TDI NB Disabling Daytime Running Lights

[Christ]

I have the opposite issue with my VW. I use key off to shut down the engine so far, and that also cuts the headlights while the key is off.

This is bad at 3am when I'm on my way to get my van for work...

[SwamiSalami]

This is probably the easiest mod for a beetle driver to make.

[minAirForce]

Anyone consider replacing the lights with LEDs?

[UFO]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

I don't have DRLs on my (or Mrs A's TDIs) but we both run with headlights on (Xenons).

The result may be 1-2% MPG loss but to be honest a mistake on timing a light or timing a lane change or selecting when to shift up/down on a hill may make the same difference for or against FE on most journeys.

The positive result of lights on is that we have cut down the number of people pulling out without 'seeing' us by quite a bit. It is amazing how many do a double-take before deciding not to set off from a side road or change lanes.

So I'll stick with the lights.

I kind of like them too. Maybe soon there will be an LED option...

[SwamiSalami]

Originally Posted by minAirForce

Anyone consider replacing the lights with LEDs?

I've considered it for the time that I AM driving at night and thus, need the headlights. I don't know, though. I haven't priced any for my car, but I can't see this as being worthy of my time. Perhaps if I was driving my dream car or circumstances were somehow different.

Cheers

[Varn]

I think for DRL LEDs would be great. They are low power and produce a lot of glare. In daylight that is what gets attention.

As far as legality I doubt if there would be any repercussions from not running them. Some cars have them, others don't. Nothing to worry about. Cops have bigger things to worry about, like criminal activity.

[Incienso]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

I don't have DRLs on my (or Mrs A's TDIs) but we both run with headlights on (Xenons).

The result may be 1-2% MPG loss but to be honest a mistake on timing a light or timing a lane change or selecting when to shift up/down on a hill may make the same difference for or against FE on most journeys.

The positive result of lights on is that we have cut down the number of people pulling out without 'seeing' us by quite a bit. It is amazing how many do a double-take before deciding not to set off from a side road or change lanes.

So I'll stick with the lights.

Thats exactly the same way that I feel. And if some distracted driver pulling out of a driveway doesn't see my DRL-less car that undisputably has the right of way and T-bones it (or a similar collision situation), that would definitely cost me more in time and money and aggravation than a 0.5 MPG hit. (this nearly happened Sunday evening on the way to dinner, but when I had my lights on)

[SwamiSalami]

evening is different than daytime.

[G60ING]

I disabled the day time running lights on my mk4 2003 Jetta by bending one of the electrical pins over on the headlight switch. Some have removed the wiring from the plug side and others have covered the pin with electrical tape. I wanted it to look stealth and the elctrical tape didn't work for me.

It was very easy to do but I can't recall what pin number it was since I did this back in 2003.

[hamsterpower]

I don't have a VW w/ DRLs so I'm not sure about this. Isn't there a switch on the hand brake lever? Lift that to the first notch to test. If so I bet you could bend that open so it never makes contact.