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Daytime Running Lights experience - Canadian conversion

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Old Oct 9, 2006 | 04:20 PM
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Default Daytime Running Lights experience - Canadian conversion

I just installed a DRL module in my 2005 XB to meet Canadian import requirements, and thought I would pass on some information. First, major thanks to Scionlife for making the wiring diagrams available - I couldn't have done it without these.

I used a Hamsar p/n 45055 DRL, which has two major advantages over the standard Hamsar 45040 (70-987) DRL that the Canadian Tire near me sells:
1. specifically designed for switched-ground headlights
2. runs high-beams at about 60% power, extending headlight life and reducing load.

Install was fairly easy, with careful reading of the schematics and metering out some connections to be sure. I used a combination of automotive wire splices and good old solder joints. The DRLs work just as they should: lights come on when power is ON and when parking brake is released. Low/high beams work perfectly.

I got the Hamsar at a Carquest parts store in Markham. Hard to get out west but I happened to be in Toronto last week. Cost about CAD$70.
Old Oct 10, 2006 | 04:32 AM
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Thanks for that info!
Jusrt about a month ago we had someone with this specific issue. He was trying to use some DRL module which we determined was designed for common negative (switched-positive) headlights. And is sure wasn't working correctly.

This info sure makes things easier for Canadien owners.
Old Sep 30, 2007 | 05:41 AM
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Default Re: Daytime Running Lights experience - Canadian conversion

Hi, I read your post and did a search for the wring diagram but I couldn't find it. Could you please post the URL where you found. Thanks Steve


Originally Posted by nitinat
I just installed a DRL module in my 2005 XB to meet Canadian import requirements, and thought I would pass on some information. First, major thanks to Scionlife for making the wiring diagrams available - I couldn't have done it without these.

I used a Hamsar p/n 45055 DRL, which has two major advantages over the standard Hamsar 45040 (70-987) DRL that the Canadian Tire near me sells:
1. specifically designed for switched-ground headlights
2. runs high-beams at about 60% power, extending headlight life and reducing load.

Install was fairly easy, with careful reading of the schematics and metering out some connections to be sure. I used a combination of automotive wire splices and good old solder joints. The DRLs work just as they should: lights come on when power is ON and when parking brake is released. Low/high beams work perfectly.

I got the Hamsar at a Carquest parts store in Markham. Hard to get out west but I happened to be in Toronto last week. Cost about CAD$70.
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 07:08 PM
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Default xB wiring diagrams

You probably found them by now - I went to the vehicles tab, then xB, then Electrical. Here's the direct link: https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=138456
Old Oct 6, 2007 | 05:48 PM
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Running the high beams at 60%? I thought the requirement was 5 watts of light output?

I bet a few Americans would love to add this to their car. I am kicking myself for not grabbing a few discounted relay kits I saw a few years ago.
Old Oct 12, 2007 | 04:24 PM
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Default Day time running lights

Thanks for posting the link to the diagrams.

Are you in Vancouver by any chance?

Cheers Stephen
Old Oct 12, 2007 | 05:00 PM
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You're welcom. I'm in Surrey.
Old Oct 14, 2007 | 01:28 AM
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OT, but...

Is that big outdoor tank still there? Last I heard, it was a giant mess.

We shot a lot of the lake/shore exteriors for "Lake Placid" there. Other wide shots were at Buntzen lake.
Old Oct 25, 2007 | 04:49 AM
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Anyone know if this module will work on the Xa?
Old Oct 25, 2007 | 04:56 AM
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Originally Posted by hammer008
Anyone know if this module will work on the Xa?
can't imagine why it wouldn't since they are almost exactely the same.
Old Oct 25, 2007 | 11:15 PM
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Could you not just use some kind of simple relay to switch them on when the ignition is on? Would that not be much cheaper? I realize it wont run them at 60% but would pass the safety inspection would it not? I just imported my xb to canada and need to get the safety done next week. Putting HIDS in right after so I dont want to spend $70 on something I will be removing for the HIDS right away, as DTRL's are known to burn out HID ballasts.
Old Oct 26, 2007 | 12:21 AM
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[quote="Cram"]Could you not just use some kind of simple relay to switch them on when the ignition is on?

Yes you can just use a relay. So says a a mechanic I met who does them all the time for right hand drive Japanese. He finds it works fine.
Old Oct 26, 2007 | 03:37 AM
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Any pics of these?
Old Oct 26, 2007 | 03:03 PM
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Any pics of these?

Sorry, no pictures and I have not had this done yet.
Old Oct 27, 2007 | 12:56 AM
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My dealer is saying that it was standard on 2004 Xa. Is this true? I wonder if he meant manual DRL.
Old Oct 27, 2007 | 01:11 AM
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I came across a website that sold drl units thats out of GA. They had kits to run your front turn signals, fog or head lights. After all of that research, I find I have a blank fuse plug for drl in the fuse panel by the turn signal lever, wonder if installing a fuse gives me drls?
Old Oct 27, 2007 | 04:20 PM
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Why don't you try it with a spare fuse and tell us what happens but it can't be that simple when people are spending upwards of 200$ to retrofit a DRL at the toyota dealer here in Canada.
Old Nov 5, 2007 | 03:06 AM
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Can someone tell me about the DRL requirements? What lights must be on etc. Thanks in advance.
Old Nov 5, 2007 | 06:27 PM
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Originally Posted by hammer008
Why don't you try it with a spare fuse and tell us what happens but it can't be that simple when people are spending upwards of 200$ to retrofit a DRL at the toyota dealer here in Canada.
I think it would depend on your level of experience with cars, particularly auto electronics.

I just spent 250$ to have mine installed on friday. Well worth it since the last thing I want to do is take the lower dash panels off and start messin around with wires.

My only gripe is that my DRL's are the headlights on full instead of 60%, but no biggie, it'll pass inspection.
Old Nov 5, 2007 | 10:22 PM
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Default DRL specs

You sure you want to know.? Here are the Cdn specs, in mind-numbing detail:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/acts-regulations..._Running_Lamps

Basically the way they generally work is your front headlights go on, preferably not at full power, when you drop your handbrake. Usually high-beam lamps used for the DRLs. They go off when you turn headlights on.



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