Daytime running lights question

I just got a new (to me) 2002 XLT. The DRLs don't seem to be working properly. Before I ask any dumb questions, are
they standard on this model? If they're an option, how can I tell if I have them?
TIA.

"Jonah" > wrote in message
...
> I just got a new (to me) 2002 XLT. The DRLs don't seem to be working
properly. Before I ask any dumb questions, are
> they standard on this model? If they're an option, how can I tell if I
have them?
> TIA.

I have a 2002 XLS.....and they are NOT standard on it....
Maybe on the Limited or Eddie Bowser models??

If you live in the Good Old USA DRL's are not standard on any Ford
product. Just like the third brake light DRL's will do nothing for you.
Sorry about that.

Ron

Jonah wrote:
> I just got a new (to me) 2002 XLT. The DRLs don't seem to be working
> properly. Before I ask any dumb questions, are they standard on this
> model? If they're an option, how can I tell if I have them?
> TIA.

Opinions clearly vary on this, but MINE is that the DRL's are only useful
when they are "different", just like the 3rd brakelight. I was working for a
company that made the red plastic years ago who were partly instrumental in
getting the 3rd brakelight mandated. They did it to sell more plastic and
used data that showed that the 3rd light did provoke a faster response time
precisely because it was unusual. I would be interested in seeing if rear
end collisions have climbed back up now that essentially all cars have them.

Similarly, the cars with DRLs stand out because they are different, or were.
We used to notice a car with his lights on in the daytime and wonder why,
but as more and more show up with that, I wonder about the utility.
Motorcycle drivers initially appreciated being more visible with their
light(s) on, but I've heard comments that when cars started having DRL's,
people don't see the motorcycles anymore. Frankly, the daytime lights just
irritate me, kind of like fog lights do for other people I guess (I like fog
lights!).

To the initial question, Explorers have a DRL module option available that
is mounted up front if installed, and which came about becuase Canada
mandated DRL's as I understand it. It is standard in Canada.

=Vic=
Bear Gap, PA
> wrote in message
...
>
> DRL's WILL do something for you. Likely save your life one day. Ask the
> Greyhound Bus Lines why they have been running with headlights ON for
> umpteen
> years. Explorer DRL's are good, but there are some vehicles that only
> have
> amber parking light-type "DRL's" which aren't worth spit. Pontiac Montana
> vans
> are a good example. I always turn on the headlights when I head out on a
> highway in the commercial Montana van that I drive. Even have the driving
> lamps
> turned on. I am most comfortable driving my Explorer. I want to be
> highly
> visible to the person who decides that he will pass the vehicle coming at
> me.
> Or to the individual approaching from a side road.
>
>
>>>If you live in the Good Old USA DRL's are not standard on any Ford
>>>product. Just like the third brake light DRL's will do nothing for you.
>>>Sorry about that.
>>>
>>>Ron
>>>
>>>Jonah wrote:
>>>> I just got a new (to me) 2002 XLT. The DRLs don't seem to be working
>>>> properly. Before I ask any dumb questions, are they standard on this
>>>> model? If they're an option, how can I tell if I have them?
>>>> TIA.
>

"Vic Klein" > wrote in message
news
> Similarly, the cars with DRLs stand out because they are different, or
> were. We used to notice a car with his lights on in the daytime and wonder
> why, but as more and more show up with that, I wonder about the utility.
> Motorcycle drivers initially appreciated being more visible with their
> light(s) on, but I've heard comments that when cars started having DRL's,
> people don't see the motorcycles anymore. Frankly, the daytime lights just
> irritate me, kind of like fog lights do for other people I guess (I like
> fog lights!).
>
<snip>
I agree with the being different makes them standout.... I used to ride, and
had several incidents where someone did not see me on my bike, even with the
headlight burning, and pulled out in front of me. I obtained a device
called a "bumble bee", IIRC that would flash the headlight between high and
low beam very quickly (like once a sec) and that dramatically reduced the
folks pulling out in front......could only use it during the daytime though.

