Drive Bright DRLs Concern...

[Matt M PA]

I've reached out to DriveBright too...but figured it can't hurt to ask here.

Today, I found that the DRL part of the light are staying on all the time..meaning...after the car is parked. Everything seems to work normally otherwise.

I removed the main fuse and now the white DRLs don't work...but at least they aren't stuck on.

Glad for your thoughts...

 

[yaycandy]

You can disable the drl on forscan if you dont need them. I thought they were only required in Canada

 

[Matt M PA]

This is for an aftermarket item by DriveBright....

 

[DGrot777]

Do they turn off after you lock the car? I thought there was a courtesy light feature

 

[Matt M PA]

Do they turn off after you lock the car? I thought there was a courtesy light feature

That's the problem...they no longer shut off. If I pull the main fuse they go out when the car is off...but come on when the car is started. I went out tonight and checked the wire that connects to the turn signal....but really need to get under the car where I put the controller box to see where everything is going. I installed them 2.5 years ago and just don't remember the details.

The DRL dimming feature seems to work.

 

[DGrot777]

That's the problem...they no longer shut off. If I pull the main fuse they go out when the car is off...but come on when the car is started. I went out tonight and checked the wire that connects to the turn signal....but really need to get under the car where I put the controller box to see where everything is going. I installed them 2.5 years ago and just don't remember the details.

The DRL dimming feature seems to work.

Oh so these were on the car for a while now? Something must've gotten damaged/shorted

 

[Matt M PA]

Oh so these were on the car for a while now? Something must've gotten damaged/shorted

Yes, they've been on the car since it was almost new. I'm going to look under it tomorrow and see if I can find anything. Wiring under the hood looks OK. I seem to remember that a couple guys had issues with the electronics box.

 

[FiveLeeter918]

have you double checked your wiring and your power source? If wired correctly there should be no power to them to keep them on unless you tapped a hot wire.

Do they turn off with the car or stay off even then?

 

[6500rpm]

In my experience, the modules are crap. The lights can fail anyway, mine have always failed where the turn signal flashers hyper flash. I've paid for 2 sets out of pocket, and they were replaced under warranty at least twice. The latest replacement is around the 2 year mark now and still work, so possibly they finally resolved the problem, I know they were struggling with it as it was only happening on the Taurus. Give them a call or send an email, I think the owner was Dan and was always good about responding in the past.

 

[Matt M PA]

Yep...checked all my connections, everything seems OK. Yes, the DRLs would never go off...even with car off and parked. For hours.

Even with both fuses pulled, they still almost work correctly. I assume back feeding from where they are linked to the factory wires.
With just the main fuse pulled, the DRLs at least shut off. Crazy thing is if I move the fuse in the fuse box, it now flashes the DRL with the turning signal. In the original location, it flashes the left amber bumper light with the right car's turning signal.

I agree...sounds like the module is toast. Car has 26,000 miles and the DRL kit has only been in the car about 2.5 years.

I had great customer service when I installed them. I sent an email last Thursday, followed up with a call last Saturday during posted business hours. Today, I sent another email and left another voice message. Still no word from Dan.

As much as I like the kit...as this point if I don't have a response/help by Saturday...I'll take it out and put the factory parts back.

 

[DGrot777]

Well that's a bummer. The kit does seem really nice.

 

[RoketRdr]

Yep...checked all my connections, everything seems OK. Yes, the DRLs would never go off...even with car off and parked. For hours.

Even with both fuses pulled, they still almost work correctly. I assume back feeding from where they are linked to the factory wires.

If this is happening your are definitely back feeding and that's due to a diode failure within the control module. There's most likely nothing wrong with your car and the Drive Bright module has a failed diode in the circuit. Very easy fix, but Drive Bright needs to send you a new module. My understanding is there was short run of bad modules but they quickly got it sorted out. Call him up and see if he'll warranty replace the module.

 

[Matt M PA]

If this is happening your are definitely back feeding and that's due to a diode failure within the control module. There's most likely nothing wrong with your car and the Drive Bright module has a failed diode in the circuit. Very easy fix, but Drive Bright needs to send you a new module. My understanding is there was short run of bad modules but they quickly got it sorted out. Call him up and see if he'll warranty replace the module.

Thanks very much...and I agree on all counts.

However, I have now sent two messages via the website, and left 2 voice messages. Loosing faith that I'll get a response...I'll try calling again today.

 

[Matt M PA]

UPDATE...talked to Dan today. He's catching up after vacation. He's sure it's the box and since I'm well past the warranty, I can just buy the box. I'm OK with this and will keep you all in the loop.

 

[JRV1631]

UPDATE...talked to Dan today. He's catching up after vacation. He's sure it's the box and since I'm well past the warranty, I can just buy the box. I'm OK with this and will keep you all in the loop.

Good to hear. In the few times I’ve reached out to him he was reasonably responsive and helped resolve the one issue I had. And, while I know we’re all sick of hearing about the COVID boogeyman, I can’t imagine his shipments are any more than a half a container at best. The company I work for deals with a lot of overseas vendors. Fewer ships are moving and some overseas vendors have still had shut downs. Some manufacturers are talking about putting customers on allocations. Serving only their best customers. So grab that box.

 

[Matt M PA]

Well guys, happy Easter. I got the new box from Dan, and spent a few hours last night installing it. So between buying some connectors and the box I’ve spent another $75.

Before buttoning the car up this morning, I tested the lights. With the engine off, the four-ways work fine and the courtesy portion of the DRL work fine.

However, once the engine is started and I put the turning signals on, I get about three flashes before the turning signals in the bumper lights flicker when they come on. Four-way still work fine. If I disconnect the courtesy light, they flicker flash white and yellow.

I know it’s Easter Sunday, but I placed a call to Dan. It’s too soon for a response.

I’m starting to think that if I don’t hear from him in the next hour or so, I’m just taking all this aftermarket stuff out and putting the factory lights back in. I’m not gonna tear this bumper apart and go through all this work many more times before I throw in the towel on this.

 

[Matt M PA]

Update. They're out. I went back to stock. After one module failing in less than three years, and a defective one just delivered...I'm out.

 

[Jeff2017]

Smart move

 

[OmaHahn]

I hate to be the guy with nothing to add - but I've had mine from him starting the week after he released this product! What, 6-7 years ago maybe?.... not a single issue! Maybe it's like painting a car, it's ALL in the prep. I used soldering, not twist connectors or electrical tape, I installed the box on top of the fuse box where it's nice and dry & warm, etc.

 

[StreetWise]

Starting a kit today, I have the front end off anyway so I'm making my own harness.