SS #670 Modifications:
Disable daytime running lights

Here are some details on h= ow I disabled the DRL and automatic headlights on 2000 SS #670.

The DRL module (or whatever it's called -- it does a = lot more than just manage the DRLs) is in the center console behind the radio.

Step one is to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.


Camaro c= onsole	Trim rem= oved

To gain access to the DRL module, first remove the co= nsole trim. Gently pry it forward with your fingers; it should pop out easily. It= 's easier in the long run to disconnect the fog lamp and ASR switch connectors= . To do this you'll need a screw driver or similar tool to hold the connector release down.


Radio re= moved	DRL modu= le

Next use a 7mm nut driver to remove the two radio fasteners. Move the radio forward and down out of the way. Be careful not to scratch the radio or the console. The DRL module is a bit to the right. To remove it, gently pull up and disengage it from its plastic mount. There is enough slack in the wiring harness to bring it out of the console.


DRL conn= ectors	Jumper d= etail

The DRL module has two connectors. Connector C1 is a black 8 cavity connector that is mostly outputs; connector C2 is a b= lue 8 cavity connector that is mostly inputs. C2 is smaller than C1.

DRL conn= ector C1

DRL conn= ector C2

Carefully take= the module apart. The C2 connector (blue) only has 7 of the 8 cavities u= sed. A is a black wire and is ground and C is a pink wire and hot = (you can verify this with a DVM). B is the disable line and should not ha= ve a wire in its cavity.

To disable the DRL module, solder a small wire betwee= n the A and B conductors of connector C2 on the back of the DRL modul= e PC board.

Put everything back together, reconnect the battery a= nd test. Your headlights should only come on when you turn on the dash board h= eadlight switch.

Can I = just remove the DRL connector?

Yes, removing the C2 connector will disable DRL and automatic headlights. It also prevents the <= span class=3DSpellE>the ebrake switch from tu= rning on the "BRAKE" light on your instrument cluster. <= /p>
Disable automatic headlights only

If you like daytime runnin= g lights and only want to disable the automatic headlights feature, you can achieve = this by replacing the ambient light sensor (really a photor= esistor) with a wire. Acording to the wiring diagram in = the factory service manual (see images below), this is how the Pontiac F-Body (which does not have automatic headlights) is wired.

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Chevrolet ambient light sensor wiring <= /o:p>

Pontiac ambient= light sensor wiring

The ambient light sensor is located directly above th= e DRL module on the dashboard. You can gain access to it either by removing the r= adio or by lifting the upper trim pad. The sensor has a connector on it. Just st= uff a short piece of wire in place of the sensor and then heat shrink or tape u= p it to avoid shorts.

DRL ambi= ent light sensor

I've been told that this trick (replacing the ambient= light sensor with a wire) also works on a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am.

What a= bout just leaving the ebrake on the last notch?

While it's true that leavi= ng your emergency brake on the last notch will disable DRL and automatic headlights, you will also have to live with the eternal "BRAKE" light on your instrument cluster. If you have a manual transmission, it also makes it possible for you to accidentally pop the hatch while driving.

I've heard some state that leaving your emergency bra= ke on the last notch disables ABS. This is false.

Buggering the ebrake swit= ch is the same as leaving the emergency brake on the last notch.

Disconnecting C2 from the DRL module makes it impossible to pop the hatch in some circumstances (with the manual transmis= sion anyway). It also disables the "BRAKE" light on your instrument cluster which comes in handy should you forget to completely disengage the emergency brake (or if you're low on brake fluid!)

How do= es all this apply to the Pontiac F-Body?

The Canadian Pontiac is ba= sically the same as the Chevrolet. However the domestic Pontiac does not have automatic headlig= hts. The factory shop manual schematic shows this is done by wiring the ambient light sensor inputs together. (For this reason it's ok to short out the amb= ient light sensor inputs on the Chevrolet if you just want to disable automatic headlights.)

Other sources of anti-DRL information

National Motorists Association's DRL page

Association of Drivers Against Dayt= ime Running Lights

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Copyright = © 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Craig Leres

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Chevrolet ambient light sensor wiring <= /o:p>	Pontiac ambient= light sensor wiring

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