I found this from a prior post. Ed White knows his stuff...I was on the
Expedition list with him for years before I downsized (boy I miss that
truck) Anyway, I'd take stock in his reply:

"The DRL module, when present, is on the left hand
side of the engine compartment near one of the fuse boxes. With DRLs
there should also be a relay in the battery junction/fuse box (relay K5,
upper right corner of the box). The DRL Module Connector is a
rectangular connector with 6 pins (2 rows of three pins each). It
appears to me that if your vehicle did not come with DRLs, it will not
be easy to add them. The shop manual has completely different headlight
wiring schematics for vehicles with and without DRLs."

On Wed, 6 Apr 2005 14:13:11 -0400, "Gerry Pierce"
> wrote:

>
>"Vic Klein" > wrote in message
>news >
>> Similarly, the cars with DRLs stand out because they are different, or
>> were. We used to notice a car with his lights on in the daytime and wonder
>> why, but as more and more show up with that, I wonder about the utility.
>> Motorcycle drivers initially appreciated being more visible with their
>> light(s) on, but I've heard comments that when cars started having DRL's,
>> people don't see the motorcycles anymore. Frankly, the daytime lights just
>> irritate me, kind of like fog lights do for other people I guess (I like
>> fog lights!).
>>
><snip>
>I agree with the being different makes them standout.... I used to ride, and
>had several incidents where someone did not see me on my bike, even with the
>headlight burning, and pulled out in front of me. I obtained a device
>called a "bumble bee", IIRC that would flash the headlight between high and
>low beam very quickly (like once a sec) and that dramatically reduced the
>folks pulling out in front......could only use it during the daytime though.
>
I had one of those on my Wing; I don't actually know if it did what it
promised.
Yes, it was indeed unusual at night!

--
Bill Funk
Change "g" to "a"

Just to get an idea of how the DRL connector was present on Explorers
that didn't come straight from the factory with DRL operational see
this link

http://ourplaceusa.home.att.net/drl.htm

Keep in mind this is a '96 Explorer that had the wiring in place from
the factory but didn't have the DRL module plugged-in

I heard that in '98?? the wiring harness is not even present unless
the vehicle came from the factory with DRL operational (wiring harness
and module installed)

Also looked in what is called an Explorer Accessory Brochure, you
might see DRL mentioned as installable by the dealer.



On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 17:25:58 -0400, Jonah > wrote:

>I just got a new (to me) 2002 XLT. The DRLs don't seem to be working properly. Before I ask any dumb questions, are
>they standard on this model? If they're an option, how can I tell if I have them?
>TIA.

DRL's are standard on Explorers sold in Canada. I think Ford has
always had an extra cost accessory that activatied DRL in later model
cars (2000 and later). Not only are cars with DRL safer, you also can
save about $40.00 per year ( NY) in insurance costs. Insurance
companys think they are safer too.

knagy389us wrote:
>
> I found this from a prior post. Ed White knows his stuff...I was on the
> Expedition list with him for years before I downsized (boy I miss that
> truck) Anyway, I'd take stock in his reply:
>
> "The DRL module, when present, is on the left hand
> side of the engine compartment near one of the fuse boxes. With DRLs
> there should also be a relay in the battery junction/fuse box (relay K5,
> upper right corner of the box). The DRL Module Connector is a
> rectangular connector with 6 pins (2 rows of three pins each). It
> appears to me that if your vehicle did not come with DRLs, it will not
> be easy to add them. The shop manual has completely different headlight
> wiring schematics for vehicles with and without DRLs."

Ford sells an "accessory" kit to add DRLs to US model
Explorers (at least pre 2001) without them. See:
http://www.parts.com/partlocator/ind...catalogid=3138

It is Ford P/N F6SZ-13B218-AA .

Personally, if you are in favor of running lights during the
day, why not just turn on the headlights?

Ed