Hey so... I know DRL posts are sorta all over but I wondered if someone could confirm or reject my hypothesis for making DRL (corner markers and tail lights) on my US 3rd gen pickup. I'm importing it into Canada and need to make DRL work.

Yes, I'm aware there is a module at Canadian Tire that I can use to achieve this but I thought it would be simpler, and cheaper, to DIY.

So... currently when I turn the combo switch from off to the first click (dash, tail lights, corners), these lights turn on even when the key is not in the ignition.

So my idea was to use a relay in the following way:

Pins 85 and 86 - use a 12V source that's only powered when iginition is on - splice this line and attach in line
Pin 30 - ground
Pin 87 - to circuit (combo switch first on position)

Hoping that this would make the dash lights, tail and corners only come on when ignition is in ON position.

Perhaps there's an easier way to do this? Or an easier way without turning on dash lights and dimmer circuit?

 

I don't know the details of what Canada requires for DRL, but Toyota turned on the headlights for DRL (not just the corner lights). Toyota's DRL does not turn on the headlights until the alternator is producing power. Your solution would have the lights on as soon as the key is turned to on. The difference? If it's cold, your battery may not have enough oomph to turn the starter AND power the headlights at the same time.

Does it get cold in Canada?

I don't know what the Canadian Tire module goes for, but if you're willing to do a little experimentation you could try this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32832257840.html I haven't installed it in my truck yet (I think DRL is a good way to avoid accidents), but it works great on the bench.

 

Yeah, the problem is the Toyota vehicles with DRL had a DRL circuit from the factory which presumably also had a different loom/harness altogether. It does get fairly cold in Canada but my area not too bad... (coldest I've seen it in 30 years is -10 for maybe a day).

Currently the truck will turn on markers and headlight without key in ignition. Ideally I later figure out how to disable that as well. The legal requirement doesn't specify headlights so I am going to use the corners and save the headlights for actual night-time.