The wifey now wants to go to a drive-through Christmas light show; most vehicles shut-down headlights and use parking lights only. The 400H still has daylight running lights "DRL's" enabled and causes distraction to others; is there a way to temporarily disable the DRL's while at the display?

Regards from Eastern North Carolina

 

The only way for a temporarily way is to remove the bulbs and then add them back in when your ready.

 

Thanks!

But a step easier might be to place some temporary shades over the external portion of the lights and obviously remove prior to departing the display.

 

Oh yeah. That will look a little weird but less drastic.

 

Here's a thought. How about pulling the fuse for the headlights? I don't know if it will affect other electronics though. You might also get a warning light on the dash.

 

Good idea to consider; I just don't have the technical expertise to determine what else may be affected, whether this would leave a trouble code in the system, potentially affect safety equipment functions, etc.

 

you can do this a local lexus dealership, if they will do it for you. Some dealers will be glad to turn it off for you as a Lexus personalized settings or some dealers will tell you off with the explanation of liability issues. So just check with your dealer.

 

Agreed and thanks for your input; I had the opportunity to disable the DRL's at my 1K service visit; but after reviewing the safety benefits, chose to allow them to remain in the on position (despite the extra electric power used in the hybrid).

The original post refers to a temporary method of disabling the lights for a short term for a specific purpose, not permanently.

 

Well, then you can go back and have them turn it back on. haha I don't about you, but you have a good relationship with your service adviser then it wouldn't be too much of a hassle to have them turn it off and turn it on again. But hey it's just a idea. Hope you will have fun at the Christmas light show.

 

Just put tape over your headlights.

 

I would just unplug the connector that goes to bulb. That way you can leave the bulbs in place and plug the connector back in.

 

You might try a number of combination of turning on parking lights, ignition on/off, lights on/off, etc. I've been successful after some fumbling when driving into a drive-in movie (or even watching DVD movies in the car during the weeks of power failure after hurricane Ike) where I needed the engine running and lights out. I keep forgetting to try this again and report my solution, but I believe some combination of switch settings will turn off the DRLs.

 

those combo i believe might work on a GS or IS but it doesnot work on the RX, atleast when i tried it it didnt work....

 

All good suggestions; any other input?

 

I know with GM vehicles that if you have the parking brake pressed down one click and start driving it will leave the lights on because it thinks it is parked