Hey, this is my first post! And of course, its a problem...

Anyways my headlights are incredibly dim and I think the DRLs are to blame...The truck is Canadian (2002) and came with DRLs originally, but one day as I shut the door while the engine was running the DRLs simply flickered off, never to come back on again. The lows and highs come on with their proper switches, but the lights have never been particularly bright. Honestly would be surprised if Ford had them this dim as stock (Aren't Ford lights generally good?)

Would the DRLs not working affect the brightness of the lights?

 

I have stock lights on my ranger right now and mine arnt very bright and only shine about 8 feet in front of my truck. So idk if it's ford or not. My buddies 95 ranger in the same way

 

I'm not that familiar with Canadian model Rangers and their DRL systems, but I currently drive a 2013 Ford F550 and it has factory DRL's. The headlamps are approx 50% brightness if the headlight switch is "off" or "running lamp". Once the switch is "on", it's full power....normal power.

My understanding is voltage is regulated depending on the positioning of the headlight switch.

Are yours this way where they are de-powered in DRL function and full powered in "on" function?

 

Yeah, they were only "half-on" when they worked. The headlights were dim (and no tail-lights), and then when the switch was turned they'd come on with full brightness. Now they simply behave as any car without DRLs- switch on, lights on, switch off, lights off. They just seem really dim. My mom's 02 Explorer has lights that are TWICE as bright...

 

DRL's are only I think it's 70% of the high beam when they are on. Tail lights aren't on with DRL.

 

this is what you need

BuyBriteBox.com - Brite Box Smart Headlight Relay Harnesses - Compatible with Daytime Running Light (DRL) Head Lights and Lamps - Made in USA!

when you install it , 1 headlight bulb connector just acts as a trigger for the relays

your headlights will now enjoy full alternator output voltage and amperage ( when engine is running )

a little pricey but well worth the cost ( email them about ordering extra relays )

 

Hi. I just bought a 2001 Ranger 2wd, mainly to tow my ice racer to events. The DRL's on my truck are not working totally. The lights are fine when I switch them on (both low and high). Is there a fuse that could be blown - causing the DRL's not to work?

 

pull 1 headlight connector ( keep transmission in park ) release parking brake if you have a automatic

use a multimeter on the right female pin to check the DRL l voltage it should fluctuate between 8.28 and 8.48 volts ( voltage pulsing )

the DRL module is activated by releasing the parking brake , so it might be a failed trigger switch on the parking brake mount itself ( look for electrical wires connected to a switch )


To find the module follow the fog lamp harness back to the radiator support on the drivers side. There will be a black module (looks like a large relay) clipped to the Radiator Support near this area.

 

Thanks cheese_man. My parking brake does not work, cable(s) probably broken. But that might be the reason for DRL's not working as you say they are activated by releasing the parking brake. Will check on this tomorrow.