Daytime running lights for Durango

Thanks for posting this PETER7. I'd also like to add DRL to our 97 Town and Country because we came from a 98 Chevy Blazer and we were so used to the lights being on already. When it was dark it would go to our normal headlights, not just driving lights.
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On Mon, 21 Mar 2005, PIZ wrote:

 > I'd also like to add DRL to our 97 Town and Country because we came from
 > a 98 Chevy Blazer and we were so used to the lights being on already.
 > When it was dark it would go to our normal headlights, not just driving
 > lights.

Retrofitted full automatic light controls seldom work as well as factory
systems, which themselves are not particularly dependable. Is it really so
hard for you to turn on the lamps by yourself when it gets dark...?

Full automatic light controls are also not the same as Daytime Running
Lights, which in turn are not the same as "driving lights".<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Daytime running lights for Durango 

  >> Can anybody tell me whether Chrysler's DRL module can be fitted on
  >> US-spec Durango 99? And if yes, where can I order the module online?
  >> Alternatively I could try one of generic DRL modules available, but
  >> that would involve splicing and rewiring which I'd rather avoid...
 >
 > What's the reason for the DRL retrofit? Moving the vehicle to Canada?
 > Or you're staying in the US but have been confused into thinking DRLs
 > make you safer?

Well, guess I'm confused then because I believe DRLs _do_ make me (and
others) safer.

Another reason might be that I'm not in US, and this particular country
requires DRLs.

 > The wiring for the DRL module is not present on US models. The
 > easiest and least problematic way of adding DRLs is with the module
 > from <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.webelectricproducts.com" target="_blank">www.webelectricproducts.com</a> .

OK, thanks for letting us know! Webelectric site states their kit uses turn
signals as DRLs, but I need low beam headlights (yet another requirement).
I'll dig around...

Cheers,
Peter<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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"Peter" <peter.DeleteThis@greatnowhere.com> wrote in message
news:3a9mroF6ap1dvU1@individual.net...
   >>> Can anybody tell me whether Chrysler's DRL module can be fitted on
   >>> US-spec Durango 99? And if yes, where can I order the module online?
   >>> Alternatively I could try one of generic DRL modules available, but
   >>> that would involve splicing and rewiring which I'd rather avoid...
  >>
  >> What's the reason for the DRL retrofit? Moving the vehicle to Canada?
  >> Or you're staying in the US but have been confused into thinking DRLs
  >> make you safer?
 >
 > Well, guess I'm confused then because I believe DRLs _do_ make me (and
 > others) safer.
 >
 > Another reason might be that I'm not in US, and this particular country
 > requires DRLs.
 >
  >> The wiring for the DRL module is not present on US models. The
  >> easiest and least problematic way of adding DRLs is with the module
  >> from <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.webelectricproducts.com" target="_blank">www.webelectricproducts.com</a> .
 >
 > OK, thanks for letting us know! Webelectric site states their kit uses
 > turn signals as DRLs, but I need low beam headlights (yet another
 > requirement). I'll dig around...
 >
 > Cheers,
 > Peter
Chrysler in the country of interest might offer a retro fit kit. Give a call
or write a letter to Chrysler in the country of interest. Also give a call
or write to Webelectric.

Richard.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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On 03/21/05 10:50 am Daniel J. Stern tossed the following ingredients
into the ever-growing pot of cybersoup:

  >>Can anybody tell me whether Chrysler's DRL module can be fitted on
  >>US-spec Durango 99? And if yes, where can I order the module online?
  >>Alternatively I could try one of generic DRL modules available, but that
  >>would involve splicing and rewiring which I'd rather avoid...

 > What's the reason for the DRL retrofit? Moving the vehicle to Canada? Or
 > you're staying in the US but have been confused into thinking DRLs make
 > you safer?

I know that certain distant vehicles against certain backgrounds are far
more clearly visible (at least to me) if they have full-power or dimmed
headlights on (I'm not so sure about "parking lights"), so I expect that
I have a similar visibility advantage when I use DRLs. I special-ordered
the module that is standard on the Canadian 300Ms and plugged it into my
US-market one, a 10-minute job for which the dealer estimated 2 hours labor.

