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Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Yahoo Message Number: 74460
Hello,

When I first bought my 05 Inspire it did not have DRL. With lights off, the tech wired the Headlight Flash Button from the Smart Wheel (SW)to the low beam side side of the headlights so that when I turned the engine on, the low beam head lights would come on giving me DRL. Now my DRL have stopped coming on when I start up and I again have the `flash' capability with the lights off from the Headlight Flash Button on the SW.
I have looked for a loose wire inside the Steering Bay (DS1) and did not find any. I have checked for a blow fuse. All OK.
Does anybody have any ideas? OR can I take a hot lead through a added toggle switch in the dash directly to the Fog Lights? I rather not turn on my parking lights or my head lights with the Headlight Control Switch just to get DRL.

Thank you,
Michael

05 Inspire #51381

Re: Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74467

Unless the tech changed something in the system, it is factory wired so that any time the headlights are turned on, they stay on even if you turn them off. The marker and tail lights turn off but not the headlights.
This means you would need to "activate' the headlights each time you start up but that will give you a manual type of DRL.

At least that is how our Inspire works.

Bob (rthandren@...)
'05 Inspire 51178

Re: Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74471
Michael-

It is very important to have this circuit protected properly. Simply adding a power source isn't quite enough, as the SmartWheel controller sends outputs to the headlights, wipers, horn, marker lights, etc. They are a little touchy. The best way to ensure your safety and have DRL that operates properly is to add the DRL module that wires in line with the headlights from the SmartWheel controller. I believe VIP may also have an updated version of SmartWheel controller available that should also give you DRL. Simply adding a power source to the Low Beam circuit may backfeed into the SmartWheel Controller and burn up the traces on it's board.

Jake Smith

Service Manager
Premier RV Services
www.premierrvstorage.com

countrycoachrv@...
(541) 998-2640

325 East First Avenue
Junction City, OR 97448

Re: Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74472
Michael:

I would put a relay between a good 12 source (one with a wire large enough to carry the current) and the lights, with the relay activated by the ignition switch power. Fuse all wires. I looked at the Smart Wheel schematic, and decided to let that alone. I can wrap my head around a simple relay, usually.

Jack Nichols, KA5IFU
2003 Intrigue 11527

Re: Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74478
Our 06 Inspire seems to be different than the 05. If we use the dash light switch the only choice we have is "off", "parking lights on" and "lights on" which turns on head lights, tail lights and all running lights. The only way I can get the headlights to turn on without turning on tail lights and running lights is to turn on the windshield wiper for one or more swipes and then the head lights stay on even if you turn the wipers off. When you use the wipers to turn on the head lights they stay on until you shut off the key or cycle the dash switch.
Dennis Clayton, 06 Inspire #51581

From: Jake Smith

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 10:45 AM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Michael-

It is very important to have this circuit protected properly. Simply adding a power source isn't quite enough, as the SmartWheel controller sends outputs to the headlights, wipers, horn, marker lights, etc. They are a little touchy. The best way to ensure your safety and have DRL that operates properly is to add the DRL module that wires in line with the headlights from the SmartWheel controller. I believe VIP may also have an updated version of SmartWheel controller available that should also give you DRL. Simply adding a power source to the Low Beam circuit may backfeed into the SmartWheel Controller and burn up the traces on it's board.

Jake Smith

Service Manager
Premier RV Services
www.premierrvstorage.com

countrycoachrv@... (541) 998-2640

325 East First Avenue
Junction City, OR 97448

Re: Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74479
Michael

I agree with Jake that the circuit needs protection - If I did the way I described I would add a diode in any power wire so feedback will not damage the module. Of course, if you want to do it right (what a novel concept!!!) an updated module would be the proper way to go. You will not go wrong following Jake's advice. Just because we can make something happen that may not be the best way to do it.

Jack 2003 Intrigue 11527

Re: Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74482
Thank you Fredrick K, Bob Handren, Jake Smith and Jack Nichols.

Jake Smith,

What do you mean by "VIP"? may have a updated version of the Smart Wheel controller? What is it exactly and where do I get it? Please keep in mind that when I first asked about DRL I was told that my unit did not come with the factory wiring. May be I'll should get a second opinion.

Michael

05 Inspire 51381

**************************************** Michael Title

Halfmoon BC, Canada
CDN Cell: 604.741.3328

San Miguel De Allende, GTO Mexico MEX Cell: [52] 415.100.1543

Re: Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74486
Michael,

Here is a link to their website. "www.vipwheels.com/index.htm" I just spoke to Victor in technical support and he let me know that the earliest version, SM203 through SM209, does not support the DRL function. There website is very usefull and full of schematics and troubleshooting tips. After looking at our coaches in stock, I found that we had one close to yours (51329) and verified that this is indeed the case. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Jake Smith

Service Manager
Premier RV Services
(541) 998-2640

countrycoachrv@...
www.premierrvstorage.com
325 East First Avenue
Junction City, OR 97448

Re: Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74569
Dennis Clayton and group.

Dennis,

YES. With the headlight control switch off, when I turn on the windshield wipers the headlights come on and stay on after I turn the windshields wipers off or turn the engine off.
Thank you so much. You saved me a lot of time and money. Thank you all for your responses.

Rgds, Michael
05 Inspire 51381

**************************************** Michael Title

Halfmoon BC, Canada
CDN Cell: 604.741.3328

San Miguel De Allende, GTO Mexico MEX Cell: [52] 415.100.1543
 

Re: Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74578
Sorry, I have not followed this thread, but my lights go OFF when the key is turned off and the headlight control is off. I usually touch the intermittent wiper once when I start then the Daylight headlights come on. Importantly, to me anyway, when I shut the engine off the lights go off saving an inadvertent battery rundown. BTW when I am running in this mode and I want the lights off, like at the customs booth, I manually turn the headlight switch on then off and the lights go off.
John

2007 Inspire 52028

YES. With the headlight control switch off, when I turn on the windshield wipers the headlights come on and stay on after I turn the windshields wipers off or turn the engine off.