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Re: Daytime Running Lights
Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 12:59 pm
by shooms
Geoff Hibbert wrote:
Really helpful although they did want me to sign a disclaimer to say that they couldn't be turned baclk on again!!
I thought they could be turned off / on as & when required via VAGCOM ? Just ticking / unticking options ?
Re: Daytime Running Lights
Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 1:47 pm
by pimp my roc
Xenons can be turned off in the car, others need the VAG COM.
Re: Daytime Running Lights
Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 2:27 pm
by Blueroc
pimp my roc wrote:Xenons can be turned off in the car, others need the VAG COM.
I think you have got this wrong. If you have xenons (like I do) you get separate, dedicated DRLs using standard light bulbs. You do not drive around with the xenons on. I cannot switch the DRLs off although I could remove the bulbs if I wanted to. I have not tried this but if I did I would probably get loads of flashing lights on the MFD

.
Dave
Re: Daytime Running Lights
Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 2:54 pm
by maisbitt
I don't have Xenons, so I haven't tried it.
But, according to the UK manual, those without Xenons need a dealer to switch them off (Vagcom, I assume).
Also, according to the UK manual: Those with Xenons can turn off their dedicated DRLs with the indicator stalk method - indicator stalk pushed down (as if indicating left) and pulled towards you (like flashing a high beam) for 3 seconds when the ignition is put on (but not the engine). Turn the ignition off and the DRLs are no more.
You can turn them back on the same way, but have the stalk up instead of down (as if turning right).
I feel a plonker driving around on a sunny day with the lights on, but i'd feel a bigger plonker paying my dealer to switch them off (they do charge for it at my local dealer, i've checked).
Re: Daytime Running Lights
Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 3:14 pm
by Blueroc
maisbitt wrote:
Also, according to the UK manual: Those with Xenons can turn off their dedicated DRLs with the indicator stalk method - indicator stalk pushed down (as if indicating left) and pulled towards you (like flashing a high beam) for 3 seconds when the ignition is put on (but not the engine). Turn the ignition off and the DRLs are no more.
You can turn them back on the same way, but have the stalk up instead of down (as if turning right).
That procedure certainly doesn't work on mine.
This has been discussed before and it seems that method of turning the lights off applies to vehicles where the DRL's are an option. In the UK they are standard and can't be turned off using that method.
Dave
Re: Daytime Running Lights
Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 3:28 pm
by maisbitt
Volvo started all this DRL crap .....curse you Volvo!
VW do their damndest to make their cars more efficient supposedly and then ruin it by turning on all the devices all of the time that you don't need. Are they in bed with the oil companies?
Not that their indicated mpg figures can be trusted anyway (indicated mpg is 11% more than actual on mine)
Re: Daytime Running Lights
Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 3:45 pm
by klippie
I hate the DRLS mine will be switched off very soon, one of the service people let me see a bulletin from VW saying that the owner needs to tell VW they have given their consent to switch them off. The dealers know about this there should be no problem getting your DRLS switched off if you want.
Re: Daytime Running Lights
Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 6:00 pm
by JohnC
I spoke to the servicing department at my dealer, and no less than 7 different people at VW customer care, and got a different answer each time
1. Yes, you can turn the DRLs off, the manual is correct you're doing it wrong
2. Yes, you can turn the DRLs off, the manual has a misprint but I don't have the correction in forn of me as our computer is down please ring back
3. Yes, the dealer will turn your DRLs off, but they can never be turned back on. This service is free.
4. Yes, the dealer will turn your DRLs off, but they can never be turned back on. This service is chargeable, for ~30mins of time.
5. No. It is a legal requirement, we are not allowed to turn the lights off.
6. No. It is a legal requirement, we are cannot turn the lights off, the facility is removed on the new cars (didn't ask my reg/build week!)
And the final answer, after written request.
7. 4. Yes, the dealer will turn your DRLs off, but they can never be turned back on. This service is chargeable, for ~2hours of time. (>£175)

Re: Daytime Running Lights
Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 8:09 pm
by martdy
JohnC wrote:I spoke to the servicing department at my dealer, and no less than 7 different people at VW customer care, and got a different answer each time
1. Yes, you can turn the DRLs off, the manual is correct you're doing it wrong
2. Yes, you can turn the DRLs off, the manual has a misprint but I don't have the correction in forn of me as our computer is down please ring back
3. Yes, the dealer will turn your DRLs off, but they can never be turned back on. This service is free.
4. Yes, the dealer will turn your DRLs off, but they can never be turned back on. This service is chargeable, for ~30mins of time.
5. No. It is a legal requirement, we are not allowed to turn the lights off.
6. No. It is a legal requirement, we are cannot turn the lights off, the facility is removed on the new cars (didn't ask my reg/build week!)
And the final answer, after written request.
7. 4. Yes, the dealer will turn your DRLs off, but they can never be turned back on. This service is chargeable, for ~2hours of time. (>£175)

Similar story here mate,but a bit of polite persistance with the service manager (at a different dealer to where I bought the car from )and they agreed to do it for £35. He also assures me all the auto light functions will work properly! Yes I know it should be free but its really pissing me off now!
It's booked in for Thursday so I'll keep you posted.
Re: Daytime Running Lights
Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 5:09 pm
by youvebinaced
When i spoke to my dealer about them he said that all cars made from 2010 will need to have them by law???
don't know how true that is ?
Re: Daytime Running Lights
Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:01 pm
by ayeaye
youvebinaced wrote:When i spoke to my dealer about them he said that all cars made from 2010 will need to have them by law???
don't know how true that is ?
That's the case - from 7th February 2011 all new cars must have DRLs.
Re: Daytime Running Lights
Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 12:55 pm
by arlurt
That's all cars built after that date. Not all cars must have DRLs after that date.
So long as your car is registered before then you don't have to have DRLs.
Re: Daytime Running Lights
Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 6:31 pm
by KEVINVW
I cant see why they didnt make this a switchable option in the multi functional display if its not needed by law until 2011. It clearly pissing most people off because you look a prat driving round with lights on in the day. It also makes the auto senors light a complete waste of time because there always on, where is the sense in that. If its dull enough the light come on with the senors anyway, crazy!
A nice row of small LED lights would have been farmore stylish and in keeping with the look of the car, something like the ones Audi have on there latest models.
Probably just another corner cutting by VW to save some cost. Its these kind of finishing touches that make a car.
Re: Daytime Running Lights
Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 10:01 pm
by klippie
I cant see why they didnt make this a switchable option
My mate just bought a new 3 series BMW that is exactly what it has the DRL's can be switched off in the menu.
Re: Daytime Running Lights
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2009 7:19 pm
by martdy
Went to the stealers today - DRLs finally switched off
Cost me £35 sorry £34.99 which for a few minutes "work" is a rip off but i'm happy at last! Tried to get my moneys worth though - cup of coffee sir? Ta , Golf gti brochure sir?- ta . Hassle the sales staff - got to be done. Not impressed with the new Gti though .My Roc was parked next to their demo when I left . No comparison