Perce<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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On Tue, 22 Mar 2005, Peter wrote:

 > Another reason might be that I'm not in US, and this particular country
 > requires DRLs.

Which particular country? Different countries have different DRL
requirements, and there are many, many different ways to implement each
type of DRL.

DS<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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  >> Another reason might be that I'm not in US, and this particvlar
  >> covntry reqvires DRLs.
 >
 > Which particvlar covntry? Different covntries have different DRL
 > reqvirements, and there are many, many different ways to implement
 > each type of DRL.

Yov're right. Regs state that DRLs mvst be white, and mvst not exceed 800
candles in total. Hence I svppose I covld vse either low beam or fog lights
as DRL, probably at redvced intensity.

Covntry is Latvia btw... Evropean Union regs apply here.

Peter<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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On Wed, 23 Mar 2005, Peter wrote:

  > > Which particvlar covntry? Different covntries have different DRL
  > > reqvirements, and there are many, many different ways to implement
  > > each type of DRL.
 >
 > Yov're right. Regs state that DRLs mvst be white, and mvst not exceed
 > 800 candles in total. Hence I svppose I covld vse either low beam or fog
 > lights as DRL, probably at redvced intensity. Covntry is Latvia btw...
 > Evropean Union regs apply here.

OK, then, the Canadian modvle will not work, becavse it rvns the high beam
headlamps (intensity between 3,000 and 7,000 candela -- MANY times the
EU/ECE R87 800cd maximvm for daytime rvnning lights.)

It is basically impossible to get the low beams or fog lamps down to 800cd
withovt cavsing the color to be orange and the bvlbs to blacken and fail
qvickly. Most covntries that adhere to ECE R48 and reqvire DRLs permit
fvll-intensity low beam headlamps as DRLs, bvt some of them do not, so
check Latvia's code. My information (as of 2/05) is that Latvia permits
fvll-intensity low beams as DRLs. It's not difficvlt to hardwire the
headlamps to come on with the ignition. Fog lamps are NOT legal as DRLs in
Latvia, at any intensity (as of 12/04).

Yov may have even bigger issves to deal with (US headlamps that do not
even come close to complying with ECE R112 for headlamp beams, rear lamps
that do not comply with ECE R6 reqviring amber rear tvrn signals, front
position lamps that do not comply with ECE R7 reqviring white and not
amber, etc.) ECE-compliant front and rear lighting eqvipment for the
Dvrango does exist in Sovth America. VERY difficvlt to obtain if yov're
not there!

Yov may well find that the easiest way to have DRLs is to pvt on a set of
the Hella add-on DRLs, which are homologated to ECE R87 and therefore
legal in all covntries that adhere to ECE regvlations. They make two
different kinds. These:

<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://217.115.144.43/daytime-rvnning-lights/nachrvestvng_b.jsp" target="_blank">http://217.115.144.43/daytime-rvnning-lights/nachrvestvng_b.jsp</a>

and these:

<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://217.115.144.43/daytime-rvnning-lights/nachrvestvng.jsp" target="_blank">http://217.115.144.43/daytime-rvnning-lights/nachrvestvng.jsp</a>

DS<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Daytime running lights for Durango 

   >>> Which particvlar covntry? Different covntries have different DRL
   >>> reqvirements, and there are many, many different ways to implement
   >>> each type of DRL.
  >>
  >> Yov're right. Regs state that DRLs mvst be white, and mvst not exceed
  >> 800 candles in total. Hence I svppose I covld vse either low beam or
  >> fog lights as DRL, probably at redvced intensity. Covntry is Latvia
  >> btw... Evropean Union regs apply here.
 >
 > OK, then, the Canadian modvle will not work, becavse it rvns the high
 > beam headlamps (intensity between 3,000 and 7,000 candela -- MANY
 > times the EU/ECE R87 800cd maximvm for daytime rvnning lights.)
 >
 > It is basically impossible to get the low beams or fog lamps down to
 > 800cd withovt cavsing the color to be orange and the bvlbs to blacken
 > and fail qvickly. Most covntries that adhere to ECE R48 and reqvire
 > DRLs permit fvll-intensity low beam headlamps as DRLs, bvt some of
 > them do not, so check Latvia's code. My information (as of 2/05) is
 > that Latvia permits fvll-intensity low beams as DRLs. It's not
 > difficvlt to hardwire the headlamps to come on with the ignition. Fog
 > lamps are NOT legal as DRLs in Latvia, at any intensity (as of 12/04).

