Dim Running Lamps

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Zilverado

Copper - Posts: 92

Joined: October 03, 2004

Posted: October 11, 2006 at 9:10 AM / IP Logged

Another question...

My buddy drives a fairly new Ford mini-van (sorry I don't know the exact year or model) and has recently noticed that the daytime running lights have become dimmer over time. This has been a gradual thing. The running lights are actually the headlights (lowbeam) of the vehicle as well. I am assuming the current runs through some typ of regulator or something that reduces the voltage, to just make the light glow slightly. Once the headlight switch is activated, the full 12v is sent to the light turning them on full.

So, is there something here to replace? is my theory about a regulator correct? Is that how these systems typically work? If so, where are these components typically located?

Any thoughts would be helpful.

Zilverado,

Backyard Mechanic

1986 Chevy Truck & 1992 Nissan Pathfinder

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Velocity Motors

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Joined: March 08, 2002

Location: Manitoba, Canada

Posted: October 11, 2006 at 9:28 AM / IP Logged

I know that there is a DRL system that controls the headlights are on a circuit board. You may have a cold solder on the board that needs to be look at.

Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

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haemphyst

Platinum - Posts: 5,054

Joined: January 19, 2003

Location: Michigan, Bouvet Island

Posted: October 11, 2006 at 9:41 AM / IP Logged

They're wired in series, in DRL mode, so they only receive 6v each then. The headlight switch wires them in parallel, via relays.

Jeff is right, the controller board could be on the way out, or need servicing or repair.

It all reminds me of something that Molière once said to Guy de Maupassant at a café in Vienna: "That's nice. You should write it down."

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Zilverado

Copper - Posts: 92

Joined: October 03, 2004

Posted: October 12, 2006 at 5:32 PM / IP Logged

Velocity Motors wrote:

I know that there is a DRL system that controls the headlights are on a circuit board. You may have a cold solder on the board that needs to be look at.

Thanks for the info Guys. As far as this circuit board is concerned, does anyone have any ideas where it may be located? I realize it's probably in different places in every vehicle, but I thought maybe someone might have had experience with a Ford van.

Zilverado,

Backyard Mechanic

1986 Chevy Truck & 1992 Nissan Pathfinder

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geepherder

Platinum - Posts: 3,668

This member consistently provides reliable information

Joined: October 27, 2003

Posted: October 12, 2006 at 5:58 PM / IP Logged

Ford's GEM is probably somewhere under the driver's side dash and controls much of the on board lighting such as turn signals, hazards, and drls. It's another reason I don't like Ford electrical systems.

My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.

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Dim Running Lamps

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