Headlights won't turn off, a case study
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
- This video describes the investigation of a 1998 Dodge Ram that was suddenly found to have headlights that would not turn off. The cause was found to be a faulty DRL (daytime running light) module. Various options for dealing with this problem are discussed. The DRL module for the 1998 Dodge Ram uses an older strategy of delivering half power to the high beam headlights. Therefore it is no surprise to see that the high beam indicator light was persistently on at reduced intensity when the DRL module failed. A work-around method to restore function of the high beam indicator light on the instrument panel without replacing the DRL module is shown. This is an amateur video published for entertainment purposes only. Any misadventure you encounter if you decide to repair your own vehicle is at your own risk. Be sure to comply with all local laws.
I have the same-ish problem with my 6th gen Toyota Celica, but it's for the low beams.
I'm trying to find some wiring diagram now.
This worked perfectly. Thank you for saving me so much time and money ! Kind of a hard video to find, but worked great
Thank you! Was told by a mechanic it would be an expensive fix so i drove a year taking the fuses out on a daily basis. Found this video and it immediately solved the problem on my 02 cummins!
Very intelligent and informative analysis, and so pleasantly poetic about it.
What a kind remark, thank you.
Impresive!
These trucks weren't made to have DRL, as far as I know. Canadian regulations required them, but US trucks do not have DRL.
Yes, you're right. In one post here on the internet there is reference to an aftermarket option done by Canadian Tire, for vehicles imported to Canada. I went to Canadian Tire, and the tech told me they no longer supply them, and he directed me to Lordco. NAPA said to go to the dealer, and Lordco had an option for $60 that might have worked.There are two common circuits based on whether the supply is positive or negative, and newer vehicles have various circuits with increasing complexity. Because the technology has changed, it is increasingly difficult to find aftermarket parts to fit every vehicle. For the newest vehicles, the DRL option is incorporated as an option tab within the PCM. However the user has to define the location as Canada before the option lights up as a clickable tab.
Helpful - nice clear study of this expensive problem.
Nice work Dave and a good resolution to your hi-beam indicator.
Thanks, Terry.
Saved me so much time. Was able to fix this on the side of the road! Thanks!!
I'm glad it helped, thanks for the followup!
Hi
Hey man. Thanks for the video. Looking forward to a reply here.
On my old 97 F150, the headlights won't turn off. I took apart the switch in the truck and checked it out, everything seems okay.
The switch works for all the LEDs on the display, the daytime running lights, and my brights. After a google search I found that the DRL module could be the culprit. Although here's the thing about it. My truck has never had the Daytime running lights automatically, ever since I've owned it. It's always required me to manually switch them on and off.
That's interesting. Was the truck sold in Canada? I would first look to see if you have a DRL module, and if you have one, unplug it. It helps a lot to have a copy of the dealers repair manual. I use alldatadiy, but I'm told Mitchells is also good. More recent models are activated by an option in the PCM. If there's no DRL module, I'd go back to basics, check the relay and trace back the source of power.
This just happened to me during ask this Atmospheric river storm craziness! I found the schematic and pulled the fuses for tonight. Going to try this in the morning thank you! Hope it works similarly for ‘03 tundra
How about listing the make in the title? Otherwise, every google search for headlight needs a stupid click to find out the model is a Dodge. Don't Dodge it. Ram it. into a telephone pole. That will solve your problem.
I have a 2000 dodge ram laramie and I've had this issue. Now I also have an issue with the truck staying on when I attempt to shut it off. I'm suspicious that it is more than just the ignition if I'm also having these other electrical issues.
That's interesting. It sounds like an ignition switch problem, or perhaps the ASD relay is not doing its job. Look for corrosion around the battery, the ground terminals on either side, and the fuse box.
Interesting , good job on that fix ..
Thanks, Shawn.
My car is doing that
Thanks a Ton for the video I have a 1995 Ford f-150 same issue but I live in Canada and need the DRLs your video helped me to by pass the module, have the lights on with ignition and high beams indicator light works great
Good fix !
You're a great teacher sir. Thank you. 💛
Great video. Not likely you'll be in a rush to drop $100 for that. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, in an old vehicle you have to wonder why you would pay so much to avoid flicking a switch.
Thank-you muchly! I have a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Same problem and your fix worked! Again thank-you!
I'm glad it helped, thanks for the followup! My DRL module was full of water and very heavy. A few weeks later it was much lighter. I wish I had kept it to take it apart to see what's inside.
Hmm never heard of that, perhaps uk cars dont often have the option.
Google has spoken lol, it says the lights come on when the engine is running and the switch isnt in low beam mode.
If thats correct you may be able to take a normal relay, connect one coil contact to a reverse diode from the alternator warning light terminal and the other to the low beam bulb.
The relay closes only when the warning light is off and the low beam is off.
If the warning light still uses the old double 12v = light off method.
The relay coil would need more current than just a peanut warning light could provide.
You have the relay contacts to use for the daytime lights.
I could be talking crap but it could be cheaper than an expensive unit.
