Disable your daytime running lights DRL

rush · Post by **rush** » 14 Nov 2005, 19:55

Pull your lights switch out and disconnect the plug.
Find Green/Red wire which will be #5 on the plug and cut it.

Results after I cut the wire

BSD · Post by **BSD** » 14 Nov 2005, 21:38

Thank you, thank you thank you!!!
Now I can finaly cancel my mortgage with the bulb company!

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 15 Nov 2005, 06:08

What model and year is this for? My 96 850 does not have DRL but my wife's 96 850 does. These cars are nearly identical with the exception of the DRL.

SALTYDOG · Post by **SALTYDOG** » 15 Nov 2005, 07:09

what about 2001- V70 / S60? any idea if it's the same setup?

[email protected] · Post by **[email protected]** » 16 Nov 2005, 08:12

My 1999 V70 has a small switch at the bottom of the master light switch that can be turned with a small flat blade screw driver to disable the DRL feature.

I did that on mine

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 17 Nov 2005, 04:47

I checked mine out, it does have the small screw to turn them off, I will have to check my wife's and see if hers is the same. Both 96 850 GLT wagons.

shurst · Post by **shurst** » 30 Nov 2005, 01:38

I just took our XC70 in for it's 7500 mile service. Asked if there were any way to turn off the DTRL's. I got some story about having to reprogram the computer to do it - for which they wanted $98!!

I also have an '05 Dodge Cummins. anything that can be changed thru the ECU, the dealer has done gratis. It's just a matter of setting a bit on or off.

With the XC70, I don't want to clip any wires, and suspect that would cause a fault in the ECU.

The front, passenger side window has the "fast" up and down type switch that the service people at Volvo said could also be fixed the same way as the DTRL's - computer fix at $98.

So, I need help here, or do I just live with this stuff.

Thanks for any help rendered.

Tait 940 · Post by **Tait 940** » 30 Nov 2005, 11:30

Hello, before cutting wires to disable your day-time running lights on Canadian model 850s, take the control knob out of the dash and look on the back, there was a white sliding switch there that allowed me to control my DRLs without having to cut anything.

stevegs · Post by **stevegs** » 11 Apr 2006, 19:15

rush wrote:Pull your lights switch out and disconnect the plug.
Find Green/Red wire which will be #5 on the plug and cut it.

Doesn't work on a UK market 1994 850SE.

According to the Haynes manual, there is a 'Dim/Dip regulator' on mine that is specifically part of the DRL function. Since it would probably be dissipating power (about 30 watts), it should be fairly chunky, but I cannot find where it is or any reference to it on the Web (the Haynes manual doesn't give a clue). DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE TO FIND IT?

Since this dimmer is an extra device that bypasses the light switch, you can even pull the plug off the back of the switch and the pesky lights remain on!!!

This system has one saving grace - the headlamps *aren't quite so bright*, and only come on full brightness when the light switch is set to position 2 (Headlamps).

In desparation, I've done a temporary fix. It's a bit brutal, but since I can't take the fusebox apart, it's the only option I've found so far:

<LEGAL BIT> I offer this 'fix' WITHOUT ANY GUARANTEE OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER and DISCLAIM ANY LIABILITY IF ANYONE USING THIS INFORMATION SUFFERS LOSS OF ANY KIND. </LEGAL BIT>

1) Take off the fusebox cover (4-no. T25 screws). It is located under the bonnet right by the RH side of the windscreen.

2) Pull out the headlamp relay. It's the largest one, coloured green, that fits into a double socket.

3) Prise off the relay cover. This can be awkward since it is a snap-fit with four tongues of plastic that must all be disengaged simultaneously.

4) Find the pin marked '56b'. It's a 1/4" tab, and is connected via two loops of thick wire to other pins marked '56bL' and '56bR'. (These other pins lead to the headlamp dipped filaments, and the loops of wire are part of the 'lamp fail' warning system - don't damage them in what you are about to do.)

5) Carefully lever up the connection to pin 56b and cut it.

6) Push the severed connection back towards the base of the relay and move it to one side so the connection to pin 56b remains broken. It could then be reinstated at a later date if required.

7) Refit the relay cover, plug in the relay (it will only go in one way round), and refit the fusebox cover.

I would MUCH prefer to keep the dimmer, but only have it functional when the light switch is at position 1 (parking lights) AND the ignition is on. That way, the DRL system functions as normal, but under MY control, for use in bad visibility when motorists are obliged to use headlights anyway, but others would have to use *full brightness* lights.

If I can find this dimming device, it would be fairly simple to do this mod properly.

ddistefano · Post by **ddistefano** » 20 Apr 2006, 14:13

Can I do this on my volvo xc70 1998? Witch cable should I cut. Thanks.