Daytime Running Lights

[Tom]

Any ideas about adding daytime running lights to a C-Max?  Can a kit be purchased from a Canadian dealer and installed by a US dealer?

[Tdefny]

Are they required or available in Canada? This is a feature that I wish I had.

[Laurel]

Yep, we have daytime running lights in Canada on our C-Max as it is required by law.  Rarely use them as I routinely put on the headlights due to the rainy climate here--need to be seen from the rear too.  We never drive without headlights on.

[Tdefny]

Thank you Laurel. I couldn't remember for sure, but I like it.

 

I used to use my headlights all the time for safety when I used to work in Brooklyn, where driving is very competetive (for lack of a better term).

 

Of course full lights are better when needed, but DRLs are a great safety feature during the daytime when the tail lights don't help. It was a $45 option on my Prius and it just added a relay.

[Hybrid dude]

There's a lengthy and informative discussion regarding DRLs here:

http://fordcmaxhybridforum.com/index.php?/topic/568-drl-daytime-running-lights-lamps/

 

I personally wanted both front and rear lights on all the time and have simply kept the light switch in autolamp position (fully clockwise) and covered the sensor located on top of the dashboard in the middle, close to the base of the windshield. The only downside is that my gauges are a bit more difficult to see in the daytime, since the system thinks it is dark outside. I don't think the body control module can be flashed to activate DRLs on non-Canadian vehicles.

[Wingrider01]

this brings up a question - have the lights in auto lamp position all the time problem is I do not see the headlight indicator come on when the wipers are on - which is required by law, anybody able to verify that they do indeed come on when the wipers are on - I run the wipers in the rain sensing position

[RachelnLa]

Have you tested it with the water hose? Since you have the auto sensing wipers that would be interesting. Car running, spritz some water on the glass and see what happens!

[erwhitham]

this brings up a question - have the lights in auto lamp position all the time problem is I do not see the headlight indicator come on when the wipers are on - which is required by law, anybody able to verify that they do indeed come on when the wipers are on - I run the wipers in the rain sensing position

This is a big issue I have. My lights do NOT come on when wipers are on. And this is during a rainy day which seems dark enough to register the auto lamp. I'm constantly turning my lights on manually. At least a ding reminds me to switch them off. I'd love some way to install DRL.

[zhackwyatt]

Using the Left Steering Well controls, choose Settings > Vehicle > Lighting > Auto Light Rain

 

I can't say I've noticed the indicator come on when it rains.  Maybe when I wash the car, I'll give it a test.

[erwhitham]

Using the Left Steering Well controls, choose Settings > Vehicle > Lighting > Auto Light Rain

 

I can't say I've noticed the indicator come on when it rains.  Maybe when I wash the car, I'll give it a test.

Just set it!! Thanks so much. I'm grateful.

[RachelnLa]

Awwwwwesome! Boy, am I gonna be busy researching the board. I knew I should have jotted down info as I was going along.