Daytime Running Lights Not Turning On? How to Diagnose Daytime Running Lights, DRL

[@YoungBloodPressureWashing]

I just spent an hour of my life chasing my “wiring problem”. I knew my bulbs were out because one went out, then the next. I put two new ones in. Nothing. I test the fuses with my meter. 12v. Pull the headlight back out. Pull the plug apart. Test the plug. No voltage. So confused. Watched this video for 45 seconds. Find out it has to be out in drive. Put in drive. Lights turn on. 😑. You saved me time my man. Learned a lesson I didn’t know I needed.

[@DanMestayer]

I was going crazy thinking I had a wiring problem. I couldn't figure out how to test my DRL even after replacing the bulbs. Thanks for the insight on this. All was working all along.

[@CHEECHMUN]

They made this system way too complicated!!!!! I thought the burning was rust, it would never clean up. It's said that the 4114 bulb runs cooler. I've been noticing the GM cyclops for years now!!! You explain very clearly!!!!!

[@DeuceGenius]

OH I FIGURED IT OUT THANK YOU!!!!! my e brake is stuck in a little bit, thats why my running lights wont come on like they used to!!!! thank you been bugging me trying to figure this out.

[@mikerichey707]

Dude you are the best. Thanks. I had a bunch of papers laying on my dash blocking the sensor and the drls wouldn't come on. 4 days I was confused finally did some reasearch and came across your video. Thanks

[@seagoer118]

HOLY SCHMOLY.... Thank you! I must of bought 5 different bulbs and COMPLETELY replaced the DRL sockets (They looked a little charred inside) and STILL nothing. Thanks to this video ALL I had to do was put the car in drive 😑 I'm a MO-RON!

[@1AAuto]

+seagoer118 Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@Original.soletee98]

😂

[@markschroeder5559]

My girlfriend and I can now go to the outdoor theater without getting everyone mad at us and getting in trouble. Life saver! Thank you😋

[@barrymckockiner7228]

Make sure to wrap it up pal

[@ShawnSimcheck]

Awesome video. I work on cars by myself and couldn't figure out how to turn on the running lights and check them without running myself over (since it needs to be in drive). Turns out the reason they were not coming on with out it running was exactly what you said- I thought the garage lights were bright enough to trip the sensor. When I put an LED light on the sensor like you did- SOLVED😄

[@treehousesmokeshop6503]

Another good way to check if they are working is to pull into a business or plaza with full length glass windows and look at the refection. That's how I also check my blinkers, brake lights and reverse lights.

[@1AAuto]

+Treehouse Smoke Shop Thanks for the tip!

[@nahtanoj92]

Thank you, this has giving me an idea of what might be wrong with my truck, I believe is the fuse, because the head lights don't turn on if it's bright enough outside and they do come on if it's dark outside, but the driving lights don't come on at all, the sockets look good, nothing burnt and I replaced the bulbs and still nothing, so maybe it's the fuse, thank you again

[@candacehood9864]

I have a Tahoe and it is soooooo annoying when I pull up behind someone and see that "black eye" lol. It's always the driver side so my next remedy will be to change the socket. Thank you so much! I love your videos on this channel!

[@1AAuto]

+Candace Hood Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@martinoliver7937]

I'm a good mechanic but you guys are life savers!!

[@thomaswebb82]

You saved me. I completely forgot about the truck having to be in gear. Thank you

[@1AAuto]

+Thomas M. Webb Jr Thanks for checking us out. Shop for high quality auto parts on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@jorgedominguez1957]

You seem so nice and easy going, that makes you approachable, and here goes my question, last night I've noticed that the headlights of my car won't turn on when I turn the engine on but also noticed that I'm able to turn them on manually, I have no knowledge about fixing cars, what should I look for?

[@andrewnelson7705]

Knew I had a bulb out, but after replacing them, I couldn't get them to work. Put it in Neutral, Son of a Bi- THANK YOU !!!

[@christinaperkins9247]

Side note just did this with my boyfriends truck, if the light sensor is even slightly pushed down into the dash it may not pick up enough light to actually turn on

[@blutowitz]

Great video! A few things about a basic system I never knew.

