Daytime running lights

[smoothdude]

Just bought my 2.0 TDI 170 GT last week. So far, I'm a happy little bunny, apart from one rather serious niggle. I cannot get the daytime running lights (DRL)switched off. I tried following the instructions in the manual but to no avail, so I went to the dealers who told me that it was impossible for them to be switched off. As I have the latest model, that is, the 2010 model, it is impossible for them to do this. I tell you, I was not very happy. I also phoned up the Volkswagen customer care line and they have also verified that this is the case. I am thinking of writing to Volkswagen to complain, but I feel I may be wasting my time. Apparently, it's all to do with new legislation from the EU which says that all new cars sold in the UK must be fitted with DRL. I am really not happy about this at all. I am being given no choice. It looks like I MUST have DRL despite the fact that it is not a requirement in this country. So what do I do to all these people who keep flashing me, I will have do stick a little sign on the windows saying sorry my lights are on for ever.What do I tell all these environmentalists, when they tell me I am using 1.5% more fuel? What do I say to all these motorcyclists who will point out that it will be more difficult to see them now, as they will no longer be in the minority?
That aside the car is BRILLIANT!!

[RW1]

Hi Smoothdude.

Welcome aboard.

A lot written on this last November. Handbook is not the best interpretation of how to do the DRLs - on or off. Method below, follow carefully each step as exactly written. It has been noted by one or two on here that post Wk45 Scirocco DRLs don't turn off.

A)To turn DRLs Off :

1) Get in Car
2) Shut doors
3) Put key in ignition (don't turn on)
4) Turn headlight knob to "0" position - important as it won't work in "AUTO"


i) select LEFT indicator (down) and keep in this position.
ii) now pull towards you to turn FLASH BEAMS on and hold (the beam lamps & symbol will light up.) Important to keep holding the lever in this position for iii)
iii) turn ignition ( don't turn engine on )
iv) wait at least three seconds and you will receive a nice ping.
v) turn off ignition. Job done
----------------------------------

B) To turn DRLs On:-

1) Get in Car
2) Shut doors
3) Put key in ignition ( don't turn on )
4) Turn headlight knob to "0" position - important as it won't work in "AUTO"


i) select RIGHT indicator (up) and keep in this position.
ii) Pull towards you to turn FLASH BEAMS on and hold (the beam lamps & symbol will light up.) Important to keep holding the lever in this position for iii)
ii) turn ignition ( don't turn engine on )
iii) wait at least three seconds and you will receive a nice ping.
v) turn off ignition. Job done

That's all there is to it


C.

[smoothdude]

Hi RW1
Yes.........I've already tried all that and so has the VW dealer and all to no avail. Unless I try a pair of wire cutters,I think i'm stuck with it.

[richio]

Hi RW1
Yes.........I've already tried all that and so has the VW dealer and all to no avail. Unless I try a pair of wire cutters,I think i'm stuck with it.

don't see what the problem is myself.....you can't see em yourself....forget about it and move on......i'll get my coat

[ZephyR]

This issue has been well aired in the past. The matter of impending new legislation is behind it all.
By trial and error it seems that the DRLs on the earliest Rocs could not be turned off except using VAGCOM.
MY2010 models that came out in summer 2009 could have their DRLs turned off or on using the method described by RW1 (mine included )
The very latest models, it appears, do not have the facility to turn the DRLs off - probably as it is now getting nearer to the time when this new legislation comes in to force. The Germans generally seem to be more advanced in following this line.
Taking the point about motorcyclists no longer standing out - its crossed my mind that when virtually every car on the road is driving round with its lights on all day, that none of them will stand out and the benefit will be lost. What we will end up with is tossers with badly adjusted lights blinding us both day and night

[trix]

glad you've got it & are enjoying it other than the DRL's smoothdude, can only suggest that you turn the light switch to sidelights & just have your sidelights on instead (I think it works that way my DRL's was the first thing i did on mine when i got it)

anyway welcome

S

[RW1]

Good point about the motor bike angle. But I think the point with that is with no light, they are not seen when it started to be used a while back.

