HOW TO: Override DRLs on a GA - Page 7

armith · 10-22-2003, 10:04 PM

I believe there is a little bit more to it than just clip the relay pin. Otherwise hundred of people would have done it by now. I believe the relay is part of what needs to be done.. (thus why I have been trying to get a test car..

The relays can be gotten from the dealer and they are I around $20 or so.

Do let me know how it goes though..

Thanx

Kodeblue · 10-23-2003, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by deadhorsey
Check out www.lightsout.org . I think I saw a bunch of stuff there about DRLs for Aleros. I think all you have to do is clip a relay, and if you do mess something up, all you will have to do is buy a relay. So no big damage. But I do belive that the alero's and the GAs are basicly the same cars, with different bodys.

Here is a quote from that site you posted....
2003 Pontiac Grand Am Just go under the hood and remove relay #22 and that will kill the DRL's on a 2003 Grand AM GT. I have heard that this method only works on the 03's

I clipped the pin on the relay that supposedly works for the Alero, and i get the SVS light. I have a '00 Grand Am.

iceman · 10-23-2003, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by silverbullet00

I clipped the pin on the relay that supposedly works for the Alero, and i get the SVS light. I have a '00 Grand Am.

And you are surprised by that?

Kodeblue · 10-23-2003, 11:24 AM

When I tried this trick, it was way back in the early summer and there was not too much mention about DRL disabling except for the DRL kit which is no longer available. There was no mention anywhere that it would or would not work on the Grand Am so I had nothing to lose to try it. I don't mind the SVS light coming on at all. I would like to try the trick that is mentioned about cutting the wires or whatever it is at the BCM. I have not read too much into that yet. But if it does work, I would like to just eliminate the DRL and keep the automatic lights option on at dusk.

10-23-2003, 12:17 PM

still curious if anyone knows forsure if this same deal with cutting the wires from the bcm will also work on a 99 alero?

armith · 10-23-2003, 10:12 PM

I didn't think just "clipping" a pin on the relay was gonna do it. But it is true that just removing the Relay on 2003 models works just fine. But so far that is for the 03s only.. (Though I would like to think that the 04s will be the same.. never assume though)

As for the alero thing.. I don't have an alero and I don't have anyone to associate with locally who does own alero to try anything.

CtrlAltDel · 10-30-2003, 05:41 PM

http://slate.msn.com/id/2090493/

Heh I thought This was a funny article

I've yet to do the mod to my car ... just a little aprehensive(sp) on cutting wires .... i'm sure i'll do it though ... just gotta build up currage ... ahahahaha

armith · 10-31-2003, 07:33 AM

That is prett funny!!! "The carmaker has countered that low-intensity DRLs do not significantly decrease bulb life...."

I have to remember that next time I get pulled over... Yes officer I know I was speeding.. But I wasn't going significantly faster than the speed limit.

As for fuel consumption.. That is virtually no difference.. But I say cut the lights gives the altenator xtra juice for more important things like Stereo, Neons, a PC..

Good find CtrlAltDel

MJSilver00 · 10-31-2003, 03:18 PM

I have read a million articles supporting DRLs, and every one of them is bullsh!t in my opinion. I cant see a car any better with DRLs than without. I dont see any benefit whatsoever. I know in some countries where its almost dark and constantly foggy they have decided they are useful, and maybe so. but in the United States I dont see the need. With the relative amount of ambient light we have during the day, I dont ever notice DRLs unless I am looking directly at them from close range. If I understand correctly they are mandatory (or are going to be very soon) in Canada, so wouldnt it make sense that GM wants it that way here too. It costs less to just put them in every car than it does to make two different models, so it seems convenient that they are so strongly supporting this.

armith · 11-01-2003, 12:32 AM

Yes is it mandatory in Canada.. What I have found entertaining yet annoying is how much effort they go into engineering the DRLs into their cars lately.. What used to be a simple fuse or relay has become a major production and mass of electronic interconnecting into the entires chassis electrical system..

What ever happened to the good old days (less then 10 years ago) when turning a mechanical switch applied voltage to the lamps and the lamps came on and when turning the mechanical switch back it would remove the voltage and lamps would turn off.

freeze12 · 11-02-2003, 08:25 PM

I have an 01 alero & all i did to disable the DRLs was to unplug the Relay..pull off relay cover...put a piece of Matchbook paper between the relay contact's & reassemble Relay..plug back in & no more DRL's & no SVS light!!!

To disable My ALC all i did was pull the sensor out of it's holder..take a 5mm LED & a resistor..wire it in to light up the LED when Ign. is on & placed it in a small tube right in front of the sensor. now when I turn the Ign. on the LED light's up & fools the sensor into thinking it is daytime!

armith · 11-03-2003, 11:06 AM

That is a very unique way of bypassing those. I wish it were that simple to modify the DRL relay like you did without getting an SVS light.. Good job!

preed4962 · 11-03-2003, 11:14 AM

Why not just turn them off with a Tech2?

