Driving lights

[aesmidz]

I know there has been much discussion. But I just want to deactivate the driving lights and have full control via the jeadlight switch

I have a 2.0 tdi dsgGT
With auto light switch

The VW dealer tells me it can't be done, I think more like they won't do it. As a VW directive
My car is 2010 so it's not a EU REQIREMENT FOR THIS YEAR

Does anyone know where I can take it to. In the west midlands to have it deactivated via the VAGCOM

THANKS

[Deacon]

I know there has been much discussion. But I just want to deactivate the driving lights and have full control via the jeadlight switch

I have a 2.0 tdi dsgGT
With auto light switch

The VW dealer tells me it can't be done, I think more like they won't do it. As a VW directive
My car is 2010 so it's not a EU REQIREMENT FOR THIS YEAR

Does anyone know where I can take it to. In the west midlands to have it deactivated via the VAGCOM

THANKS

Give Midland VW a try - I'm sure Jody can sort it for you

[aesmidz]

thanks for the reply
I'll give them a try and let you know how it goes

[RW1]

The VW dealer tells me it can't be done, I think more like they won't do it. As a VW directive
My car is 2010 so it's not a EU REQIREMENT FOR THIS YEAR

Dealers are instructed by VW Germany (and also UK) not to turn the DRL headlights off. Thats why they won't touch them.

With all but the R Scirocco which has separate DRL's, the Headlights being on as "DRL's" is known as Permanent Running Lights (PRL's). From 2010 onwards, the Scirocco Owner's Handbook is incorrect about being able to switch them off.

From about 2010 to mid 2011, the way to switch the headlights "OFF", is to turn them down using VCDS on the diagnostics. Using 09 - Central Electrics controller, go to Byte 24. Using Bits 0 - 6, (VCDS is set up to let you input a light illumination %.) you will find it set to 92. Make that 1.

Your front sidelights will still remain..... but you are putting in bright light LEDs aren't you

C.

(After about mid 2011, stuck with the headlights on )

[Cuprabob]

My MY12 has the option in the DIS to switch on and off the DRLs. As it has Xenons it has separate lights (halogen) inboard of the main headlights

[RW1]

Ah, yes, was refering to twin Halogen headlight units in the post above.

C.

[aesmidz]

this is an interesting article , isn't the sirocco using normal dipped beam on some models for daytime running lights?


Extract from The Human Rights Act 1998 SCHEDULE 1 The Articles

Part I The Convention Rights and Freedoms Article 2 Right to life

"Everyone’s right to life shall be protected by law." http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1998/uk ... 80042_en_3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Daytime headlights (particularly HID type) violate this human right by masking vulnerable road users.

The Highway Code, the MOT test and The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 Part III Regulations Governing the Maintenance of lamps, reflectors, rear markings and devices Section 23 Paragraph 2 a (iii) and Paragraph 2 b (iii) require all lamps to be working before driving is permitted, therefore driving with a failed headlamp or running lamp is in contravention of the above clause and illegal. The Association of British Insurers advise DRL via their Thatcham Crash Laboratory (they are reliant upon flawed DRL Studies), certain insurance companies e.g. AXA advise DRL, and to the population as a whole by inference and example from TV adverts by Volvo and lamp bulb manufacturers http://www.Osram.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; advise or encourage drivers to use permanent DRL via normal headlamp dipped beams (also called passing beams). Volvo Cars use permanent DRL with EU type approval.

Using normal headlamps for DRL is an incorrect application. Headlamps are designed for seeing with. To allow a vehicle to be seen, dedicated non-glaring long life lamps such as Light Emitting Diodes (LED) should have been used.

Standard H4 and H7 tungsten halogen lamp bulbs from the major manufacturers Osram, Phillips and Ring were never designed for continuous use and have a lifespan of only 300 – 400 hours. There are long life lamps available which last between 300 – 1200 hours, but these reduce the light output by de-rating the lamps and on the manufacturer’s own admission, they are not advisable for night time use.

Energy efficient low power LED lamps are durable and reliable, typically last for 60,000 hours, they have become common place on vehicles for centre brake lights, some buses use them for rear and indicator lamps.

Therefore standard tungsten halogen headlamp bulbs can burn out in between normal service intervals, putting the driver at risk when illumination is really needed for a driver to see and be seen during the hours of darkness.

If a headlamp bulb has failed prematurely due to daytime use because of vehicle design or advice and an accident ensues, you may be able to claim compensation from the manufacturer or insurer or source of advice even if it was your fault.

Rule 94 of the Highway code states "You MUST NOT use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users". When DRL equipped cars bounce over speed humps headlamps exceed the statutory 1% dip angle and cause dazzle.

[aesmidz]

This is from a Wikipedia article on daytime running lights!

"headlamp-based systems are not allowed when DRLs become mandatory in Europe at the beginning of 2011"
Functional piggybacking, such as operating the headlamps or front turn signals or fog lamps as DRLs, is not permitted.

[buster]

"headlamp-based systems are not allowed when DRLs become mandatory in Europe at the beginning of 2011"
Functional piggybacking, such as operating the headlamps or front turn signals or fog lamps as DRLs, is not permitted.


Has any one ever checked if that makes the my12 ilegal!!!! and it should be updated.
It is a really hotch pot idea any way, and should have been set up with leds the same as many makers had done, long before the law became mandatory.

[aesmidz]

this what I'm thinking, hence the posting

[jimma1983]

"headlamp-based systems are not allowed when DRLs become mandatory in Europe at the beginning of 2011"
Functional piggybacking, such as operating the headlamps or front turn signals or fog lamps as DRLs, is not permitted.


Has any one ever checked if that makes the my12 ilegal!!!! and it should be updated.
It is a really hotch pot idea any way, and should have been set up with leds the same as many makers had done, long before the law became mandatory.

Seeing as that quote is from Wikipedia, I am not sure that it can be 100% trusted. With regards to the running lights being illegal, I wouldn't have thought they were as I can't imagine VW being uncompliant with the laws.

I do agree that what they have on the roc is not the best solution, but after having my car for 3 months now it bothers me a lot less than I thought it would have.

[aesmidz]

Daytime driving lights now deactivated by
VW group specialist Vastec ltd, Warwick
Can't speak highly enough about the Excellent Service
Done using VAGCOM. While I waited

[thecrofter]

How much?

[Deacon]

How much?

Notice you're near Lichfield crofter - try Jodie at Midland VW in Norton Canes. He did mine free after fitting my lowering springs a couple of years ago so can't imagine there would be much charge just for the lights.

[dubber36]

Nearly 9 years late to the party, but it might help someone who is doing a search.

For halogen equipped cars that use dipped beam as DRLs. Using VCDS, change Scandinavian DRLs to USA. This uses dipped beam, but with no side or tail lights. Then turn the brightness percentage down to 0%. Some say you can only go as low as 1%, but I can go down to zero on my 2009 car.