Daytime Running Lights Question

[Canuck]

I'm importing an '05 Bird to Canada next week. I've a few changes I need to make before I can License the car. One is the requirement for daytime running lights, if it is not already available on the car. Which leads me to the question (I know I should have looked when inspecting the it). Do the '05 Birds in the US have running lights? I understand it is an easy modification, but since I have a limited timeline once it crosses the border, I'd like to get this scheduled if it doesn't already exist?
Jerry

[PaulD]

Re: Daytime Running Lights Question

US birds do not have running light that light up automatically. As you noted, it is an easy mod where you use an Add-A-Circuit in the Auxillary Junction box under the hood and ground the lights near the light fixture.

[Canuck]

Re: Daytime Running Lights Question

Paul, as I suspected. Thanks for the reply, it'll help accelerate my certification and licensing.

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Daytime Running Lights Question

If the supplemental lights are already installed in the bumper
it is just a matter for having the dealer reprogram them to DRL's.

Daytime Running Lights using SPLs

[PaulD]

Re: Daytime Running Lights Question

Jerry,
Also, I am not sure what the stock CAN birds use for a running light. I heard somewhere that they may run the headlights as a lower power level to get their running lights. Someone here from CAN should be able to verify how this was done on the birds sold in CAN. That is NOT what this mod does. This mod makes the auxillary lights (look like fog lights) run whenever the ignition is on.

[PaulD]

Re: Daytime Running Lights Question

If the supplemental lights are already installed in the bumper
it is just a matter for having the dealer reprogram them to DRL's.

I think this has been suggested before but I do not think that is possible. Would be great if this could be done and avoid the hassel of making the mod as many of us have already done.

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Daytime Running Lights Question

I think this has been suggested before but I do not think that is possible. Would be great if this could be done and avoid the hassel of making the mod as many of us have already done.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...0&postcount=48

Made an attempt yesterday but had difficulty wiring the new ground largely due to a physical disability. Called a Ford dealer and was told that they were willing to download the Canadian program which would accomplish the task without any wiring mod. My appointment is for this coming Tuesday and it will be a "while you wait" service. I'll post back.

[Rondor]

Re: Daytime Running Lights Question

Is there a brighter bulb for the bumper lights and if so what number?

[Canuck]

Re: Daytime Running Lights Question

Jerry,
Also, I am not sure what the stock CAN birds use for a running light. I heard somewhere that they may run the headlights as a lower power level to get their running lights. Someone here from CAN should be able to verify how this was done on the birds sold in CAN. That is NOT what this mod does. This mod makes the auxillary lights (look like fog lights) run whenever the ignition is on.

Yes, typically this is how the DLRs are activated, but I'd imagine having the 'fog' lights alive would also satisfy the requirements. Curious as which option was utilized on cars destined for the north, but suspect low voltage headlights were utilized as that was the accepted standard and it extends the life of the bulbs.

[Canuck]

Re: Daytime Running Lights Question

Sorry, Jailbird provided the answer. I should read all the way through the thread before responding, colour me embarrassed.
I'll book my appointment with a Ford dealership for next week and get this converted as soon as I get back. As I mentioned the clock for certification starts ticking as soon as the car crosses the border.
Many thanks for all the help!

[snowbird]

Re: Daytime Running Lights Question

Jerry: Ford or Lincoln dealer should be able to help you out but if not, let me know as one of our T'bird club members here in Southern Ontario just brought up a 2002 Bird and he had his done at a Can. Tire shop. I could get you in touch with him. If not mistaken, they (Can Tire) now handle all the certifications for imported cars from the U.S. at least that is what I understood him to tell me at the time.
For a quick fix, just put a bandade over the auto lights sensor on the dash.
Not sure if they will accept the 'parking lights' as daytime running lights .
Martin.

[FUN X 3]

Re: Daytime Running Lights Question

Is there a brighter bulb for the bumper lights and if so what number?

Polarg M6, a bunch of us here on TBN have chnaged over to this bulb. Readily available at many web sites.

[5bird7]

Re: Daytime Running Lights Question

Jerry, I seriously doubt that the spl's will ever pass for daytime running lights as they were not allowed on the bumpers when the tbird's were sold new in Canada. Canadian tbirds were sold with block off plates in place. those Tbirds with useable spl's in Canada were put there afterwards by owners.

[snowbird]

Re: Daytime Running Lights Question

If you go to this site and bring up section 3 (passenger cars) for autos from the U.S. , then bring up manufacturer (Ford) and section 'admissible ' (02 to 05 T'birds) and then accross to 'notes', you will see that the spl's have to be removed and the block of plates installed.
Of course, most of the time they wont even come out and look at the car if this has been done. (according to recent people that have brought one up.)
Just be prepared.

http://www.autoimportusa.com/Admissi...icles_2008.pdf

[Canuck]

Re: Daytime Running Lights Question

Nice heads up on the SPL's, hope they miss that. But yes, unlikely they'll accept those for running lights.
CTC is the authorized agent for the processing of the RIV form 2 to confirm compliance with Canadian standards. I'm looking to book an appointment with the local Ford dealership to both add the DRL and do the safety. Already had the speedo converted from MPH to KPH.
Routinely, for all vehicles, CTC will check for those two items (DLR, KPH) plus the child tether anchor. I'm really hoping they miss the need to remove the SPL but it's definitely a noted requirement. Worse case I guess I have to get them backed out and install them, after-the-fact. Sounds a little silly doesn't it.
Thanks for all the input, I'll keep everyone informed of my progress.