[@rsharp897]

Great video! My OCD drives me nuts about this. It seems like every other GM p/u that I pass has only one DRL on. After watching your video, I understand now why the owners are either unaware of the problem or just don’t care. It’s a bad look for GM however when thousands of their vehicles are on the road looking like the inspiration of a Jakob Dylan song…😂

[@1AAuto]

+Rick S Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@gkaneff]

GREAT VID, both mine are out and NOWHERE was i told how to fix, you DA MAN!!!!

[@PresumeSupreme]

For the 2003-2006 gen Chevrolet pickup's and SUV's, the 3156/3157 daytime running light bulbs were superseded by the 4141. The old bulbs tended to melt/burn the socket a lot faster.

[@b.powell3480]

Had mine go out on the passenger side, found that the socket was corroded from heat/ moisture. Auto parts store wanted almost $40 for a new socket ! I was able to repair the existing socket by cleaning the contacts for the bulb, used contact cleaner and lightly burnished the contacts, reconnected everything and now the daytime driving lights work great! However, can you answer why the ignition key is very hot after shutting off the truck? Is the ignition switch assembly wearing out, and needs to be replaced? Thanks for the great video!

[@StarHunter28]

My buddy just called and said that his drls are coming on at night, any idea why that might happen?

[@chrisrock772]

Shortcut access to drl bulb. I noticed you pulled the headlamp to reach the lower lens. However, with a long thin screwdriver you can poke down below the headlamp and release to tab and swing out the drl lens. It just snaps back in as shown in the video. I still see many GM's with a drl bulb out.

[@clarencebonner1523]

Thank you for the clear, simple explanation.

[@larryborshard7824]

Wow!! You are a life saver! Definitely confusing little buggers. Thanks also to commenters. I'll try using the fob to lock/unlock and see if the DRLs blink. Ugh... wonder if any of this is in the owner's manual. Truly, thanks! Now I know why I wasn't getting any DVM reading, either. TY TY TY!

[@ShilohSedlak]

Wayyyyy easier way to change the socket is to just pull off the rubber seal then press in on the tabs on each side pull the center out and then pull the end straight off.. Slide wires into new end slide center of socket back down inside put bulb back in.. ABSOLUTELY NO CUTTING WIRES AND splicing them.

[@billyhill3226]

So first of all thank you for the video. 2nd of all within three minutes or your video you saved me a lot of time. I feel so dumb 😂😂😂😂 So my drivers side daytime light burnt out. I replaced them with lightbulbs from autozone. After I replaced them I could not get either one to turn on. I was fixing to look at the fuse and or run back to autozone and get new bulbs. But the sec after you looked at that automatic sensor on the dashboard I literally laughed out loud. I had our heat visor over our windshield blocking that sensor so my truck thought it was night 😂😂 Needles to say they both work lol

[@1AAuto]

+Billy Hill Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@karanadon137]

The parking brake tip at 2:20 saved me today!

[@stn7172]

Apparently my truck came from Canada and can't turn off DRL without pushing in the emergency brake. How do I turn it off without using brakes?

[@Likadees]

I'm one of those GM owners with same problem but thank you for the great informations! Cheers.

[@mckoylach1622]

Thanks for your video. I have 2012 highlander,is it good to have the light switch on “auto” at all times ?

[@G11Chan]

Yes, it will "automatically" switch to drl and night light using the sensor

[@wildstorm26]

I’ve checked the fuse and changed the sensor but still not working. Help please Gmc Yukon 2006

[@jorgebanales8028]

Hi there . Got a question I was installing new bulb harness DRL as I was ready to change both cables touched ( short circuited ) now I can’t figure out how to fix . Fuse was blown , replaced , relay is good . So now the DRL still not working ? Can you help with issua . Thanks

[@wild_for_nature9932]

Here's a question for you. Is the dashboard always lit? Or, does it only light up when the headlights are on? I don't know if I have amnesia or what because, I swear my dash used to always be lit. But lately I've noticed my dash being oddly dark. My ODO, engine light and "PRND321" stay illuminated. but the rest of the dash are off and on at odd times. There's never a car in front of me when it happens so, I can't see my truck's reflection to see what my headlights are doing. Am I losing my mind? Because, it's driving me insane!

