Dim Running Lamps

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Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=83994
Printed Date: May 05, 2024 at 8:59 AM

Topic: Dim Running Lamps

Posted By: Zilverado
Subject: Dim Running Lamps
Date Posted: October 11, 2006 at 9:10 AM

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.

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Zilverado,
Backyard Mechanic
1986 Chevy Truck & 1992 Nissan Pathfinder

Replies:

Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: October 11, 2006 at 9:28 AM

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.

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Posted By: haemphyst
Date Posted: October 11, 2006 at 9:41 AM

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.

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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."

Posted By: Zilverado
Date Posted: October 12, 2006 at 5:32 PM

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.

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Zilverado,
Backyard Mechanic
1986 Chevy Truck & 1992 Nissan Pathfinder

Posted By: geepherder
Date Posted: October 12, 2006 at 5:58 PM

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.

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