DRL activation

[brbauer2]

Stopped by where I purchased the Fiesta and the tech went straight to the computer, which of course said DRL can't be activated. I had the posts from LMTech and D1JL with me but the tech wouldn't even look at them.

Guess it is time to call some other dealers in the area to see if I can get my DRL activated.

p.s. Anyone else have a 2012 Fiesta with the DRL successfully activated?

[Norm201]

Originally Posted by brbauer2

Stopped by where I purchased the Fiesta and the tech went straight to the computer, which of course said DRL can't be activated. I had the posts from LMTech and D1JL with me but the tech wouldn't even look at them.

Guess it is time to call some other dealers in the area to see if I can get my DRL activated.

p.s. Anyone else have a 2012 Fiesta with the DRL successfully activated?

Did you check if you have the relay and fuse installed? If not then they are correct, it can't be enabled. However, if you can show them that in fact that those items are installed than there is no reason they cannot enable the DRL and at no cost. If they still refuse talk to your sales person. And find another dealer to have your service work done and let them know it!

[brbauer2]

Originally Posted by Norm201

Did you check if you have the relay and fuse installed? If not then they are correct, it can't be enabled. However, if you can show them that in fact that those items are installed than there is no reason they cannot enable the DRL and at no cost. If they still refuse talk to your sales person. And find another dealer to have your service work done and let them know it!

I do in fact have all the necessary hardware installed.

I just got off the phone with the service dept. at another dealer in the area and they are willing to hook up and see if it can be done (why wouldn't it?). It would cost me $52.50 in shop charges to even attempt, but I think I can wait for my oil change and/or 10,000 check.

The service guy I talked to did say that if it was as easy as changing a value in the computer, then Ford would have done it at the factory. Since Ford did not, it could be reason enough to refuse warranty if something does go wrong with the lights.

[Norm201]

Originally Posted by brbauer2

I do in fact have all the necessary hardware installed.

I just got off the phone with the service dept. at another dealer in the area and they are willing to hook up and see if it can be done (why wouldn't it?). It would cost me $52.50 in shop charges to even attempt, but I think I can wait for my oil change and/or 10,000 check.

The service guy I talked to did say that if it was as easy as changing a value in the computer, then Ford would have done it at the factory. Since Ford did not, it could be reason enough to refuse warranty if something does go wrong with the lights.

It took my dealer about 10 minutes and they did not charge me nor was in there for any other reason. At first they were reluctant to do it but after showing them copies of post from this forum the service manager said he would try it.

[brbauer2]

Originally Posted by Norm201

It took my dealer about 10 minutes and they did not charge me nor was in there for any other reason. At first they were reluctant to do it but after showing them copies of post from this forum the service manager said he would try it.

I'll print off a few more posts from people that have had it done so I have more proof that it in fact can be done. Think I'll wait for my oil change to bring it up again though.

[mk7]

I hate to be devils advocate, but you can just turn in the headlights as you enter the car, day or night. Practice makes Permanent. It's 100% habit for me, I don't even think about it.

[brbauer2]

Originally Posted by mk7

I hate to be devils advocate, but you can just turn in the headlights as you enter the car, day or night. Practice makes Permanent. It's 100% habit for me, I don't even think about it.

It’s not so much for me forgetting to turn the lights on, but for the girlfriend. She has always had a car with auto lights and hasn’t built the habit of turning lights on 100% of the time when getting in the car.

Having the DRL activated was my little insurance policy against her driving at night with zero lights on by mistake, even if it could only be a couple blocks before she noticed.


Aside from that, I just want to put out a reminder that no rear-end lighting is on with the DRL, so you will need to make sure to remember to turn the dial at night.

[Norm201]

Originally Posted by mk7

I hate to be devils advocate, but you can just turn in the headlights as you enter the car, day or night. Practice makes Permanent. It's 100% habit for me, I don't even think about it.

I understand your comment, but when something like that becomes habit, all it takes is one little thing to disrupt that habit and you will forget to do it. I recently had that exact problem concerning the headlights. It was night and I was in a well lite area that did not need the interior lighting of controls to see what and where thing were. I drove away oblivious of not having my headlights on. Fortunately my DRL were active. The most beneficial part of DRL's is during dawn and dusk. Many people when driving at those times are not aware of the fact that they are hard to see.

Also as brbauer2 mentioned, rear taillights are not active. That's too bad and I think DRLs should be for both front and rear. On my old Grand Marque I put black tape over the sensor so that my lights were always on day or night, front and back. Never had to turn lights on. On my van its all automatic. Maybe that's why I had a problem with the Fiesta. I haven't had to manually turn on lights in years. I suspect DRL will be law here as it is Canada.

[kabukiman]

Originally Posted by mrbirdman330

My blue headlamps don't blind you and are better than any other bulb I've used. I don't get glare off road signs and I can see a lot better at night especially with my dash lights turned down to low settings. Not to mention the soft blue is polite on other motorists eyes.

blue lights only piss me off if they're angled incorrectly (read: in my face)

[Norm201]

Originally Posted by kabukiman

blue lights only piss me off if they're angled incorrectly (read: in my face)

The blue lights fad is basically over. I see less and less of them. If they improve visual ability its only minimal. If they were that good all the manufactures would go to them.