[@timmccall4566]

What if only one DRL (in my case the fogs) comes on during the day in auto setting, but in the ON mode they both work and the error goes away? Bulbs and blinker switch replaced already. All fuses good.

[@romarechristian7767]

I've checked & replaced bulb & socket, one light is still out. Any other options?

[@edwardholder6471]

Thanks for all the info! my drl's will flash with key fob but won't work when in drive using leds in socket and are checking ok and don't have to use load resistor with them. Any ideas?

[@jordanmoore0566]

Same for me, idk what it is?

[@Cream_CurdlR]

did you ever find out? sounds like maybe the ambient sensor?

[@Jason1fromNYC]

2004 Yukon XL SLT. Ambient sensor is checks ok. Replaced fried original sockets (one had been dealer replaced years ago). New bulbs. Still nothing (w/ helper standing in front when in drive). Checked fuse. Will check again w/ bright light on sensor. Isn't there a relay? Rock auto has the GM Genuine for 35 relay for $7 bucks. During daylight outdoors the driving lamps do not come on in auto, only when it gets dark.

[@PinBall3]

Good Tutorial Yep, Seeing DRL`s Out All The Time. They Don`t Build Things Like They Used Too.

[@youwach18]

You can check your DRL by unlocking your tuck with the key fob.

[@touficmakhoul2809]

Thank you. I changed the bulbs but still they’d did not come on until I put the car in drive and put a flashlight on the sensor

[@OG_Oddball]

What about checking the Ground wire, depending on where you live it could have rusted through and is dangling or isn't making a solid connection to the secured surface.

[@justingentry5105]

If my parking brake is disconnected will they work correctly? Noticed he’d said if you put the brake on they may not work..mine wire’s no longer connected I believe lol

[@ilerma78]

Wow turnout a bit more complex than I thought for 1 person but doable THX

[@gmoney9794]

Thank you. My wife put a little stuffed animal in the center of my dash covering the sensor. 🤣

[@paulosilva4420]

Hi. I have 2008 escalade EXT and during the day or at night, I only have the bottom front light bulbs working. For the rear lights, I only have the brake lights. I've checked Google and I can't figure it out. Can you please help me out? I would really appreciate it. THANK YOU!!!

[@chasep.8377]

What about rear DRLs? I've got corrosion on one of my plugs, cleaned it out and reattached it but still not working.

[@charleshunt9217]

ii learned alot thanks i gonna try everything you said i cant get my driveing lights to come on i have a tervse lt 2020i have one burned light little light you think thatwill make them comee on

[@eddiecox7450]

If you change to led’s will that stop the daytime light’s from working

[@Fisherman613]

Hi, great video my question is if I install led lights could this help prevent my socket from over heating ? I have a 2002 Tahoe and front left socket finally got too hot which I could see it getting worse over the years as I installed new 3157 bulbs so I new one day the sockets would burn out. Any help would be great .

[@ralphdaniels2642]

Can you do a video on a 97 chavy k1500 for interior lights not working, Where to find the fuse if there is one?

[@ronreyes7421]

Wow, read my mind just the video I was looking for!

[@subramoniams9850]

Well explained. Left DRL of my Skoda Yeti konked off. It has the DRL and fog light integrated to the headlight unit. The issue was not the bulb, nor the socket. I even bought a set of LEDs to replace the tungsten bulb as getting the P13W tungsten seems difficult locally. Bad diagnosis on my part, should have first checked the bulb before buying the LEDs. The access to the bulb being difficult concluded the bulb was the culprit and went ahead to order the LEDs. The issue is in the connector for main connection to the headlight unit. Perhaps corrosion. This is also a plausible reason ;-) I tried to pump in some contact spray. The light worked yesterday. This morning again went phut. Need to check again.

