HOW TO: Override DRLs on a GA

Any idea if this mod works on a '97 achieva?

[mrandmrsyoudath]

thank you for this mod it only took 10 min and no mre drl or alc
life is good

[deadhorsey]

I sure am always glad to hear how much people are sick of these ALCs and DRLs. For awhile I thought that I was the only one, perhaps we should let GM know how much we dissapprove.

[bsorensen]

okay so the stuff on page one works for 99-00?..but the stuff on page 11 works for the 01-02?

if it does work for the 01 can someone verify this, and will it give me control over my lights, and fogs?...
ie no lights, but the fogs are on?

[armith]

If you keep searching thru further pages someone has said they did the override.. I'm about 95% sure that the instructions for 01-02 on page 11 are legit and should work for ya.. I don't remember if the independant fogs were included in that post.. but I have those instructions if you need them.

[bsorensen]

all right i mioght try this then, if you can, would you mind emailing me the fog light mod
thanx in advance

[illsmokeyou]

Originally posted by bsorensen
all right i mioght try this then, if you can, would you mind emailing me the fog light mod
thanx in advance

the directions on page 11 do work as previously stated, they don't give you an SVS light, and they give you independant control of your fog lights so long as the vehicle is running

I completed this mod yesterday.... all you need is a standard 5 pin relay, 16 guage wire, and connectors. it took me 15 mins and I took my time to verify what wires I needed first

[e2helper]

Originally posted by deadhorsey
...how much people are sick of these ALCs and DRLs...perhaps we should let GM know how much we dissapprove.

Believe me it is understood. You will see that most new models have a defeat for ALC/DRL built into the headlamp switch. It does have to be activated on each ignition cycle but it does truly shut the lamps off. Doesn't work for Canadian vehicles (when out of Park) where these systems are required by law.

The G6 will have this feature (check out the 2004 Malibu to see what the headlamp switch looks like and how it will work on the G6)

[GreatGraySkwid]

I was just fiddling with the switch in my '04 last night, when I realized that I could turn off the headlights and switch to just parking lights and fogs just by switching to the middle setting. This is with it pitch black out.

IIRC, that wasn't possible before...am I right? Wasn't this what all the people wanting their DRLs off were asking for...?

I've never followed this issue terribly closely, because I've always thought people cruising around with just their parking lights on looked goofy, but I thought it was an interesting discovery...and the one obviously legitimate reason I've heard, that driving up to an astronomy meet with your headlights on is a cardinal sin amongst that crowd, would be resolved by this...

[Vintalage]

Wow, you just figured this out? This feature started with the '01+ models. During the day, this feature is not available. If you turn to the parking lights setting, the DRLs will still be on.

[GreatGraySkwid]

Yeah, I always loved having DRLs and ALC, so why would I go fiddling with it? And on my 99, it was a completely useless setting...did nothing when the engine was running, ever...

So...y'all just ignore me.

[armith]

up until a couple months ago there was no real way to eliminate DRLs for the 01 to 02 crowd.. The 03 and 04s can have the DRL relay pulled or just use running lights and put a piece of electrical tape over the Ambient light sensor. But now there is a way to remove the DRLs for all models.. Good find, makes a nice reminder of alternatives for the those with newer models. I have a 99 and your right without the mods in this thread the light switch is pretty much useless.

[dxtreme_85]

Ok Armith and everybody...tack another onto the list of 2001's. I did this mod the other day...and I have no DRLs, no SES, night or day. All I have to do now is override the ALC, and I will have total control on the lighting. This is a very easy mod, and even with just a standard pair of wire crimps, easy to work with providing you remove the glovebox and the lower cladding. All in all, took me about 30-40 mins taking my time. Thanks all!!
-Terry

[Vintalage]

So the tools I need for this (2001-2002) are wire crimp, solder, resistor (?).

[illsmokeyou]

Originally Posted by Vintalage

So the tools I need for this (2001-2002) are wire crimp, solder, resistor (?).

no resistor, but youll need a relay.

[deadhorsey]

The way I did it, (ALC Bypass) I did need the resistor. But this is only on the '03s and '04s. Not sure what year your doing it on.

[Vintalage]

My vehicle is listed under my avatar. 2002

[rocketfast123]

Tools I use was a relay, electric tape, some wire not that thick. Yes u need a resistor for 2001+ cars for the ALC. The 2003+ all you get to do to get rid of DRL in pull the relay under the hood.

[dxtreme_85]

Not sure about a resistor for the DRL bypass on the 02'....I used wire cutters/crimp tool...butt connectors (2)....some18AWG. wire....and a wrench to loosen up an existing nut on the car for a ground. I did not use a relay...I grounded the dark blue wire...and ran a jumper wire from the brown wire to the sunroof fuse on the Pass. side fuse panel. Thats it!! For the ALC bypass however...I will be using a relay..just have to find time to do it

[dowmacewh99]

Originally Posted by Asmodeus404

Any idea if this mod works on a '97 achieva?

this will not work for an Achieva, the cars have different wiring harnesses I'm sure, I'm sure theres a way to do it though, check google for an Achieva club, theres bound to be one