How do I disable DRL

[richard.unger]

I recently bought a 2014 Polo model version 7a Manufacturer version 6R. The DRL are driving me crazy what dumb stupid idea. I want them off. I'm already fed up with my neighbor telling me I've left my lights on. At the moment after I insert my key the headlights come on, I turn the light switch from 0 to sidelights, then when I'm done I I have turn it back to 0. However If I forget I leave the sidelights on even when the key is removed. Why can't I just have them off when I want to. There has to be a way. its nuts.

[Parker87]

I know how you feel!
I believe it can be done using one of those diagnostic reader jobbies, or you could ask the VW garage to do it.
If it's any consolation, I've had my 6R for 5 months now and I've got used to the DRL's. I've been flashed far less often than I would have expected, even when it's been sunny,so I just leave mine on 'O' and have stopped doing the sidelight switch over like you're doing now.

[alexperkins]

Remove the headlight switch and put some tape over the TFL terminal - this will disable DRLs.

viewtopic.php?t=57668

[Nlolotte]

+1 on alexperkins' post. I was toying with the idea of getting some aliexpress led headlights and to enable to just the side lights (LED) as drl this mod will work perfectly I'd suggest taping tfl pin rather than ebnding ti as its less permanent

[iichel]

Remember that having DRL on your car obligatory

[Bobupndown]

Old thread revival.
1st of many stupid questions probably.
Son picked his 2014 Rline up tonight. It seems to have both side lights and dipped beam headlights activated as drls when running and headlight switch in position '0' when you switch to just side lights the dipped beam lights go out, and then back on again naturally enough when you turn the switch to the dipped beam setting etc. Why does it have "daytime headlights"?

Handbook says these can't be switched on or off manually, is this the case?

[SimonPoole]

Sadly they cannot be turned off like the manual says as it is a legal requirement to have DRLs.

You can put tape over the TFL pin on the headlight switch as mentioned in the thread above, but that will turn off all of your DRLs.

I modified the foglights on my son's car to accept an extra bulb holder, which some versions have anyway and wired these via a relay to come on as DRLs. They stay on with the sidelights and go off when the dipped beam is switched on. I'm sure this could be done via the BCM, but I did it the old school way.

[Bobupndown]

Ok thanks, shame that TFL pin knocks out all the DRLs, hoped that it just deactivated the headlights and left the rest.
I've no issues adding another circuit as you have done, wired plenty of relays and spotlamps in my day, old school too!
I'm wondering is this something that can easily be done with vagcom or a VCDS lead, might be simpler getting someone to do that for a few beer tokens?
Does this forum have a list of owners and locations willing to assist with that type of thing? Thanks.

[veteran]

richard et al,

This topic on DRLs has been covered at least once before in these forums, so you might want to do a 2 - 3 yr search within these forums, using the keyword 'DRLs' or 'turn off DRLs'. There does exist a fairly easy procedure for disabling the DRLs on 6Cs (which presumably includes your R Line). It uses buttons in the dashboard display. However, as has been pointed out, for several years now daytime lights at the front have been mandatory (at least, that's the case in the UK), so if you disabled them you might get stopped by the police and some questions asked. Also, if it got noticed during an MOT, the car would fail.

[Bobupndown]

Hi thanks for that, did a few searches and this old thread seems to be similar to what I'm asking. No intention of removing drls totally just don't see the need to have dipped headlights and sidelights both on permanently. Sidelights with led bulbs would be my preference for modern looking drls.

[iichel]

2014 could be both 6R and 6C. Perhaps a picture of the car in question could help.

[Bobupndown]

283141505.1920.jpg (361.18 KiB) Viewed 7187 times

6R?

[iichel]

Yes this is a 6R

[SimonPoole]

Ok thanks, shame that TFL pin knocks out all the DRLs, hoped that it just deactivated the headlights and left the rest.
I've no issues adding another circuit as you have done, wired plenty of relays and spotlamps in my day, old school too!
I'm wondering is this something that can easily be done with vagcom or a VCDS lead, might be simpler getting someone to do that for a few beer tokens?
Does this forum have a list of owners and locations willing to assist with that type of thing? Thanks.

Can't be coded out with VCDS I'm afraid as it is hard wired in via the switch.

I carefully removed the relevant wire from the headlight switch connector and fitted a new one which I ran to a relay.

There are several different versions of the foglights, some are just fogs, some just DRLs and others are both. Ours were just fogs, but the position is marked on the back of the lamp where the other bulb holder would fit. I bought a couple of bulb holders off eBay and then drilled through the back of the lamp and the reflector inside. I then hoovered out as much of the swarf as I could. There is still a bit inside, but unless you get right up to the lamps you can't see it.
I would imagine that you can buy the correct bulb holders from VW, but I suspect that they will not be cheap, so I bought generic from eBay. They have three locating lugs and twist to lock into place.
I have fitted a couple of LEDs to these holders and I'm happy with the results.

[peter_dk25]

On 6R: 09, Long coding, Byte 23, Bit 6 disable.
Works in my 6R 2014