Also, worth investing in automotive bulb maker companies due to increased headlamp bulb replacement. The factory fit only last 2,000 hours design life in the outer headlight dipped reflectors, 1,000 hours for the main beams. Profit line is bound to go up from next year. Tidy earner

And the devious one I'm waiting for is VW dealers switching the MY2009 & MY2010 Scirocco DRLs on perminently and then locking the cars up with new software update at the next service. After which no one can switch them off. Only a few tweeks on the VAG diagnostics and job done. Wouldn't put it past them to do it! I always ask them if they are going to upgrade the software in any of the modules when it goes into th edealers and what its going to do to the Scirocco.

C.

[Trooper]

I always ask them if they are going to upgrade the software in any of the modules when it goes into th edealers and what its going to do to the Scirocco.

What kind of response do you get to this question normally, RW?

I'm expecting this type of question will be met with a lot of ummms, errrs and ahhhhs.

I suspect most service depts. are simply following a checklist, ticking the boxes..... I wonder how much of an idea they actually have of what changes are being applied to the car

[RW1]

I always ask them if they are going to upgrade the software in any of the modules when it goes into th edealers and what its going to do to the Scirocco.

What kind of response do you get to this question normally, RW? 1
I'm expecting this type of question will be met with a lot of ummms, errrs and ahhhhs.

I suspect most service depts. are simply following a checklist, ticking the boxes..... 2


I wonder how much of an idea they actually have of what changes are being applied to the car 3

1. Helpful, and explained. But they do know I can out wit them at the first corner if they ain't up front with me. I'm referred to as an "intelligent customer". They've known me for ages and sometimes phone me up so they can help other customers.

2. Yes they are, but if your helpful with a bit of good sound knowledge, they tend to give a bit of respect.

3. The software updates such as the DSG 1.4TSi 160PS only due imminently, is explained on the screen in front of them. (eg. "Brake Servo Defect" (false) warning on start-up fixed)

C.

[Trooper]

But they do know I can out wit them at the first corner if they ain't up front with me. I'm referred to as an "intelligent customer". They've known me for ages and sometimes phone me up so they can help other customers.

Nice position to be in! Respect!

[yellowplum]

Apparently, it's all to do with new legislation from the EU which says that all new cars sold in the UK must be fitted with DRL. I am really not happy about this at all. I am being given no choice.

Do you read the Daily Mail by chance?

It is an EU directive which covers all 27 member states from Cyprus to Sweden and comes into force that all cars manufactured after 2011 must have DLRs as standard - is not the UK one of those member states!

[RW1]

Apparently, it's all to do with new legislation from the EU which says that all new cars sold in the UK must be fitted with DRL. I am really not happy about this at all. I am being given no choice.

Do you read the Daily Mail by chance?

It is an EU directive which covers all 27 member states from Cyprus to Sweden and comes into force that all cars manufactured after 2011 must have DLRs as standard - is not the UK one of those member states!

I think there may be a fine line as some of the "official" docs I've read up suggest its only new car type approvals from that date. I think cars like the Scirocco are because VW has sympathised and trying to look a repsonsible corporate company. It's certainly fuzzy about what applies and does not with repect to car manufactured or car's year of type approval.

C.

[Evil Derboy]

I think there may be a fine line as some of the "official" docs I've read up suggest its only new car type approvals from that date. I think cars like the Scirocco are because VW has sympathised and trying to look a repsonsible corporate company. It's certainly fuzzy about what applies and does not with repect to car manufactured or car's year of type approval.

C.

Correct. If it were to be retrospective then every car owner would have to pay for their cars to have DRLS fitted/activated after the date the new legislation comes in. It only applies to cars manufacturered after that date. VW have just updated their design early.

I don't mind the DRLs but I do mind that it makes the auto lights function redundant. They should have made it so that the sidelights are the DRLs. Otherwise what is the point of the sidelights or the autolights function if your running around with your dipped beams on all day anyway?

