Day-time Running Lights?

[toasty]

Did anyone actually activate a USDM Fit's DRLs?

[htewam]

Wondered the same thing. The closest I have seen since my original post is the how-to posting on how to wire the fog lights to always be on with the ignition -- this could be a bit of a stand-in for DRLs.

[toasty]

I've got the standard Helms manual en route, so I'll dig around in that once I have it and Fit in hand. I don't really want to buy the Electrical Supp, but I might have to.

[toasty]

I've got the Helms manual, but am still waiting on my Fit. Pages 22-10 and 22-18 show that the DRLs require a DRL Control Unit, DRL Relay, and Low Beam Cut Relay, all of which are located under the left side of the dash. There's a DRL Indicator light shown for CDN dashes (might be dormant on USDM). Pg. 22-49 identifies Fuse Number 18 / Under-dash Fuse/Relay Box as a 10A fuse for the DRL Control Unit on CDN models.

Page 22-92 shows the DRL CU Imput Test, and identifies Connector 14P as plugging into the underside of the bracket-mounted DRL CU. Connector 14P is aptly named, as it is a 14 pin female connector, of which 12 pins are populated. The DRL and Low Beam Cut Relays appear to connect directly to the DRL CU.

If you own a USDM Fit and want to use OEM parts to enable DRLs, you will need to find Connector 14P under the left side of the dash, to the right of the steering column (I think). From the Helms diagrams, it appears you'll need a DRL Control Unit, DRL Relay, Low Beam Cut Relay, DRL CU mounting bracket, and a 10A fuse.

I'll post what I find when my Fit arrives in a few weeks, and I emailed College Hills Honda for availability and pricing on the parts.

UPDATE:
College Hills says they aren't allowed to order non-U.S. parts. Since they sell parts from overseas, I don't quite understand the problem, but they won't be bundling a DRL Kit in the future. I'll take a look for that connector when I get my Fit next week.

[grouser]

Originally Posted by Dañiel

DRL are worth it just for the safety.

this confusses me,,,why not just turn your headlights on ,,then you have 100% lights in the front,,,and reds in the back. With DRL you have NO light in the rear,,,

[toasty]

As the anti-DRL folks would quickly point out, the glare from 100% output can be annoying, you're using more fuel to drive the alternator, and you're shortening low beam bulb life (DRLs energize the high beam bulbs). Relying on manually engaging the lights ensures that they won't always be on, because the driver will likely forget to do so occasionally.

DRLs address visibility concerns with oncoming or crossing traffic, and if rearward visibility is a concern, full headlight use is the likely correct response to conditions. Someone else posted another good reason for DRLs: a possible insurance discount.

[toasty]

I just crawled under the dash of my USDM Fit; no Connector 14P to be found. With the exception of the DLC/OBD-II port, I didn't find any unpopulated connectors anywhere in the region. Unless Connector 14P is part of a sub-harness that connects elsewhere, enabling DRLs on a USDM Fit by way of Canadian Fit parts is not possible.

[smatts]

Originally Posted by Illusive

Really? No Canucks in here that want to get rid of their DRLs?!?!?!

I do! I looked for the fuse labeled "daylight" but couldn't find it.

[toasty]

Fuse Number 18 / Under-dash Fuse/Relay Box as a 10A fuse for the DRL Control Unit on CDN models.