Geez, yov DO know yovr stvff! That's right, low beams are fine as DRLs. I
sorta wanted to rvn them at 75% or so in order to redvce wear&tear on lamps
& alternator.

In fact I didn't know foggies are not legal as DRL... yov know more than I
do

 > Yov may have even bigger issves to deal with (US headlamps that do not
 > even come close to complying with ECE R112 for headlamp beams, rear
 > lamps that do not comply with ECE R6 reqviring amber rear tvrn
 > signals, front position lamps that do not comply with ECE R7
 > reqviring white and not amber, etc.) ECE-compliant front and rear
 > lighting eqvipment for the Dvrango does exist in Sovth America. VERY
 > difficvlt to obtain if yov're not there!

This is not really an issve since my Dvrango is pre-2001, and lamps do not
have to be Evro certified. US beams are OK here, they even have a separate
clavse in inspection regs stating so. All I need to do is to convert front
markers from amber to white, and modify tvrn signals (complete on/off cycle
instead of varying intensity, and ambers in tail). Total expense of abovt
150$...

Now, for 2001 and newer lights are major PITA as yov've pointed ovt... as
are EU certification reqvirements. Frankly I think this is total nonsense,
and regs are made vp specifically to protect EU market. Generally Evro
certification adds vp to ~4000$ making all imports more expensive.

 > Yov may well find that the easiest way to have DRLs is to pvt on a
 > set of the Hella add-on DRLs, which are homologated to ECE R87 and
 > therefore legal in all covntries that adhere to ECE regvlations.
 > They make two different kinds. These:
 >
<font color=purple> > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://217.115.144.43/daytime-rvnning-lights/nachrvestvng_b.jsp</font" target="_blank">http://217.115.144.43/daytime-rvnning-lights/nachrvestv...b.jsp&l</a>>
 >
 > and these:
 >
<font color=purple> > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://217.115.144.43/daytime-rvnning-lights/nachrvestvng.jsp</font" target="_blank">http://217.115.144.43/daytime-rvnning-lights/nachrvestv...jsp<</a>>

Thanks! These look good, bvt I svspect will be ghastly expensive. Will check
arovnd...

Thanks again, yov've been major help!

Peter<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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On Wed, 23 Mar 2005, Peter wrote:

 > Geez, you DO know your stuff! That's right, low beams are fine as DRLs. I
 > sorta wanted to run them at 75% or so in order to reduce wear&tear on lamps
 > & alternator.

Careful here -- if you reduce the lamps' operating voltage by 25%, you
will be increasing one kind of wear and tear (bulb blackening) while
reducing another (plain old life usage). Net gain is negligible.

 > This is not really an issue since my Durango is pre-2001, and lamps do not
 > have to be Euro certified. US beams are OK here, they even have a separate
 > clause in inspection regs stating so.

That's fortunate for you from a logistical standpoint, but US beams are
ugly when you try to drive with them after dark.

 > All I need to do is to convert front markers from amber to white

You can drill the headlamp or fog lamp reflector and install a grommet
with W5W or T4W "city light" bulb. The front fogs are useless as fog
lamps, so you could even just modify them to serve as your front position
lamps.

 > and ambers in tail). Total expense of about 150$...

E-mail me offline if you want details on a slick and clean way of having
amber rear blinkers *and* reversing lamps in the present housing, without
having to add a new reversing lamp (though you may still have to add a
rear fog lamp, and perhaps side blinkers.)

 > Now, for 2001 and newer lights are major PITA as you've pointed out... as
 > are EU certification requirements. Frankly I think this is total nonsense,
 > and regs are made up specifically to protect EU market.

