DIY: Disable DRLs

[bootymac]

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 (342.02 KiB) Viewed 27787 times

2. Step removed

3. Here is where the DRL control module is located.

03 - Overview of DRL control module.jpg (380.72 KiB) Viewed 27787 times

4. Unplug the wiring harness on the control module. Note the position of the pink/green wire.

05 - DRL control module unplugged.jpg (409.3 KiB) Viewed 27787 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 (322.98 KiB) Viewed 27787 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 (315.78 KiB) Viewed 27787 times

8. Here is the DRL control module removed. Note the alignment tab for reinstall

09 - DRL control module.jpg (430.57 KiB) Viewed 27787 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 (263.92 KiB) Viewed 27787 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 (226.08 KiB) Viewed 27787 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

[Woodie]

Nice! Thanks

[KuroNekko]

Great write-up. However, I prefer Coke.

[11zukizashi]

Excellent! Now I can put leds instead. I assume this does not affect high beam functionality?

[bootymac]

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

[11zukizashi]

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]

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

[11zukizashi]

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]

Very nice writeup!

[redmed]

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.

GOOD INFO!