Vintalage · 11-03-2003, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by preed4962
Why just turn them off with a Tech2?

know a place where we can get one?

preed4962 · 11-03-2003, 05:30 PM

I didnt mean to sound like a smartass, but why not just go to the dealership and ask them to turn them off? As long as you tell your insurance company that they are off, I dont see why they wouldnt do it. May be a small fee, but nearly the money I have heard people talking about on here for kits. If you live near Rochester, NY, I may be able to help you.

armith · 11-03-2003, 10:50 PM

If you know a dealership that willing to do such a mod then you truly are special..

A. Most dealers will claim that its not possible or that its not just a simple BCM change. It probably would require an entire BCM reprogram (which would then make it way more costly and more work than these mods currently require.) Most dealers will play stupid and say it can't be done.

B. From what I have read, if a vehicle comes with DRLs standard then they legally have to be engaged. (in canada they are Federal law) GM has been pushing for DRLs to be manditory in the US for years.. so GM is really not gonna be willing to just turn them off for ya. Kinda like the whole disabling the airbags controversy Ford had a few years back. (people were disabling passenger airbags because newer models came with the disable lock option.

C. Unless you are an emergency or other designated vehicle (government, Police, Fire, etc.) GM is not SUPPOSED to alter ANY instrumentation or lighting controls in a vehicle. (Thus Impala Police edition have a "survaillence mode feature that blacks out all lights, DRLs, etc)

D. According to GM it can void warranty. GM certainly isn't gonna modify your car and intentionally void your warranty.. That would be a lawsuit waiting to happen. Which is why most people as of lately have been using the switch option to go between overrides and stock.. This Thread mainly covers 99-00 and I would be impressed if there was anyone that even has much of an extended warranty left on their cars.

If you got friends on the inside that can do these changes; kudos to you.. I'm not knocking that... This is just my explaination as to why this thread as well as other similar thread have even come to be.. I'll just about guarante over 95% of dealerships won't have anything to do with disabling DRLs, disabling ALCs, and independantly controlling fogs. Let alone for a fair price.

Hell I can't even get my dealer to give me GM part numbers for the parts I need for my upcoming repairs and maintenance.

Ok end of rant, flame suit is on.

SC/TGrandAm · 11-03-2003, 10:58 PM

My dad is general manager of a Pontiac well GM dealership and i can get just about anything done that i want. Ill have to see if they will disable mine with the tech 2.

preed4962 · 11-04-2003, 05:34 AM

Wow, OK apparently I have touched a sore spot. Look, I dont know if it can even be done on these cars or not, all I know is that I had a Tech 2 home this past weekend and I was able to turn them off on my wifes 1997 Sunfire, and I would think that the electrical architecture is similar between these vehicles. I guess my point was, that if you could get it done with a Tech2 AND tell your insurance company about it, it is a lot more above board than trying to stick electrical tape or whatever between the relay contacts. New York State doesn't inspect for DRL's. Ohio doesn't even have a state safety inspection program. Seems to be a lot safer too, than trying to screw up the electrical system in the car with the above mentioned items. Sorry, it was just a suggestion.

GTluver · 11-04-2003, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by armith
Hell I can't even get my dealer to give me GM part numbers for the parts I need for my upcoming repairs and maintenance.

ur not the only one.....i went to the dealership the other day to ask for some parts #, and they say they cant give out part #'s, cuz i knew i would get em from partsdirect....cheaper......damn bastards...

CtrlAltDel · 11-04-2003, 12:11 PM

Is this mod illegal in Michigan? :T and does the 99GA have a built in security system? reason i ask ... one time my car beeped horn flashed lights and locked door ... figured out if i only hit lock once and close door a few seconds it did that .... so is there something built in??

10-22-2003, 10:04 PM	#121
armith Itzall Pipe Dreamz AKA: Kevin Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Youngstown, OH Age: 40 Posts: 227 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am GT Sedan	I believe there is a little bit more to it than just clip the relay pin. Otherwise hundred of people would have done it by now. I believe the relay is part of what needs to be done.. (thus why I have been trying to get a test car.. The relays can be gotten from the dealer and they are I around $20 or so. Do let me know how it goes though.. Thanx __________________ 219,000+ miles on original drivetrain = FTW?!?!

