Ford Mustang Service Manual: Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) (Diagnosis and Testing)

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) (Diagnosis and Testing)

Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 97 , Daytime Running Lamps for schematic and connector information.

Special Tool(s)


73III Automotive Meter or 73III Automotive Meter or equivalent 105-R0057

Principles of Operation

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)

The daytime running lamps (DRL) system operates the low beam headlamps at a reduced intensity.

The DRL module (15A270) supplies pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage, approximately 75%-92% of battery voltage, to the low beam headlamps when the following conditions are met:

  • The parking brake control is released.
  • The high beam headlamps are disabled.
  • The ignition switch (11572) is in the RUN position.

The DRL module remains enabled when the low beam headlamps are turned on.

Inspection and Verification

1. Verify the customer concern by operating the system.

2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical and electrical damage.

Visual Inspection Chart

Mechanical Electrical
  • Damaged DRL module

  • Damaged parking brake signal switch and bracket (15A851)

  • Blown battery junction box (BJB) Maxi- Fuse FOG+DRL (20A)
  • Damaged wiring harness
  • Loose or corroded connection
  • Damaged DRL module
  • Damaged parking brake signal switch and bracket

3. Verify the headlamps are operating correctly. Correct any concerns before proceeding to the next step. For additional information, refer to Section.

4. Verify the parking brake control is fully released.

5. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

6. If the concern is not visually evident, verify the symptom and refer to the Symptom Chart.

Symptom Chart

Condition Possible Sources Action
  • The daytime running lamps are inoperative
  • BJB Maxi-Fuse FOG+DRL (20A).
  • Circuitry.
  • Parking brake signal switch and bracket.
  • DRL module.
  • GO to Pinpoint Test A .
  • The daytime running lamps are on with the parking brake set
  • Circuitry.
  • Parking brake signal switch and bracket.
  • DRL module
  • GO to Pinpoint Test B .
  • The daytime running lamps are on with the ignition switch off
  • Circuitry.
  • Ignition switch.
  • DRL module.
  • GO to Pinpoint Test C .
  • The low beam headlamps are on at full intensity in DRL mode
  • Circuitry.
  • Headlamp switch.
  • DRL module.
  • GO to Pinpoint Test D .
  • The low beam headlamps are on at reduced intensity with the headlamp switch on
  • Circuitry.
  • Headlamp switch.
  • REFER to Section

Pinpoint Tests

PINPOINT TEST A: THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS ARE INOPERATIVE

Test Step Result / Action to Take
A1 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE SWITCH SIGNAL CIRCUIT TO THE DRL MODULE FOR SHORT TO GROUND Yes

GO to A3 .

No

GO to A2 .

NOTE: Verify the parking brake control is fully released for this step.
  • Key in OFF position.
  • Disconnect: DRL Module C1030.
  • Measure the resistance between DRL module C1030 Pin 6, Circuit 22 (LB/BK), harness side and ground.


  • Is the resistance greater than 10,000 ohms?
A2 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE SWITCH Yes

INSTALL a new parking brake signal switch and bracket.

TEST the system for normal operation.

No

REPAIR the circuit. TEST the system for normal operation

  • Disconnect: Parking Brake Switch C306.
  • Measure the resistance between DRL module C1030 Pin 6, Circuit 22 (LB/BK), harness side and ground


  • Is the resistance greater than 10,000 ohms?
A3 CHECK VOLTAGE TO THE DRL MODULE Yes

GO to A4 .

No

REPAIR the circuit. TEST the system for normal operation.

  • Measure the voltage between DRL module C1030 Pin 2, Circuit 477 (LB/BK), harness side and ground.


  • Is the voltage greater than 10 volts?
A4 CHECK IGNITION SENSE INPUT Yes

GO to A5 .

No

REPAIR the circuit. TEST the system for normal operation.

  • Key in ON position.
  • Measure the voltage between DRL module C1030 Pin 3, Circuit 298 (VT/OG), harness side and ground.


  • Is the voltage greater than 10 volts?
A5 CHECK THE DRL MODULE GROUND - CIRCUIT 1205 (BK) Yes

GO to A6 .