[@keithhernandez4319]

I have an opposite problem. My DRLs don’t want to shut off . I checked my fuse was good idk about the relay. What could be the issue?

[@jaysmith8930]

You can also check your Daytime running lights by pulling up to a store front window, you really don't need daytime running lights.

[@samanthasimpson4746]

They’re required in Canada

[@drakeforte568]

The DRL is good to have esp for dark cars. I don't easily see these dark cars in situations where the sun is in my face and the dark car is in the shadows.

[@CobyRogers]

Holy crap this worked, I had my emergency breaks engaged haha

[@JoseMartinez-bs8oi]

For the first scenario. That one DRL is on and the other is not. Same exact scenario but both work during the night and during the day, it goes back to one working. What about that?

[@ksg7821]

Well explained. Thank you.

[@clintonwalker9502]

I've been stressed out about this 😫thanks

[@mikrellim8119]

Please help. Both my DRL’s are out. I have checked the fuse as well as the relay. Change both sockets and bulbs. The ambient light sensor is working as far as the headlights go. I am at a loss as to what it could be. Help! Oh, I did put it in drive with a bright light on the sensor.

[@hunter3176]

hi there, on my case, the left one is so so dusky. I bought new bulbs, still like this, So I switched the side: left to right and right to left. And guess what, still the left one is dusky. Does this mean it is the wire problem? Do I need to replace the connector?

[@learnitfromwilliam]

You saved me my friend!!

[@chipsammich2078]

What about the Relay labeled DRL? Everything seems to work fine including sensor but no power to DRL'S fuse is good.. The relay is good I tested it.. if I jump the 85-86 ports in the relay I have DRL's?

[@chrisjones5482]

Very thorough, thank you!

[@poohfrank59]

I've got a 2013 gmc replace headlights with led bulbs n now my drl will not work any info will help fuse are good

[@davidzxi1100]

Good video good info ! BUT !!! He's wrong about splicing the wires... if you have a burnt-out socket that you want to replace, remove the bulb, then use a small screwdriver to push the tabs in, and the center insert will come out of the socket. once you take the insert out it releases the wires out of the socket and you can pull them out ! Do the same thing with the wires that come with the new socket removing them, then simply push the factory wires back into the "New" socket, put the insert back in, and you're done no splicing wires !

[@LokiLaufeyson93]

If there’s flickering in my DRL do I need new light bulbs or is it the socket

[@erickportillo613]

I had a plushy covering mine… I have a 2015 and in the day the drls also dim the dash super annoying in fay time bc I can’t see just moved it out way and yay bright dash ops 😂

[@jafigueroa4728]

I've got a 2019 Ram 1500. One of my white strip lights that's below the LED is out. How can I fix that strip light? Thanks

[@zacherynagy8445]

Havent had a chance to do anything as this just happened this morning but my lights where on "auto" when I crunk the car then after dropping my step son off at the bus stop I went to drop my youngest lods off at day care but once I put it in drive and started down the road both my dim lights just went off and only my high beams work. Ive checked the fuses and the solid state relays and still no lights. Any ideas as to why?

[@joes5096]

If you play that at 1.5 speed I can imagine you making $200k a year. Very complete video - what brand of gloves are you wearing have not seen the texture, should be in your store?

[@Buick72100]

How about DRLs that uses the same bulb as the headlights? ...When driving (daytime) DRLs on and at nite Same light is the headlight....I removed headlight assembly to check for additional wires and or bulbs..Only to find Only 1 bulb that's wired for both functions

[@Buick72100]

I did notice, DRL lights is dimmer Then when the (Night time) Headlights come on ..I would like to put in after market headlights..After market headlights have a separate wire for the DRLs..So where should I put the extra wire? 🤔

[@khalid1394]

Thank you for this information 👌🏽

[@july1013music]

Hey question my 2016 Jeep renegade the daytime light from the right side is not working but only the turn signal works the bulbs It does everything signal and daylight. What could be the problem

[@לאידועלאידוע-ש1ז]

Question. i have an 02 Dodge Ram 1500. My 4 pin flat connecter on vehicle for trailer works fine. EXCEPT THE RUNNING LIGHT. My 7 pin connector on vehicle for trailer works fine. EXCEPT THE RUNNING LIGHT. What do you recommend? Thanks.