10-23-2003, 11:24 AM	#124
Kodeblue AKA Silverbullet00 AKA: Geo Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Ontario Age: 50 Posts: 699 Vehicle: 2000 Grand AM SE	When I tried this trick, it was way back in the early summer and there was not too much mention about DRL disabling except for the DRL kit which is no longer available. There was no mention anywhere that it would or would not work on the Grand Am so I had nothing to lose to try it. I don't mind the SVS light coming on at all. I would like to try the trick that is mentioned about cutting the wires or whatever it is at the BCM. I have not read too much into that yet. But if it does work, I would like to just eliminate the DRL and keep the automatic lights option on at dusk. __________________ - CAI - Dual Magnaflow Exhaust/ Catback

10-23-2003, 10:12 PM	#126
armith Itzall Pipe Dreamz AKA: Kevin Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Youngstown, OH Age: 40 Posts: 227 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am GT Sedan	I didn't think just "clipping" a pin on the relay was gonna do it. But it is true that just removing the Relay on <b>2003</b> models works just fine. But so far that is for the 03s only.. <i>(Though I would like to think that the 04s will be the same.. never assume though)</i> As for the alero thing.. I don't have an alero and I don't have anyone to associate with locally who does own alero to try anything. __________________ 219,000+ miles on original drivetrain = FTW?!?!

10-31-2003, 07:33 AM	#128
armith Itzall Pipe Dreamz AKA: Kevin Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Youngstown, OH Age: 40 Posts: 227 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am GT Sedan	That is prett funny!!! <i>"The carmaker has countered that low-intensity DRLs do not significantly decrease bulb life...."</i> I have to remember that next time I get pulled over... Yes officer I know I was speeding.. But I wasn't going significantly faster than the speed limit. As for fuel consumption.. That is virtually no difference.. But I say cut the lights gives the altenator xtra juice for more important things like Stereo, Neons, a PC.. Good find CtrlAltDel __________________ 219,000+ miles on original drivetrain = FTW?!?!

10-31-2003, 03:18 PM	#129
MJSilver00 Riiiiight!! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL Age: 45 Posts: 147 Vehicle: 00 GT Sedan	I have read a million articles supporting DRLs, and every one of them is bullsh!t in my opinion. I cant see a car any better with DRLs than without. I dont see any benefit whatsoever. I know in some countries where its almost dark and constantly foggy they have decided they are useful, and maybe so. but in the United States I dont see the need. With the relative amount of ambient light we have during the day, I dont ever notice DRLs unless I am looking directly at them from close range. If I understand correctly they are mandatory (or are going to be very soon) in Canada, so wouldnt it make sense that GM wants it that way here too. It costs less to just put them in every car than it does to make two different models, so it seems convenient that they are so strongly supporting this. __________________ ..."Do I look like a cat to you boy? Am I jumpin around all, nimbly bimbly from tree to tree? Am I drinking milk from a saucer? Well do you see me eating mice?!!!"...

10-23-2003, 12:17 PM	#125
Bergs22 Guest Posts: n/a	still curious if anyone knows forsure if this same deal with cutting the wires from the bcm will also work on a 99 alero?

10-30-2003, 05:41 PM	#127
CtrlAltDel Grandamaholic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Negaunee MI Age: 38 Posts: 33 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am SE Sedan	http://slate.msn.com/id/2090493/ Heh I thought This was a funny article I've yet to do the mod to my car ... just a little aprehensive(sp) on cutting wires .... i'm sure i'll do it though ... just gotta build up currage ... ahahahaha

11-01-2003, 12:32 AM	#130
armith Itzall Pipe Dreamz AKA: Kevin Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Youngstown, OH Age: 40 Posts: 227 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am GT Sedan	Yes is it mandatory in Canada.. What I have found entertaining yet annoying is how much effort they go into engineering the DRLs into their cars lately.. What used to be a simple fuse or relay has become a major production and mass of electronic interconnecting into the entires chassis electrical system.. What ever happened to the good old days (less then 10 years ago) when turning a mechanical switch applied voltage to the lamps and the lamps came on and when turning the mechanical switch back it would remove the voltage and lamps would turn off. __________________ 219,000+ miles on original drivetrain = FTW?!?!

11-02-2003, 08:25 PM	#131
freeze12 GAGT - Member AKA: Dan Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Buffalo,NY Posts: 82 Vehicle: 2001 Olds Alero	I have an 01 alero & all i did to disable the DRLs was to unplug the Relay..pull off relay cover...put a piece of Matchbook paper between the relay contact's & reassemble Relay..plug back in & no more DRL's & no SVS light!!! To disable My ALC all i did was pull the sensor out of it's holder..take a 5mm LED & a resistor..wire it in to light up the LED when Ign. is on & placed it in a small tube right in front of the sensor. now when I turn the Ign. on the LED light's up & fools the sensor into thinking it is daytime! __________________ ... Dan

11-03-2003, 11:06 AM	#132
armith Itzall Pipe Dreamz AKA: Kevin Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Youngstown, OH Age: 40 Posts: 227 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am GT Sedan	That is a very unique way of bypassing those. I wish it were that simple to modify the DRL relay like you did without getting an SVS light.. Good job! __________________ 219,000+ miles on original drivetrain = FTW?!?!

