HOW TO: Daytime Running Lights (DRL) installed for $35

[VirginiaBurbs]

This is cool, but how does it compare to, umm, just turning on the lights when you drive in the daytime, and then turning them off when you stop?

[alozzy]

When you're importing a LEAF from the US to Canada, it's a federal requirement to have DRLs added. I suspect most people that have contributed to this thread are either Canadian or just feel that DRLs are a compelling safety feature.

On my 2013 SV, I always have the headlights on the auto setting anyways, so the DRLs are pointless, but nonetheless I had to install them when importing.

[powersurge]

This is cool, but how does it compare to, umm, just turning on the lights when you drive in the daytime, and then turning them off when you stop?

Nice comment... I have for many years driven ALWAYS with my lights on... It is a habit I got from increasing my visibility when I rode motorcycles....

I have taught all my 3 children this trick when they drive, and it is funny... We all automatically turn on the lights anytime we start the car!!

[powersurge]

Also, I appreciate the detailed directions and pictures of this mod... But I personally would not recommend those "biting clip" connectors to tap into power wires, especially on an installation that uses a lot of power.. I have not had good results on those connectors long term....

I would cut and solder wires together and use shrink tubing...

[michelb]

Hope no one minds me bringing this topic back to the front. I just wanted to thank those that helped with info.

I added a string LED tonight. I like the style but I'll have to see if it's bright enough during the day.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2Ud4XuxHDz8WFAZ37

To compare, this is with the low beams and the fogs on (shaky picture)
https://photos.app.goo.gl/6Bg9aqriBu6DotdA7

And this is with the fogs off
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ee8osU5dNVUTyLMW9


On a somewhat related note, rather than adding the LEDs, does anyone know if there's an easy way to tap directly into the factory fog lamps so I could use those as DRLs (maybe pulling the fog fuse and splicing 57 and 18 (or whatever the wire numbers are) to the fog wires). Which number are the fog lamp wires in the "box" (with 57 and 18)

[belanger]

This is the most recent active thread for DRL, so the reason to reply here.

Bought a Leaf 2013 in the US many years ago and imported it to Canada this past week. While searching to figure out a good way to add DRL, I stumble a turn signal light bulb with a "Dual Mode". It does turn signal (yellow) and DRL (white) on the same bulb.

The way it works, when the turn signal is on the bulb switches between yellow and off. When the turn signal is off, the bulb is white.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005199986590.html

For the white light to work as DRL, there's a separate wire that connects to the accessory power. To make that simple, "fuse tap cable".

I just ordered those, will post an update when I have time to install/try them.

What I find interesting is that it doesn't uses much power compared to the halogen headlight. Yes Yes, I'm trying to replace the H13 with LED but I can't make up my mind which brand/model to buy that will last years and not weeks/months. Even if I'd have LED headlights, I'm not sure I want to use them DRL, the turn signal are way cheaper to replace.

[Talon610]

I am interested to see how this turns out for you, looks like an easier option. Keep us posted...

[belanger]

I am interested to see how this turns out for you, looks like an easier option. Keep us posted...

The seller didn't send me the bulb with the proper socket and I just realized, turn signals require canbus

Back on ali, based on my search, below is the only compatible bulb that I could find w/ canbus and DRL

https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/33034350457.html

Not sure when I'll order this one yet.

[ebeighe]

The seller didn't send me the bulb with the proper socket and I just realized, turn signals require canbus

I'm confused, where does the canbus fit in? Isn't the turn signal light just a plain old 12V bulb?
https://www.sylvania-automotive.com/on/ ... oepn=3457A

[goldbrick]

Not any more....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwy-SINthQI