[@lindasmith4309]

wish you would have explain how to take the light panel off to get to the bulb.

[@BetterOffVibes]

I just bout a 2010 Avalanche LT & it’s very clean. But the day time dash light’s won’t stay on when u turn the headlights off?. The headlights have to be on?, but that’s not the case for my 2012 or 2013 impala’s…???

[@sangyi5569]

I have the alpharex nova lights in my 2022 ranger XLT. And I been having problem with right side of the light. It’s not lighting up all the way and when I hit a bump hard it lights up brighter. Or I can hit the light with my fist and it light up brighter. But once it get brighter it seem like it stays brighter until I turn off the car. And does it again time time. Can you help me with this problem please

[@reecedudley6853]

I replaced the socket and the bulb but it still runs for about a week then goes out again. Any suggestions???

[@chrishamp7760]

What is the part number for the DRL socket

[@tristanduff]

A lot of information was left out of this. What if the fuses aren't blown but your DRLs are still not working?

[@QuentinQuatermass]

Thanks, very informative!

[@khangnguyen9363]

My 2004 chevy avalanche headlights are not on during startup and on park. Once I put on reverse and drive, all lights are on. This is just happen. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks

[@angelaisstrange]

My problem is there’s just ONE daytime running light out (L). I’ve replaced the connector and checked for any singe elsewhere. I’ve even replaced the headlight (LED) and still nothing.

[@jrodriguez2794]

Bring more vids about 2001 Chevy Tahoe !

[@1AAuto]

+J Rodriguez We're always cycling through common cars. We'll add this repair to our list! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@craiggerlach5548]

Mine are on all the time, headlights are mine on 08 Torrent.. have code for high voltage ambient circuit.. swapped sensor, no joy.. so all those instrument lights are on full brightness at night.. I tested old unit, went from 12k ohm light to 18k no light so appears sensor is recording light values.. so have to find BCM or wires to and see if someone poked up under dash since have issues with sat radio its battery and for some reason I need to leave scan tool in OBDII port or security light comes on and car will not start.. fun fun winter garage packed and bad back...

[@1AAuto]

+Craig Gerlach Thanks for the feedback!

[@anthcast1439]

I have a 2000 silverado 2500, but my problem is that it only works sometimes. yes the bulbs work i have flipped them too and no it aint that, i tried that with the light on the sensor ans they still not work, i have replaced the fuse but it still not working. it works sometimes, what else could it be? i dont think its a wire because it aint blowing he fuses. some help, please

[@ancilhall2933]

Good information. Thanks.

[@MsJackie0711]

I have a 2014 Chevy Camaro LT and my driver side DTR light doesn’t stay lit. Both sides turn on and off when I turn on my car, but the driver side turns off after about 2 seconds. I’m lost and frustrated

[@twrcrew8852]

I have a 2004 gmc sierra 4.3 V6 Manual... what then? put it in first with the engine off?

[@animus13racer]

How about replacing the socket and one still doesn't work?

[@jadewinter1509]

I had 1 DRL light out and replaced it, now neither work. Any ideas?

[@MrJohndeere3720]

i have a 2012 chevy tahoe lt & mine dont come on no matter what i do.. any tips on it?

[@1AAuto]

+MRJOHNDEERE3720 We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@mudhutproductions]

My 97 C2500 does not have an ambient light sensor on or around the dash. Very frustrating.

[@angelmendoza2671]

I replace the halogen bulb for led bulbs and they are not working but if i put the halogens it works what could be the problem?

[@cristianargueta1218]

Wow 😯 good job

[@zacheryloop1947]

How do you turn off the Headlights at night? I hate having the headlights on all the time.

[@AntThe1]

Where can I get the socket

[@Tixrok]

My c6 corvette drl tail lights arent working but when i brake they come on.

[@jonathanpartridge8155]

You do not have to cut wires to change socket. You should update video