Park lights do not work, DRL headlamps work okay

Tiny
DROCK670
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 154,000 MILES
So got car used a long time ago, light switch never worked on column, but it has DRL so figured it is just because it is automated. Cruise had not worked in a long time so I tried testing wires to figure this out. Long story short the park lights (same color as cruise) and the left hand turn signals were crossed during testing and now everything is put back together. Now park lights do not work on auto and remember switch at column never worked so no control, no dash lights for if dark. I can ground the light green/black for the park lights and they come on. All blinkers /high/low lights work, DRL seems to kick on (headlamps get a touch brighter). Need to know if /how to check DRL relay to see if it is now no good. I need to know how these wires get grounded to normally operate. Thanks
Sunday, October 15th, 2017 AT 1:20 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,840 POSTS
It sounds like it could be the switch or the headlight relay. I would start by checking for power to see where it is lost.

Here is a guide to help you:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Here are some diagrams to help us figure out whats going on (below).

Please let us know what happens and upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, October 16th, 2017 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
DROCK670
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Ken, Thanks for responding. I have already checked all fuses. Relays are working for all as well. The DRL turns on the headlamps but not the parking lights which are connected to the dash speedometer. The diagram I was going off of was same as the second one listed. Where the light green/black to the tail lights and to the DRL module is shown. This wire when tested has power at the DRL module, and also under the column. But DRL does not ground it or turn it on- if I take a test light to the wire and ground it - parking lights come on.

All turn signals, all other components are working. Relay for parking lights clicks on- when this light green/black wire is grounded. So I know the DRL is allowing the power to come in and connect it through, but whatever controls turning it on is no bueno.

Really need to know how DRL works. Have one coming used from salvage yard but no clue if it will fix it nor if the used one would have worked previously. Seems like if the DRL module is bad then it is confusing why the headlamps and all other parts it controls still work.

Also, in the diagram and in videos online the combo switch should work even if you have DRL, or if you disconnect the DRL pin 23 supposedly but my switch has never allowed this and I tried it. Combo switch shows it grounds out the parking and head lamps but it w ill not I believe due to how the DRL is wired, if you look at the schematic closer it shows that the combo switch can control the lamps but it would not have any power unless DRLsays to. For example; brights cannot come on unless DRL has told headlights to have power. The ground is fine there since the brights and turn signals work as well. This appears different for the park lights in schematic but its not. Does anyone have experience with their combo switch if it will override the DRL?

Sometimes I would like to bypass this altogether but that is a bit overkill to connect/cut all the related wiring.
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Monday, October 16th, 2017 AT 9:08 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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If you have tested for power through the switch then I would lean toward the DRL module if you have confirmed all wiring and relay operation including the dimmer relay.

Please let us know what you find. I am interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, October 17th, 2017 AT 3:40 PM
Tiny
DROCK670
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Used DRL module fixed the issue. Still don't understand from the wiring diagram since combo switch shows you can also apply its ground - but clearly the DRL module is in charge of everything- and very sensitive to any change in voltage.
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 6:33 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, October 19th, 2017 AT 11:16 AM

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