Disabling DRLs

[Section147]

Hello again, everyone!

First of all, the intent of this thread is NOT TO START A DEBATE ON THE MERITS OR USELESSNESS OF DRLs!!!

So...PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT LECTURE ON THE PROS/CONS HERE!!!

I am seeking DIY instructions to disconnect the DRLs in a U.S. XV Crosstrek. I found a few posts on Google & YouTube
for late year Imprezas, but I'm not sure if that's the same setup as our XVs. If you are able to help, thanks for your reply!

Now, since some of you (who have no idea how to disconnect these things) simply won't be able to resist commenting
and wondering why on Earth I'd want to disable such an important "safety" feature...

For the record, I don't buy DRLs as a "safety feature." Never have. Maybe if you live in Scandinavia or somewhere where
it's cloudy and gray all the time, but to see vehicles blinding people in broad daylight here in the States is annoying at best.
Subaru U.S. uses the General Motors DRL system which is simply having the high beams on at 50% at all times. It's BS and
worse, it looks like hell. Add to that the fact that some drivers grow lazy thinking their "on all the time" DRLs means that they
don't need to fire up their regular headlights at twilight, when it rains, etc. LEDs are nice, my BMW came with halos ("angel
eyes") that look pretty good, but even the Germans allow you to have those off if you choose! Many will point to studies
that they say "prove" the effectiveness of DRLs, but if you poke around, there are many that say they have no effect (they
don't want you to see those, however). So...there you have it.

[arnoldc]

There must be a fuse in the fusebox. Bit where, that I can't say as we don't have one.

Sent from my HTC One V using AutoGuide.Com Free App

[cfrp]

I'd say the fuse. Personally I think DRLs look cool. *shrug*

Look for the fuse.

[Section147]

Yeah, I wish it was that easy. Most marquees make it that easy. Subaru (using the GM method) usually ditches the
DRL module somewhere under the hood, usually in an impossible to reach area. You have to get to it and unclip the
harness or literally snip wires. I was just wondering if the Crosstrek was any different. Hopefully someone that has
attempted this will stumble across this thread.

But thanks for the responses, guys!

[good dog]

Best description I could come up with as far as what and where to look. This is for the late model Foresters but will likely be similar to the Impreza/XV models http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulle...00/#post427455 on some models they were located under the airbox, close to the passenger side headlight and warnings vary, some will have a warning sticker - Hot and others may say Caution High Temperature others have been mounted to the inner fender panel too (easier access)

Also hopefully you can see the pictures here that may help http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulle...tml#post539228 not the easiest to get at.

[Section147]

Thanks, dog. I appreciate the link. An 8-page thread, wow! See why I prefaced this one with "No debates, please"? Halfway through page 4
on the one you sent the pissing match begins. I guess some people just can't help themselves when it comes to saving the world.
There is a short vid on YouTube documenting the disabling on a newer Forester (I wonder if the guy who took the photos you included up-
loaded it?). Anyway, thanks again!

[njwrxman21]

Hello again, everyone!

First of all, the intent of this thread is NOT TO START A DEBATE ON THE MERITS OR USELESSNESS OF DRLs!!!

So...PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT LECTURE ON THE PROS/CONS HERE!!!

I am seeking DIY instructions to disconnect the DRLs in a U.S. XV Crosstrek. I found a few posts on Google & YouTube
for late year Imprezas, but I'm not sure if that's the same setup as our XVs. If you are able to help, thanks for your reply!

Now, since some of you (who have no idea how to disconnect these things) simply won't be able to resist commenting
and wondering why on Earth I'd want to disable such an important "safety" feature...

For the record, I don't buy DRLs as a "safety feature." Never have. Maybe if you live in Scandinavia or somewhere where
it's cloudy and gray all the time, but to see vehicles blinding people in broad daylight here in the States is annoying at best.
Subaru U.S. uses the General Motors DRL system which is simply having the high beams on at 50% at all times. It's BS and
worse, it looks like hell. Add to that the fact that some drivers grow lazy thinking their "on all the time" DRLs means that they
don't need to fire up their regular headlights at twilight, when it rains, etc. LEDs are nice, my BMW came with halos ("angel
eyes") that look pretty good, but even the Germans allow you to have those off if you choose! Many will point to studies
that they say "prove" the effectiveness of DRLs, but if you poke around, there are many that say they have no effect (they
don't want you to see those, however). So...there you have it.

Just did it. I hate DRLs also. It's under the air box. So remove the snorkel up front. On the right side of the box there is a 10mm bolt that you need to remove. Then the front of the airbox(right by the headlight), there's a 10mm nut that will release the box. Loosen the hose clamp closest to box that goes to intake manifold. The airbox will be able to be repositioned out of your way to get to the resistor box. Don't pull the box to much cause the maf sensor wires are attached. Look down where the airbox was and you will see a tan/brown wire harness/plug. Unplug it. I zip tied a ziplock baggy around it and zip tied to frame. All low and hi beams work normal .
Put everything back together, have a beer, drive DRLs free.

So in a nutshell, 2 clips, 1 bolt, 1 nut and you done.

[subby_guy69]

You should posted pics of how you did it just for a diy in case anyone else wants to do it

[good dog]

^^ Ah-ha moment, it is the same/similar procedure as on the SH model Foresters. Just don't drive after that beer.

[njwrxman21]

You should posted pics of how you did it just for a diy in case anyone else wants to do it

True but it was a bit on the darker side and drizzling out. Perhaps Section147 will take pics while he does it. Yes good dog, I used your link and just looked for same resistor box. Thanks. Took a total of 10 minutes.