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SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

Weird DRL Problem

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Old Jun 25, 2016 | 10:32 AM
  #1  
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Default Weird DRL Problem

On my 2006 SC430 the DRL's come on with the low bean lights. I assume this is standard across all second Gen SC430's. My issue is the passenger side DRL went out. The high beams worked fine, but only the drivers side DRL would work when the headlights are on (no DRL's come on with the headlights off).

So, I went to AutoZone and picked up replacement bulbs. I just put them in and the exact same thing is happening. Brights work fine, DRL only works on the drivers side. Any idea how I can either stop the driver's side DRL working as well or repair the passenger side? I have no idea where to even look now that I have replaced the bulbs.

Thanks. Brian
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Old Jun 25, 2016 | 12:09 PM
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I do know you can turn off the DRLs using the Techstream device. I turned mine off.
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Old Jun 25, 2016 | 02:18 PM
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Got it sorted out. So, there are apparently 4 lights in those headlight assemblies (low beam, high beam, turn signal, and what I referred to as a DRL light - in the same housing as the high beam). THAT was the bulb that was out. I replaced them so everything works great, then disconnected the wiring harness from the bulb and wrapped in electrical tape. Now, I don't get any extra light when I turn on my headlights and no warning light.

Now, I'm a happy camper.

Thanks to all. Brian
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Old Jun 25, 2016 | 02:21 PM
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I was just typing that same concept. That the High Beam and DRL are the same bulb in the 2002. Not totally sure about 06+. But, if your DRL and low beams are on at the same time then it sort of defeats the purpose of Daylight Running Lights aspect of DRL. Glad you got it sorted out.

Last edited by ShawnOk; Jun 25, 2016 at 02:27 PM.
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Old Jun 25, 2016 | 04:17 PM
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Originally Posted by bjhille
Got it sorted out. So, there are apparently 4 lights in those headlight assemblies (low beam, high beam, turn signal, and what I referred to as a DRL light - in the same housing as the high beam). THAT was the bulb that was out. I replaced them so everything works great, then disconnected the wiring harness from the bulb and wrapped in electrical tape. Now, I don't get any extra light when I turn on my headlights and no warning light.

Now, I'm a happy camper.

Thanks to all. Brian
Then you won't get any high beam neither. The correct what is turn off the DRL is using Techsteam.

Last edited by GmanSC; Jun 25, 2016 at 04:20 PM.
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Old Jun 25, 2016 | 04:36 PM
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Actually, I have tried it out and the high beams work fine. Those "extra" two lights truly aren't needed.

For those curious, if I have the DRL set to be on (via the Tech software) then these lights are on all the time. If you set it to turn the DRL's off, they will only come on with the low beams. No DRL per say, but ugly when you turn on the low beams.

This solution works! I can post pics if you need/want to see it.

Thanks. Brian
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Old Jun 25, 2016 | 04:53 PM
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Pictures always help.
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Old Jun 25, 2016 | 08:38 PM
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Let me make sure I understand the above statement, for my own benefit. So if you use techstream to set DRL to OFF, the DRL will still illuminate with the low beam only? Does this theory hold true across all years of the SC430? I wonder b'c in the 2002-2005, the high beam and the DRL are the same bulb. As compared to the 2006+ which have separate bulbs for the DRL and high beam. So I'm a little confused on the concept. Appreciate any clarification. Thanks.
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Old Jun 25, 2016 | 11:40 PM
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.....if I'm understanding correctly, the bulb that you're talking about is the parklight. In the 2006+, there is a high beam (which is also the drl), there is a low beam, there is a turn signal & there is a parklight. The pics I posted show my Sc with only the parklights on & I think this is the bulb that he is refering to




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Old Jun 26, 2016 | 05:20 AM
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So if you get some t10 LEDs. Then you still have your parking lights, and you can have them bright white.
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Old Jun 26, 2016 | 09:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Coleroad
So if you get some t10 LEDs. Then you still have your parking lights, and you can have them bright white.
...I occasionally switch mine to white also
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