I paid a Ford dealer to enable the daytime running lights (DRL) feature on my 2013 F250 Lariat today. The techs at the first Ford dealer I visited didn't know how, so I drove to another Ford dealer who was able to do it. The charge was $50 for 1/2 hour labor.

Most of the postings on the forum about DRLs are by people wishing to disable their daytime running lights. I grew accustomed to using daytime running lights on my previous vehicle (Toyota FJ Cruiser) and thought they were a good idea so that is why I had them enabled on the new F250.

I wish the DRL feature lit the tail lights, too, because I have experienced more rear end collisions than head on collisions.

 

Or you could have just turned the headlights to the "on" position...would've saved $50 and have the taillights on like you want.

 

Thanks for the comment. Been there, done that, but I don't want the headlights on at full power all the time. DRL mode illuminates the headlights at lower brightness.

Money wasn't a problem.

 

How do you switch these new daytime running lights on? Upfitter?

 

Dealer tech hooks up computer, changes parameter and drl's come on with truck running and in gear automatically. Standard feature on all vehicles in Canada post 1989 or something. Before my driving time.

 

Just curious, what difference does it make if they are on at full power or not?

 

I just put mine in automatic mode and keep the light sensor covered. My wife donated a small stuffed animal to the cause. They are on full power all the time. Since the vehicle was purchased in late 2006, I have not had a bulb burn out and I am still using the factory battery.

 

Had DRL on my '97 Tahoe, 14 years 197k miles original bulbs. Cleaned the housing twice since it clouded up. Reduced power extends bulb life AND keeps moisture out of the housing. Could be disabled by a clic or two on parking brake.

The cheby had an annoying green "drl on indicator" on the dash, that EVERYBODY said was either turn signals are on or the high beams whenever i hsd passengers.

 

Where is the light sensor located? I have a 2013 F250 so it may be in a different place from your truck's sensor.

Thanks.

 

Don't DRLs give away your position when you're stalking old girlfriends?

 

They would have to be deaf old GFs for lights to make a difference

 

DRL's are just plain smart...I still can't believe the damn Canadians have one-upped us on this. I pass too damn many *******es in pre-dawn, dusk and foggy conditions with no lights. I guess I'm getting old and cranky and suseptible to road rage...I flash the hell out of them. If the urban legend of gang bangers hunting down flashers is true...it will be me

 

I sort of agree, but the new digital dashboards more often lets folks drive in the dark unaware. Since you can see the speedometer and other dash indicators they forget to put the lights on.
I have seen lots of folks driving around with only DRL no taili lights, since there is some head lights and the dash is lit up they are clueless..

 

It' a plastic "lump" up on the dash, close to the windshield. On my '07 it's almost in the center of the dash.

 

QUOTE...weyland426......DRL's are just plain smart...I still can't believe the damn Canadians have one-upped us on this.

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