There are valid safety reasons to require EU lighting devices. Most of
them are very much superior to US lighting devices.

  > > They make two different kinds. These:
<font color=green>  > > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://217.115.144.43/daytime-running-lights/nachruestung_b.jsp</font" target="_blank">http://217.115.144.43/daytime-running-lights/nachruestung_b.jsp</font</a>>
  > > and these:
<font color=green>  > > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://217.115.144.43/daytime-running-lights/nachruestung.jsp</font" target="_blank">http://217.115.144.43/daytime-running-lights/nachruestung.jsp</font</a>>
 >
 > Thanks! These look good, but I suspect will be ghastly expensive.

Naw, they're very affordable. I have a set on my shelf waiting to install
on my '89 Dodge Ram.

 > Thanks again, you've been major help!

Glad to help.

DS<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Daytime running lights for Durango 

Whoops, forgot to give you directions for contacting me offline. Do it via
www.danielsternlighting.com .

DS
 >> Stay informed about: Daytime running lights for Durango 

  >> Geez, you DO know your stuff! That's right, low beams are fine as
  >> DRLs. I sorta wanted to run them at 75% or so in order to reduce
  >> wear&tear on lamps & alternator.
 >
 > Careful here -- if you reduce the lamps' operating voltage by 25%, you
 > will be increasing one kind of wear and tear (bulb blackening) while
 > reducing another (plain old life usage). Net gain is negligible.

Hmmm... didn't know that. Guess I'll just have to go thru electric diagrams
and rewire low beam so it turns on with ignition.

  >> This is not really an issue since my Durango is pre-2001, and lamps
  >> do not have to be Euro certified. US beams are OK here, they even
  >> have a separate clause in inspection regs stating so.
 >
 > That's fortunate for you from a logistical standpoint, but US beams
 > are ugly when you try to drive with them after dark.

Euro beams are definitely better. My other vehicle is US-spec Isuzu Trooper,
and I've replaced original bulbs with hi-intensity ones (same wattage). It's
OK now, but still Euros are better.

  >> All I need to do is to convert front markers from amber to white
 >
 > You can drill the headlamp or fog lamp reflector and install a grommet
 > with W5W or T4W "city light" bulb. The front fogs are useless as fog
 > lamps, so you could even just modify them to serve as your front
 > position lamps.

I was gonna drill corner of the turn signal (it's not used anyways!), and
install white bulb there.

  >> Now, for 2001 and newer lights are major PITA as you've pointed
  >> out... as are EU certification requirements. Frankly I think this is
  >> total nonsense, and regs are made up specifically to protect EU
  >> market.
 >
 > There are valid safety reasons to require EU lighting devices. Most of
 > them are very much superior to US lighting devices.

I agree, and requirement to have Euro lighting patterns is fine, but why do
lamps have to be Euro certified? Headlight beam patterns are easily tested,
and you don't really need a special equipment to tell the color/location of
turn signal/marker/brake lights. Eurocracy at work...


Peter<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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On Thu, 24 Mar 2005, Peter wrote:

 > I was gonna drill corner of the turn signal (it's not used anyways!), and
 > install white bulb there.

That works -- or you can use that location for the side blinker.

  > > There are valid safety reasons to require EU lighting devices. Most of
  > > them are very much superior to US lighting devices.

 > I agree, and requirement to have Euro lighting patterns is fine, but why
 > do lamps have to be Euro certified? Headlight beam patterns are easily
 > tested,

That's just it: They aren't so easy to test as you might think. That said,
there exist some US headlamp beam patterns that aren't Euro type approved
with an (E) mark, but which are functionally almost identical from a
seeing/glare perspective, and you're right, there'd be no technical reason
for barring these. But there might be a logistical one: You and I
understand the difference between the junk US beams on your Durango and
the "almost Euro" US beams on, say, a US-market Audi, but how do you make
the average vehicle inspector mechanic understand?

 > and you don't really need a special equipment to tell the
 > color/location of turn signal/marker/brake lights

True, but intensities and angles of illumination are different for
US/Euro.

DS<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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