Day Time Running Lights - self-install summary

[RCracer]

Originally Posted by toolz_not_toyz

In Canada, all of my cars with DRL also had an indicator in the dash that let you know that your DRL's were on...not your headlights.

I see plenty of people drive around at dusk without any lights on at all or just their parking lights. Loads of people that don't turn their lights on in the rain. Clearly, it's more a case of people not paying attention. Perhaps it should be more difficult to get and keep a license instead of continuing to place a greater burden on the automakers to design cars that drive themselves.

I completely agree that it is too easy to get a driver's license and that many people are not really knowledgeable enough to be driving.

As far as the headlights turning themselves on or off, the technology already exists, so I fail to see how it would be a burden to the automakers to install it. Any extra materials or labor needed for this would simply be reflected in the cost, which should be minor.

[toolz_not_toyz]

Originally Posted by RCracer

As far as the headlights turning themselves on or off, the technology already exists, so I fail to see how it would be a burden to the automakers to install it.

I'd be happier if a light sensor controlled the brightness of my NAVI display. I believe there actually is a light sensor on the dash at the base of the windshield. But don't know what it's used for. The same company that makes the DRL module offers one with a photo sensor. They say it should work on the Ridgeline but I believe vertrkr tried it and couldn't get it to work.

It's the 45070 model:

http://www.puma-access.com

Here's the link to vertrkr's post:

Daytime Running Light module

[bobpres]

Vertrkr,

Thanks for the AWESOME write-up. I ordered the 45035 (high-beam) kit a couple of months ago and finally got the time to do the install today. Worked great on the first try. (If you knew me, you'd know that is RARELY the case! )

I did a couple of things differently than your write-up. First, I mounted the unit with a self-tapping sheet metal screw. It's virtually in the same place as yours, but I felt the screw might hold better (and I couldn't find my 2-sided tape). I also used the sheet metal screw to ground the black wire. I couldn't get my tools, light, hands, etc. into the area to use the same hole you did. I double-checked the ground with a multimeter and it is good. Lastly, I bought larger tap slices for the two wires under the dash.

My only problem with your write-up (and it's not your fault) is you forgot to mention to move the driver's seat all the way back BEFORE disconnecting the battery. For those of us who are ... ahem ... "skinny challenged", this is a critical step. Otherwise, VERY well done write-up. THANK YOU.

[ha704]

Hey Ridgeliners,
I am going to order a DRL kit but Puma is closed until Jan. 8th and wanted to discuss it with them first. I can't decide if I should run DRL low beams or high beams. What are the feelings or reasons of running low beams at 24% reduction (kit #45030) or high beams at 60% reduction (kit #45035). Has anyone used low beam kit #45020 and if so how has it perpormed? I know this kit does not have all the safety features as #45030 but at half the price is it something to consider?
Thanks, HA704

[bobpres]

I went with the high-beam kit (45035) for two reasons. One, it accomplishes the task of being seen with less light output. This saves the bulbs (theoretically) and, potentially, gas mileage since the alternator doesn't have to overcome more usage. Second, the high beams are more "in your face" than the low beams, so they should be easier to see. I can't speak to the other kits, but I like the 45035 I got.

[e_piph_a_ny]

This is a great reason why I frequent the ROC. I miss the DRLs in my other car and felt Honda miss the boat, safety wise with the RL.

Even tho, this is the DIY forum, I emailed details to my mechanic for a quote on doing the installation. I did electrical mods (alarms, stereos, fog lights) on my prior cars before but with so much clutter in the dash and under the hood in the RL, I feel more confident with a "professional" doing the install.

FYI, earlier post could not find PUMA's website. I googled their phone number and voila! http://www.puma-access.com/online-store/scstore/

[ha704]

bobpres
Thanks for the info. I like your logic of high beam DRL vs low beam DRL. I will order a 45035 kit.
Thanks, HA

[Lingered_I]

This is the link directly to that kit:

http://www.puma-access.com/online-st...g+-p+160-45035

[bongus]

I've had my kit installed for a year and half and it has worked flawlessly. I have the high beam version BTW. Again Vertrkr's instructions will not lead you wrong. This upgrade is an excellent feature that should have been included in the RL.

[wayne beck]

hello everyone my wife worked at a local Chevy dealership and took a traded in surburban on a road trip for the company well they got to about the corner of 91&89 in vermont some one had installed a c.d player in the console (with no fuse) and that circuit got so hot that the truck burned to the ground