[EdL]

I don't mind the DRLs but I do mind that it makes the auto lights function redundant. They should have made it so that the sidelights are the DRLs. Otherwise what is the point of the sidelights or the autolights function if your running around with your dipped beams on all day anyway?

Strongly agree here - I assume the side-lights use less energy also.
I'm v.happy to regain control over my lights, and hopefully save some cash over the years (petrol, bulbs)
I think the only remaining function for the dusk-sensor is to illuminate the dashboard instruments automatically when it gets dark...???

can only suggest that you turn the light switch to sidelights & just have your sidelights on instead

Before successfully disabling my DRLs, I did this a few times and works fine, except that they stay on once you've parked
My colleague has a MkVI Golf GTD w. Xenons and he manually switches between Dipped and Sidelights everyday...!
At least there's an audio warning to remind him how some of the electronics he paid for don't function =P
And yes, he's tried the above method to disable them.

Cheers,
Ed

[Evil Derboy]

Now used VAGCOM come to change DRLs to sidelights. Much better

[ashley1407]

Hi Smoothdude.

Welcome aboard.

A lot written on this last November. Handbook is not the best interpretation of how to do the DRLs - on or off. Method below, follow carefully each step as exactly written. It has been noted by one or two on here that post Wk45 Scirocco DRLs don't turn off.

A)To turn DRLs Off :

1) Get in Car
2) Shut doors
3) Put key in ignition (don't turn on)
4) Turn headlight knob to "0" position - important as it won't work in "AUTO"


i) select LEFT indicator (down) and keep in this position.
ii) now pull towards you to turn FLASH BEAMS on and hold (the beam lamps & symbol will light up.) Important to keep holding the lever in this position for iii)
iii) turn ignition ( don't turn engine on )
iv) wait at least three seconds and you will receive a nice ping.
v) turn off ignition. Job done
----------------------------------

B) To turn DRLs On:-

1) Get in Car
2) Shut doors
3) Put key in ignition ( don't turn on )
4) Turn headlight knob to "0" position - important as it won't work in "AUTO"


i) select RIGHT indicator (up) and keep in this position.
ii) Pull towards you to turn FLASH BEAMS on and hold (the beam lamps & symbol will light up.) Important to keep holding the lever in this position for iii)
ii) turn ignition ( don't turn engine on )
iii) wait at least three seconds and you will receive a nice ping.
v) turn off ignition. Job done

That's all there is to it


C.

The method described here only works for MY2010 cars before week 45.

Mine was a week 46 car and this method wouldn't work initially. However, after the Gaydon meet, Johnny did some VAGCOM wizardry and now mine have been turned off. The above mentioned method now works so that I can enable and disable them myself.

[RW1]

The method described here only works for MY2010 cars before week 45.

Mine was a week 46 car and this method wouldn't work initially. However, after the Gaydon meet, Johnny did some VAGCOM wizardry and now mine have been turned off. The above mentioned method now works so that I can enable and disable them myself.

Yup, post 45 Sciroccos need to set the DRL's to 'Off' first using VCDS, then the above porcedure works.

C.

[danj906]

Do i really need DRL's Im gona be driving a Viper Green Roc... if people cant see me coming in that, they shouldnt be on the road Lmao :-)

[Evil Derboy]

Do i really need DRL's Im gona be driving a Viper Green Roc... if people cant see me coming in that, they shouldnt be on the road Lmao :-)

LOL! Good point!

[albie_pentyrch]

Hi - I live in a semi-rural area, and I am actually quite happy to have the DRLs on. No-one has flashed me yet (shame!). Why do you not like them? Seriously though. there are more cars on the road now with DRLs, so more folk should be used to them. I have actually replaced the Standard-fit DRLs with MTEC S25 (1156) 12V-21W bulbs. They are from Japan and you can get them on Ebay from HIDs-Direct. They have a really good (non-dazzling) white light, and are reasonably cheap (£2.65 inc P&P for 1 pair).
Albie