Those are good thoughts. If I have time one day I'll break apart the DRL module and see how it's made. The design is interesting, with half voltage high beam lights used for daytime running. These incandescent lights last longer at lower voltage, in contrast to halogen lights that actually die sooner when less voltage is applied. Because DRL lights run continuously, the real expense may be the need to replace bulbs more often....
Oh i didnt get a good enough discription from the net, they dim as well, hmm interesting.
Yes if you can chibble away the resin the pcb is in, you may find a mosfet transistor bolted to the case, if its gate is fed with a 50/50 duty cycle waveform the power out would be effectively 50%.
I bet the mosfet is shorted, but thats just logical guesswork.
Interesting to think about though :-).
Thanks, I always look forward to your educated input.
Nice fix
You traced your way back out of that cave.
Good video. I have replaced several of these boxes, I pick up DRL modules at a wrecker where you can pull your own parts. They used to cost $5, but may be more now. The ones from dodge caravans work too on your truck. If I remember right you can just cut the power wire to the module. Headlights stay off and blue indicator light still works.
That's good to know, thanks for the input. Here, most junk yards no longer allow the public to remove their own parts, because of liability concerns. I have a nostalgia for those days, it doesn't seem very long ago.
We have a wrecker called "Bucks " That is the only way they sell parts. Cars are up on stands about 15 inches off the ground. you unbolt parts yourself. really cheap.
Great video! Thanks for the upload. I have a Chrysler Intrepid 1997 right now. It is in good shape and has extremely low mileage on it for it's age at 20 years old. Only 140,000 km. I'm Canadian, eh? My high beams will not go off and stay on when the car is shut down, so I have disconnected the battery so it don't drain. I am going to try some of the things you recommended in a little while. I am going to do more research before hand. Anyways, thanks so much!
I hope the repair is as easy for you as it was for me. One thing about the DRL module I noticed is how heavy it was. I left it on the bench for a few weeks, thinking I'd open it up. Over that time the weight dropped, so undoubtedly my module was full of water that evaporated on the bench. Good luck! By the way, if you are looking for a free wiring diagram for your car, go to bbbindustries, then search for your car. They have wiring diagrams for many vehicles. I subscribe to alldatadiy for all my vehicles so that is not a problem.
Haha, I was watching this video for the same reason, the same problem, the same car and the same year. 😂
My problem is that even at off on my headlight switch, the headlights stay on at all modes. I checked my relay and fuses and when I disconnect the headlight fuses headlights turn off. Do you think on mine is the headlight switch lever since I don't think I have a daytime running lights box? 06 scion xb
Fairly likely, do you normally have daytime running lights? DRL systems are enabled only in some countries, in the US I believe they are optional. I'd check for codes, look at a wiring diagram, search for advice on scion forums, and hunt down the DRL relay. In my case, disconnecting the DRL relay turned the headlights off so I didn't drain the battery overnight, but as you can see I needed an extra step to get high beam cab signal working properly. This is very specific for the Dodge, all bets are off for other manufacturers like Toyota.
@@spelunkerd thanks for the reply have been watching your videos for years very informative. I checked the diagram and other than each headlight having a fuse and checking those were good, it has a headlight relay located in a very hard to reach under the drivers lower side dash facing backwards so I haven't got to check it it's so hard to get to. What I'm going to do first before attacking that is disconnect my dimmer/headlight lever on the steering wheel that is home to the headlight switch and if the headlights turn off then it's the problem? Or is that not a valid test?
Good thought, approach it with your common sense and you'll find the issue, ha ha. Nice to meet you.
@@spelunkerd thanks I figured the relay would be last because other than being hard to get to, I think by looking at the diagram it seems to control something else and this is the only problem I'm having so I'm thinking the disconnecting the lever first. Do you know how it can still be that relay if the headlight normally working has 12v at all times and the relay then grounds it and it lights up?
@@paquesepas6696 Not sure from here, I'd have to see the diagram and think about it for a while.
where u can buy it tooday? any reference ?
Generic DRL relays are for sale on Ebay and elsewhere, and prices have fallen each year. For old vehicles like this the OEM parts are increasingly difficult to find. When I last looked, I couldn't find one for the 1998 Ram, there's no listing on RockAuto. So you may be faces with installing an aftermarket device, or trying to find a unit that in a junk yard that hasn't fried.
I don't have this problem but mine is similar, when I turn the headlights on their automatically on high beams and the button to lower them to normal doesn't do anything do you know anything about that?
I have a 2008 Mitsubishi raider truck
I would wonder about the multifunction switch on your steering wheel. If you live in the US and don't have DRL installed, then I would check the wiring diagram and try to prove the diagnosis before replacing the switch.
spelunkerd I actually read my truck's manual and yeah it said you can turn on the high beams via the multifunction switch, it was no big deal I just switched em off haha thanks for your help tho!
very creative,great job
What a coincidence, I was just watching your fuel injector /labscope sounds video. Thanks for stopping by!
Dave
Fantastic Dave and a good resolve. Cheers !!
Thanks, Steve.
NICE WORK!!
Thanks, Adam.
Very good video you did the research for us viewers and solved the problem. Thank you very much for the Upload.
👊🏽😎💯💯💯💯💯
Hey man, I'm glad it helped!