car back they were enabled and there was no charge. This is a 2014 Fusion Hybrid SE.

 

[ChrisAshton84]

That's why I don't trust auto headlights and turn my headlights on manually. The law in MN is that headlights should be on if you're using the wipers or if visibility is less than 500 feet. I thus turn my headlights on manually on cloudy/rainy days to make sure that I'm visible to other cars.

I'm in the Twin Cities too and it was for this reason that I wanted daytime running lights. Regular lights come on once the wipers have done a few wipes, but last week we had a day with a very light drizzle. Maybe 50% of the cars on the road had their lights on. The wipers were only coming on occasionally, so my auto lights were staying off. With DRL on I feel visible even though it wasn't really required at that point.

[vett93]

Have you driven a Ford lately? Yes, and with DRLs on.

[jeffo65]

Received a call from the local Service Tech to stop by when I had a chance because he had something for me.

 

So I stopped in this morning and 15 minutes later I had DRLs enabled. He tried to do this previously and was not able to. He said that he asked a few other dealers outside of the immediate area about turning them on and was instructed on how to do it. He said he tried it first on a 2014 on their lot and it worked so he gave me a call.

 

I have not taken a picture since it is kind of hard to put the car in drive, jump out, take a picture then jump back in before the car moves.

[Former Expedition owner]

I have not taken a picture since it is kind of hard to put the car in drive, jump out, take a picture then jump back in before the car moves.

I took my pictures with my HyTi in neutral and the parking brake on.

[corncobs]

Just received a letter from the Ford CSR about the feedback on my last service.

Since I "complained" about the DRL situation they assigned a case number. Not sure where this will head but hopefully if more and more customers request the DRL feature and maybe Ford will change their policy.

[acdii]

Regarding the DRL turning off when a turn signal is activated. I came across this interesting Federal tidbit.

 

 

Steady burning.Automatically activated as determined by the vehicle manufacturer and automatically deactivated when the headlamp control is in any “on” position. Each DRL optically combined with a turn signal lamp must be automatically deactivated as a DRL when the turn signal lamp or hazard warning lamp is activated, and automatically reactivated as a DRL when the turn signal lamp or hazard warning lamp is deactivated. See S7.10.10.1© for additional activation requirements when mounted close to, or combined with, a turn signal lamp

[Waldo]

By "Optically Combined" I assume they mean same bulb. My 94 Miata uses the same bulb for the DRL and the turn signal, so obviously the DRL has to go off when the turn signal is used, otherwise the light wouldn't flash.

 

By the way I noticed the order guide for the 2015 Energi is out and it states that "User selectable DRL" is now standard. I assume this will be the case on all 2015 Fusions, but we'll have to wait for those order guides to confirm.

[hybridbear]

By "Optically Combined" I assume they mean same bulb. My 94 Miata uses the same bulb for the DRL and the turn signal, so obviously the DRL has to go off when the turn signal is used, otherwise the light wouldn't flash.

 

By the way I noticed the order guide for the 2015 Energi is out and it states that "User selectable DRL" is now standard. I assume this will be the case on all 2015 Fusions, but we'll have to wait for those order guides to confirm.

Are the order guides on BOF? Perhaps you could start a thread here with them or at least post a link to where they're available.

 

Thanks!

Edited April 22, 2014 by hybridbear

[acdii]

Could also mean in the same housing as some of these are. I know there are some that you cannot see the turn signal if the headlights are on.

[corncobs]

Could also mean in the same housing as some of these are. I know there are some that you cannot see the turn signal if the headlights are on.

They aren't requiring that when you are driving around with headlights on during the day. It should be more problematic since the light are on @ 100%. I my opinion it's pointless except if DRL and turn signals are combined like on the European Fusion spec Mondeo.

[acdii]

As with anything Government related, Vague, incomprehensible, needs a team of lawyers to break it down.

[milleron]

As with anything Government related, Vague, incomprehensible, needs a team of lawyers to break it down.

 

True, acdii. This is an established property of Governmentium

Edited April 23, 2014 by milleron

[corncobs]

 

True, acdii. This is an established property of Governmentium

LOL that's awesome

[kuzzi]

DRLs now activated

[milleron]

DRLs now activated

 

Congratulations! Tell us your story -- was it easy or difficult?

[kuzzi]

Just got an initial "no" from the advisor, showed them the instructions from earlier in this thread, and they got done.

 

Planet Ford/Lincoln in Spring, TX

[acdii]

Forum RulZ once again!