11-03-2003, 11:14 AM	#133
preed4962 GAGT - Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Rochester, NY Age: 46 Posts: 171 Vehicle: 2003 Grand AM GT Sedan	Why not just turn them off with a Tech2? Last edited by preed4962; 09-22-2004 at 09:27 AM.

11-03-2003, 05:30 PM	#135
preed4962 GAGT - Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Rochester, NY Age: 46 Posts: 171 Vehicle: 2003 Grand AM GT Sedan	I didnt mean to sound like a smartass, but why not just go to the dealership and ask them to turn them off? As long as you tell your insurance company that they are off, I dont see why they wouldnt do it. May be a small fee, but nearly the money I have heard people talking about on here for kits. If you live near Rochester, NY, I may be able to help you.

11-03-2003, 10:50 PM	#136
armith Itzall Pipe Dreamz AKA: Kevin Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Youngstown, OH Age: 40 Posts: 227 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am GT Sedan	If you know a dealership that willing to do such a mod then you truly are special.. A. Most dealers will claim that its not possible or that its not just a simple BCM change. It probably would require an entire BCM reprogram (which would then make it way more costly and more work than these mods currently require.) Most dealers will play stupid and say it can't be done. B. From what I have read, if a vehicle comes with DRLs standard then they legally have to be engaged. (in canada they are Federal law) GM has been pushing for DRLs to be manditory in the US for years.. so GM is really not gonna be willing to just turn them off for ya. <i>Kinda like the whole disabling the airbags controversy Ford had a few years back. (people were disabling passenger airbags because newer models came with the disable lock option.</i> C. Unless you are an emergency or other designated vehicle (government, Police, Fire, etc.) GM is not SUPPOSED to alter ANY instrumentation or lighting controls in a vehicle. (Thus Impala Police edition have a "survaillence mode feature that blacks out all lights, DRLs, etc) D. According to GM it can void warranty. GM certainly isn't gonna modify your car and intentionally void your warranty.. That would be a lawsuit waiting to happen. Which is why most people as of lately have been using the switch option to go between overrides and stock.. This Thread mainly covers 99-00 and I would be impressed if there was anyone that even has much of an extended warranty left on their cars. If you got friends on the inside that can do these changes; kudos to you.. I'm not knocking that... This is just my explaination as to why this thread as well as other similar thread have even come to be.. I'll just about guarante over 95% of dealerships won't have anything to do with disabling DRLs, disabling ALCs, and independantly controlling fogs. Let alone for a fair price. Hell I can't even get my dealer to give me GM part numbers for the parts I need for my upcoming repairs and maintenance. Ok end of rant, flame suit is on. __________________ 219,000+ miles on original drivetrain = FTW?!?!

11-03-2003, 10:58 PM	#137
SC/TGrandAm Newbie AKA: Kyle Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI Age: 39 Posts: 2,944 Vehicle: 2008 Accord	My dad is general manager of a Pontiac well GM dealership and i can get just about anything done that i want. Ill have to see if they will disable mine with the tech 2. __________________ 2008 Accord EX-L Coupe 2002 GA SCT- R.I.P HID Pioneer http://www.myspace.com/Kleigou

11-04-2003, 05:34 AM	#138
preed4962 GAGT - Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Rochester, NY Age: 46 Posts: 171 Vehicle: 2003 Grand AM GT Sedan	Wow, OK apparently I have touched a sore spot. Look, I dont know if it can even be done on these cars or not, all I know is that I had a Tech 2 home this past weekend and I was able to turn them off on my wifes 1997 Sunfire, and I would think that the electrical architecture is similar between these vehicles. I guess my point was, that if you could get it done with a Tech2 AND tell your insurance company about it, it is a lot more above board than trying to stick electrical tape or whatever between the relay contacts. New York State doesn't inspect for DRL's. Ohio doesn't even have a state safety inspection program. Seems to be a lot safer too, than trying to screw up the electrical system in the car with the above mentioned items. Sorry, it was just a suggestion.

11-04-2003, 12:11 PM	#140
CtrlAltDel Grandamaholic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Negaunee MI Age: 38 Posts: 33 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am SE Sedan	Is this mod illegal in Michigan? :T and does the 99GA have a built in security system? reason i ask ... one time my car beeped horn flashed lights and locked door ... figured out if i only hit lock once and close door a few seconds it did that .... so is there something built in??

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