DIY: Disable DRLs

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bootymac
Posts: 1602
Joined: Fri Jul 19, 2013 1:04 am

Disclaimer:
This was performed on a Canadian 2012 Kizashi S iAWD CVT. I am not responsible or liable for any damage or harm as a result of this guide. Proceed at your own risk.

Introduction:
This DIY guide documents the procedures to disable your Kizashi's daytime running lights (DRLs) without any side effects. This simple process requires minimal tools and skills and should only take 30 minutes. The modification is reversible if you want to enable DRLs again.

Background:
The Kizashi's DRLs are controlled by the "DRL control module" which activates the high beams at a lower voltage when 1) the engine is on and 2) the handbrake is released. The control module receives a trigger signal from the body control module (BCM) when conditions 1 and 2 are met. We will be cutting this signal to disable the DRLs.

Tools:
- Socket wrench
- 10mm socket and extension
- Flathead screw driver (small)

Procedures:
(Note that photos were taken in reverse order. Follow the text instructions)

1. Remove the fuse panel below the dashboard by pulling straight down vertically to unplug two pins. Maneuver the panel to the right and left to remove it.
01 - Remove fuse panel.jpg
01 - Remove fuse panel.jpg (342.02 KiB) Viewed 19168 times
2. Step removed

3. Here is where the DRL control module is located.
03 - Overview of DRL control module.jpg
03 - Overview of DRL control module.jpg (380.72 KiB) Viewed 19168 times
4. Unplug the wiring harness on the control module. Note the position of the pink/green wire.
05 - DRL control module unplugged.jpg
05 - DRL control module unplugged.jpg (409.3 KiB) Viewed 19168 times
5. Step removed

6. Behind the DRL control module is the 10mm bolt that we need to unbolt in order to remove the DRL control module
07 - Remove DRL control module bolt.jpg
07 - Remove DRL control module bolt.jpg (322.98 KiB) Viewed 19168 times
7. Unbolt the 10mm bolt. Also note the alignment tab and slot for when you reinstall the DRL control module.
08 - DRL control module bolt.jpg
08 - DRL control module bolt.jpg (315.78 KiB) Viewed 19168 times
8. Here is the DRL control module removed. Note the alignment tab for reinstall
09 - DRL control module.jpg
09 - DRL control module.jpg (430.57 KiB) Viewed 19168 times
9. Here are the DRL control module's pins. Pin 3 receives the DRL activation signal. Ensure that you have the control module in the correct orientation! Pin 3 connects to the pink/green wire mentioned earlier.
10 - DRL control module pins.jpg
10 - DRL control module pins.jpg (263.92 KiB) Viewed 19168 times
10. Bend pin 3 up using a small flathead screwdriver so that it cannot connect to the wiring harness. To enable DRLs again, simply unbend this pin.
11 - DRL trigger pin bent.jpg
11 - DRL trigger pin bent.jpg (226.08 KiB) Viewed 19168 times
12. Test the modification before reinstallation. Plug in the DRL control module, turn the engine on and release your handbrake. The DRLs should not come on. If they do, double check the pins and ensure you bent the pin that connects to the pink/green wire.

13. Reverse the above steps to reinstall everything.

14. Enjoy a Pepsi
Image
Attachments
06 - Remove bolt.jpg
06 - Remove bolt.jpg (332.98 KiB) Viewed 19168 times
02 - Remove lower dashboard panel.jpg
02 - Remove lower dashboard panel.jpg (408.22 KiB) Viewed 19168 times
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Woodie
Posts: 1167
Joined: Sun Apr 28, 2013 10:09 am
Location: Laurel, MD

Nice! Thanks
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Should be a convenience store, not a government agency
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KuroNekko
Posts: 5170
Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2012 5:08 pm
Location: California, USA

Great write-up. However, I prefer Coke.
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Black)
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11zukizashi
Posts: 282
Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2012 2:03 am

Excellent! Now I can put leds instead. I assume this does not affect high beam functionality?
Last edited by 11zukizashi on Thu May 08, 2014 12:17 am, edited 1 time in total.
bootymac
Posts: 1602
Joined: Fri Jul 19, 2013 1:04 am

11zukizashi wrote:Excellent! Now I can put leds instead. I assume this does not affect high beam functionality?
High beam functions as normal

If you're looking for brighter high beams, you can also consider Osram Rallye 65w H7 bulbs. They're 2100 lumens. This is the route I'm taking
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11zukizashi
Posts: 282
Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2012 2:03 am

Have you tried using the wire that would go to pin 3 to turn on leds? not that it is necessary, a relay could be wired a million ways, just wondering.
bootymac
Posts: 1602
Joined: Fri Jul 19, 2013 1:04 am

11zukizashi wrote:Have you tried using the wire that would go to pin 3 to turn on leds? not that it is necessary, a relay could be wired a million ways, just wondering.
Nope. That would be an interesting experiment for someone else :P
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11zukizashi
Posts: 282
Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2012 2:03 am

It would be cool to have the leds controlled the same way the factory drls are. Is the trigger signal a pulse or does it stay hot?
SamirD
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Location: HSV and SFO
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Very nice writeup!
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redmed
Posts: 492
Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 12:56 pm
Location: Michigan

Instead of bending the pin why not just cut the green/pink wire and add a switch to the wire so you can choose to have DRL's or not.

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