Fitting out our latest minivan (Caravan, 1999), I was looking up a DRL module for the vehicle. Now I know that models built in the early to mid nineties for Canada had the required DRLs installed, as did a number of Chrysler cars and vans for fleet service in the US. I heard today that the DRL function was only a software switch in the computer, as the feature was built into all mid-nineties and newer vehicles to simplify manufacturing. It makes sense, but I'm suspicious.

My question, is this true? If not it is rapidly becoming a UL on a number of Dodge forums and elsewhere. If not, I'm sure that someone makes a plug-in module to burn headlights (at 50% like Lexus, by running them in series) when the engine is running and the parking brake released.

There are several aftermarket kits that will operate the parking lights as DRLs, but I'm not really happy with that option. Anyone have a good, universal, plug-in module?

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Addendum: Yes, I discovered the van was built in Canada in late 1999 at the end of the model run. I bought an owner's manual on eBay that makes no mention of the DRL switch, saying only that Canadian cars have them, but they appear to be illuminating only the parking lights. That wouldn't require any more than a software switch to turn on the parking lights with the ignition. So I guess I need to consult a Canadian mechanic, eh?

 

Lol your caravan still runs? The tranny on my mom's blew at like 75k lol.

Don't waste your time by putting money into it in my opinion.

Put some LED strips on as DRL's if you have to have them.

 

Might be easier to do the manual version by just running the headlights/tails all the time. Curious what you find in terms of the software side.