No

REPAIR the circuit. TEST the system for normal operation

  • Measure the resistance between DRL module C1030 Pin 4, Circuit 1205 (BK), harness side and ground.


  • Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
A6 CHECK THE HIGH BEAM DISABLE INPUT CIRCUIT FOR SHORT TO BATTERY - CIRCUIT 12 (LG/BK) Yes

REPAIR the circuit. TEST the system for normal operation.

No

INSTALL a new DRL module.

REFER to Module-Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . TEST the system for normal operation.

  • Measure the voltage between DRL module C1030 Pin 5, Circuit 12 (LG/BK), harness side and ground.


  • Is voltage indicated?

PINPOINT TEST B: THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS ARE ON WITH THE PARKING BRAKE SET

Test Step Result / Action to Take
B1 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE SWITCH Yes

INSTALL a new parking brake signal switch and bracket. TEST the system for normal operation.

No

GO to B2 .

  • Key in OFF position.
  • Disconnect: Parking Brake Switch C306.
  • Connect a 10A fused jumper wire between parking brake switch C306, Circuit 22 (LB/BK), harness side and ground.


  • Key in ON position
  • Do the DRL turn off?
B2 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE SWITCH SIGNAL CIRCUIT Yes

INSTALL a new DRL module. REFER to Module-Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) .

TEST the system for normal operation.

No

REPAIR the circuit. TEST the system for normal operation.

  • Key in OFF position.
  • Disconnect: DRL Module C1030.
  • Measure the resistance between parking brake switch C306, Circuit 22 (LB/BK), harness side and DRL module C1030 Pin 6, Circuit 22 (LB/BK), harness side


  • Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?

PINPOINT TEST C: THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS ARE ON WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF

Test Step Result / Action to Take
C1 CHECK THE IGNITION SWITCH INPUT TO THE DRL MODULE FOR VOLTAGE Yes

GO to C2 .

No

INSTALL a new DRL module.

REFER to Module-Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . TEST the system for normal operation.

  • Key in OFF position.
  • Disconnect: DRL Module C1030.
  • Measure the voltage between DRL module C1030 Pin 3, Circuit 298 (VT/OG), harness side and ground


  • Is voltage indicated?
C2 CHECK THE IGNITION SWITCH Yes

REPAIR Circuit 298 (VT/OG) for short to battery. TEST the system for normal operation.

No

INSTALL a new ignition switch.

REFER to Section.

TEST the system for normal operation.

  • Check the ignition switch; refer to the Wiring Diagrams Cell 149.
  • Is the ignition switch OK?

PINPOINT TEST D: THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS ARE ON AT FULL INTENSITY IN DRL MODE

Test Step Result / Action to Take
D1 CHECK THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS INPUT Yes

REFER to Section.

No

INSTALL a new DRL module. REFER to Module- Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . TEST the system for normal operation.

  • Disconnect: DRL Module C1030.
  • Are the low beam headlamps still on at full intensity?
    Daytime Running Lamps
    Torque Specifications Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) The daytime running lamp (DRL) system consists of a daytime running lamp module and bracket assembly (15A270). The module is located on the front ...

    Module - Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
    Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) (Diagnosis and Testing) Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 97 , Daytime Running Lamps for schematic and connector information. Special Tool(s) 73III Automotive Me ...

    Other materials:

    Auxiliary Power Points
    WARNING: Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette lighter socket (if equipped). Improper use of the lighter can cause damage not covered by your warranty, and can result in fire or serious injury. Note: If used when the engine is not ...

    Wheel Alignment Angles
    Wheel Alignment Angles Camber and toe are adjustable on the front suspension systems. Front camber is adjusted by moving the top of the strut and spring assembly. Rear camber is adjusted by means of eccentric cams on the rear upper arms. Caster is preset at ...

    Instrument lighting dimmer
    • Move the control up or down to adjust the intensity of the panel lighting. • Move the control to the full upright position, past detent, to turn on the interior lamps. • Move the control down, past detent, to turn off the interior lights. Note: The pa ...