Daytime running lights
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 501
Likes: 1
From: Pacific NW
In Canada, our Halogen F-150's had their headlights run at reduced wattage to function as Day Time Running Lights (DTRL). However, the OP is wondering if the HID's function as the DTRL's or if there is some other lighting that picks up DTRL duty. I personally don't know the answer, but I know that it's just a programming tweak on the slightly older trucks to have the headlights function as the DTRL's. I don't know if they changed that to be the signal indicators or anything else.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 501
Likes: 1
From: Pacific NW
You are right Juneau, HID's must have enough current to maintain an Arc inside the bulb/capsule. So they're either on or not. The reason why HID's are dim when they first turn on is because the mercury or whatever compound in the capsule needs to be melted and turned into a gas to convert more of the electrical arc to light. That's why I'm curious on how Ford handled the DTRL situation with the newer HID trucks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,946
Likes: 11
From: Northern California
Borrowed from another site:
The power-up of the bulbs happens in three phases. First comes the ignition, when a high voltage pulse is used to produce a spark which ionizes the Xenon gas, creating a tunnel of current between the Tungsten electrodes. After this comes the initial phase, when the temperature in the bulb capsule rises rapidly, the metallic salts vaporize and the resistance between the electrodes fails.
The ballast comes into function and automatically switches to continuous operation, when all metal salts are in vapor phase, the arc of light has achieved a stable shape and the luminous efficacy has attained its nominal value. Being supplied with stable electrical power by the ballast, the arc will not flicker.
The power-up of the bulbs happens in three phases. First comes the ignition, when a high voltage pulse is used to produce a spark which ionizes the Xenon gas, creating a tunnel of current between the Tungsten electrodes. After this comes the initial phase, when the temperature in the bulb capsule rises rapidly, the metallic salts vaporize and the resistance between the electrodes fails.
The ballast comes into function and automatically switches to continuous operation, when all metal salts are in vapor phase, the arc of light has achieved a stable shape and the luminous efficacy has attained its nominal value. Being supplied with stable electrical power by the ballast, the arc will not flicker.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 320
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I found out today from my buddy who has a 2013 said that the running lights are on through the parking light if equipped. That comes from the owners manual. So the question still remains is it programmable thing or is it something added at the factory for the Canadians?
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