Daytime Running Lamp: Description and Operation

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) are controlled by the BCM based on input from the high beam headlamp circuit 1200, the low beam headlamp circuit 1201, the parking brake circuit 1134 and ignition switch state.

When DRL operation is desired, the BCM switches circuit 592 to ground. This action energizes the DRL relay. When energized, the DRL relay operates the left high beam headlamp and right high beam headlamp as a series circuit (one-half of battery voltage across each high beam headlamp).

When DRL operation is not desired, the BCM does not provide ground for the DRL relay. When not energized (as when high beam headlamps are desired) the DRL relay operates the right and left high beam headlamps as a parallel circuit (full battery voltage across each high beam headlamp).

For DRL operation, the parking brake must be fully released, the ignition switch must be in the RUN position and headlamp switch must be in the Off position. On automatic transaxle vehicles the vehicle must be shifted out of Park to activate the DRL's. Under normal operating conditions, the feedback voltage to the BCM measured at circuit 1200 is: