Daytime Running Lights Not Working

[Xx_ICC_xX]

(This is definately a complete opposite of what most people want to do w/ their DRL.)

I have a 96 GT, and right now it seems mine doesn't work. Not too sure why; however, one morning it didn't run properly (full lights + dash lights when dark out).

I know it's not working properly because when the hand break is down, the regular running headlights turn on; however, no side markers and no dash lights. I can control the highbeams though w/o having to turn the lights on.

So when I'm driving, I have to turn on the lights when I'm driving in the dark.

What could the problem be? Could the DRL relay be faulty? If so, is that easy to replace? I can't seem to find it under the hood, nor even in a repair manual.

Any advice would be great!

[Dan00GPGT]

Are you saying that you have automatic lights in your GA? In other words under normal operation your car would do this:

Light outside - only your daytime running lights are on, no side markers, no tail lights, no dash lights.

Dark outside - your lights come on automatically without you moving the headlight switch.

Was the 96 Grand Am even equipped with that option???

If so and you're saying that now your headlights don't come on automatically when you start the car and it's dark out... it could be several things.

Check to make sure your emergency brake switch is working.
Check to make sure your automatic light sensor is working. This should be located up on top of the dash somewhere.

If I'm totally misunderstanding your problem, please clarify it further. I wasn't aware that the 96's were equipped with auto lights though. My 96 Cutlass Supreme didn't even have daytime running lights.

Good luck.

[koolZ71]

Originally posted by Dan00GPGT
Are you saying that you have automatic lights in your GA? In other words under normal operation your car would do this:

Light outside - only your daytime running lights are on, no side markers, no tail lights, no dash lights.

Dark outside - your lights come on automatically without you moving the headlight switch.

Was the 96 Grand Am even equipped with that option???

If so and you're saying that now your headlights don't come on automatically when you start the car and it's dark out... it could be several things.

Check to make sure your emergency brake switch is working.
Check to make sure your automatic light sensor is working. This should be located up on top of the dash somewhere.

If I'm totally misunderstanding your problem, please clarify it further. I wasn't aware that the 96's were equipped with auto lights though. My 96 Cutlass Supreme didn't even have daytime running lights.

Good luck.

yeah this option has been around for a long time..even thoughi dont have DRL's on my 93 SHO i do have automatic headlamps they automatically come on for me...so its possible that he does..im not sure what kind of options they have on the older GA so its possible

[Xx_ICC_xX]

Yes I do have the automatic lights on my 96 GA. I love it because I'm just a real lazy guy in turning on my headlights!! :D I used to own an 89 Cutlass Ciera International and 91 Cutlass Ciera S and they both had the DRLs as well.

Anyways, yes you're right about it either being light or dark outside. That's what it does (when it's working of course)

I know it can't be the parking brake because when it's up and the car is on, no lights. Then when I drop it, the lights go on. The full lights (no side markers), not the dim daytime lights either, and no dash lights.

I figure it wouldn't be the sensor, because if that was faulty, wouldn't it either stay in daytime mode or night-time mode? Either way, I can't seem to find the sensor. Would it be inside or outside the vehicle? The manual I have to try to even fix the car isn't a real good one so I can't seem to find the relay either. I'm guessing it should be an easy fix for either the relay or sensor?

This problem is actually starting to get quite annoying. :rage:

[Dan00GPGT]

So you're saying that when it's dark outside and you drop the parking brake, you get your normal full brightness headlights but no other lights like side markers, dash, tail lights?

What happens during the day? You get the same thing?

Your light sensor should be on top of the dash inside the car. Look down inside the defroster vent if you don't see it. It's got to be there somewhere.

[Xx_ICC_xX]

Exactly! That's what it's doing, and the daylight or even the darkness doesn't do a difference.

I'm thinking it's like a protection overide to make sure your lights are on all the time or something. I dunno! :confused:

I going to check the fuses inside the car right now. I know the ones under the hood aren't blown. I'm also going to check the sensor. I don't think anything is blocking it.

Would you know where the relays would be located?