Enable Caravan Daytime Running Lights (DRL's) Option

Hi,

I have '00 & '05 US model Grand Caravans. The '00 is US built while the '05
is Canadian buit. I would like to enable the facory DRL's using
off-the-shelf Chrysler parts - if possible. As a last resort, I would
consider an aftermarket retrofit kit although I would be concerned about any
negative interaction with the vehicles BCM's.

Has anyone been sucessful with this?

Thanks!

 

The '00 uses turn signal DRLs; you can either get the Canada-spec turn
signal flasher module from your dealer or you can use the module from
www.webelectricproducts.com . The '05 uses high-beam DRLs which are less
effective (much narrower angle of visibility); you'd do better simply to
buy the webelectricproducts.com module and install it on the '05 -- take
you about 30 minutes or so if you're not a klutz.

In both cases, stop by your local GM dealer and pick up four front
park/turn/DRL bulbs for an '04 Saturn Ion. These are type number 5702KA,
an ultralong-life design, and will solve the early/rapid burnout problem
you'd have if you left the stock 3157/4157 bulbs with DRLs enabled.

 

Do you know if an 2003 uses the turn signal or high beam for the drl ?

thanks

 

Factory DRLs on '03 minivan = poorly-implemented high beams.

DS (incidentally, there's no adverse interaction with the BCM by
installing the aftermarket turn signal DRL module referred to below).

 

The '00 seems easy enough, but what if I wanted to pursue the factory high
beam method on my '05? Can parts be bought off the Chrysler shelf as well?
I read somewhere that the BCM must be re-programed to indicate a FLEET
vehicle.

Thank you for your input!

 

the 00 needs a relay under the hood in the pdc and the 05 requires the use of a
scan tool to turn it on

 

Does the scan tool have to be the factory DRB, or can a generic scanner
(Snap-On for example) be used?

Thanks!

 

No, it's a matter of BCM programming. Can't figure out why you'd want to
go to more trouble to have less-effective DRLs.

 

Dan,

It's not that I disagree with you, but..... I've already put out an inquiry
to a Canadian Dodge dealer for the relay on the '00. However, since the '05
is brand new, I have to be concerned about doing anything to upset the
factory warranty. I should add that I'm well qulaified to install the
aftermarket item you suggested, but would prefer the less intrusive option
for the time being. Do you know if a generic scanner can be used, or must
Chrysler's DRB be used? Also (if you know), will a dealer program the BCM
for a fee, or will I be told it voids the warranty or is contrary to their
agreement with the factory.

Mike

 

No need; you could've got it through the US dealer network.

A valid enough concern -- the BCM, however, won't know or care the
aftermarket module is there. Some of the aftermarket modules *are* rather
invasive to the electrical system; that's one reason why I recommended
this particular one.

One thing I've never tried is installing the '96-'00 turn signal module
w/DRL functionality on an '01-up van. It might slot right in.

Believe this is a Chrysler-only function.

Dealer attitudes vary -- check with yours. But be sure to ask exactly what
they'll do; some dealers will just add an aftermarket DRL module, in which
case you are better off doing it yourself.

 

it's a customer prefence and it takes a drb as far as i know
the snap on scanners i have used did not have the software to comm. with the fcm

the dealer should take care of you on this i know ours would meaning n/c

 

Thanks for your input!