I've got a 2005 F-150 XLT with automatic lights....Is there any way to turn these off while the motor is cranked and I'm driving? The only way to do this in my old Chevy was to have the parking brake on while the truck was on to turn off the lights. Any Ideas?

 

Unless you have the daytime running light option (standard in the Great White North), you just turn your headlight switch from the auto lamp position to off or parking or normal headlight positions. If you have DRLs, you can remove a relay to turn the feature off.

 

I think he is talking about DRL's. The parking break remark is the clue. But why would he want to?

 

Yeah, you're probably correct, it's the whole "automatic lights" phrase that throws me off.

 

Sorry about the "lingo" here, daytime running lights would be the correct term. So you're saying there is a relay switch that controls that? What would I need to do to it in order for them not to be "running" while i'm driving.

 

The dealer can also turn them off for you, but since you're asking about them it's probably safe to assume that you're in Canada? If so, then a Canadian dealer probably won't turn them off for you since DRL's are required by law in Canada, IIRC.

EDIT: Just checked your profile and see that you're in North Carolina. Your local dealership can disable them. I believe the fee should be around $45 to hook up the computer and turn them off. Seems like a lot, but that is what another member reported.

 

I have a 2008 XLT with DRL's. I didn't know I had them, until I downloaded a window sticker. I had to trouble shoot the system to find out why they weren't working. Good news for you, I am now an expert on DRL's. On the front of the radiator support you will find the DRL's resistor. Install a switch in this circuit and you will be able to turn them on and off any time, or you could just unplug the connection.

 

Thanks, I appreciate the help guys....MCDAVIS before to long you're going to have gone through just about every issue i've got with this truck ha

 

I'm glad we're able to provide you with some solid info.
Luckily my troubles with the truck this far have been minor (window switches gunked up, and some other questions) but I have A LOT of time at work to sneak peeks at the forum.

 

Just out of curiousity, why do you want to disable them? They have been proven to be a reliable saftey tool for years now. Your head lights only work on about 70% voltage while they are on, so it's not like they are going to have a shorter life span by using the DRL's.

 

Kevin, where is that resistor? I would like to disable mine.

 

Funny, I covered the light sensor on my dash and set my auto lamps so my headlights would come on whenever the truck is running because I wanted Daytime running lamps.

 

I run my lights all the time when driving but don't like the fact that the daytime running lights can't be turned off even with the parking brake on when parked.

 

I could be wrong but isn't it required by Canadian law to have functioning DRL's?

 

Yes it is the law. As I said, I drive with my lights on when ever the truck is moving. I don't like having them on when parked. The option should be available to turn them off by engaging the parking brake when stopped. Sometimes in a parking lot I want the truck running but no lights on.