loudawg88

Hello all,

I know this subject has been covered here before. I searched for DRL (daytime running lights) posts and learned a bunch (thanks everyone!), but I could not get the definitive answers for the 2003 Tacoma 4x4.

First, does anyone know for sure if it's wire #2 on the DRL relay that one cuts to disable the DRLs for 2003 Tacoma?

Also, does anyone know by experience or solid reference if it's okay to just place a switch inline on that wire so one can choose to have DRLs or not?

Just trying to get clear on this before I start snipping wires on a new truck.

Thanks for any help. 'best, Lou

Tacoma Dude

There's a very specific thread that actually covered this... I'm not sure where it is but the results were pretty much that.
No, there isn't a way (yet) to install a switch to turn the DRLs on or off. Looks like you have to take them or not.

I think it was rwmorrisonjr that had tried to put a switch on it and it hadn't worked?

yeah, here it is:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ghlight=switch
9th post down and further for the guesses as to why not.


If you do find something be sure to post as I'd like to have the on/off DRL option too

loudawg88

Yes, I did see that thread. It did give me some ideas but really has no definitive answers to the question: Is it the #2 wire on DRL relay that you cut to disable DRL for 2003, and will placing a switch inline on this wire allow switching DRL on off, e.g, if one re-connects the wire, will it take the DRLs back to stock?

Or: If one cuts the wire on the DRL relay, is the mod reversable? Anyone?

'best, Lou

rwmorrisonjr

I've tried to reverse the cut and I still don't have DRL's. Am going to try it with smaller gauge wire (22>) and see if that helps; might be something related to resistance or the low voltage that runs the DRL circuit.

loudawg88

Hello All,

I was paranoid to go for it with wire clippers on a $25,00 computerized hunk-a-steel, but danger is my life, and sometimes results in success.

So, first I cut wire 2 on the 2003 Tacoma DRL relay and wired a high amperage switch inline using beefy wire, soldering all connections and in general being super careful. Using the switch, I could run truck with DRL on or off, but with DRL off the headlight relay in the engine compartment fuse box appeared to be cycling incorrectly, and buzzing. This was probably caused by my fancy driving lights, cornering lights, etc. , which were tough to get working with the DRLs. Bummer. Cutting and switching wire 2 might work for someone else, but not for me.

BUT, after splicing wire 2 together (everything back to factory normal, thank God) I went ahead and cut wire 1. Success. Was able to place a switch inline on wire one, and even have an indicator light working (dim because of low voltage) with switch to show if DRL is on or off. For what it's worth, it appears that wire 1 is the + wire, and wire 2 turns the ground on and off for the relay, or DRL, or both...

I took photos and if I have time I'll write the project up. Above will have to do for now. Time taken was about 5 hours including the experiments. Tip: If you do this, take the knee panel off, and remove the vent behind the knee panel, then remove DRL relay by backing out an obvious 10mm bolt. Once the relay is dangling, it's easy to pull the plug, and semi-easy to cut/solder wires. Battery disconnected during all, of course.

'best, Lou

Tacoma Dude

COOL!
Thanks Lou!