To DLR or not to DLR on the XLT

[Bob The Builder]

For some reason I just discovered that the XLT uses the low beam headlamps as a DLR. That is cool as I always drive during the day with headlamps on so not an issue for me. What could be an issue is, does this almost require one to set their headlamp switch on auto and leave it there? You see this forgetful old fart is just going to keep right on driving after it gets dark forgetting to turn on the headlamps and not having any taillights.

Am I understanding the DRL operation correctly or am I missing something here? Asking for a friend.

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[Swami37]

The lights stay on automatic mode after every start so you literally never have to touch the controls unless you want to turn off the lights. Auto does DRL and automatically switches for night driving

 

[Bob The Builder]

Thank you. That makes sense. Appreciate it.

 

[K5Blazer]

I turned the DRL option off so as to save the led bulbs.
Yeah, I know they supposedly have a multi thousand hour life and all that.
Besides, I really don’t like the look of it when they’re on.

I’m not alone. Most of the Mavericks I have seen on the road have their DRL‘s turned off as well. Either that or the headlight DRL’s are so lame that you don’t notice them in bright sunlight anyway.

 

[Bob The Builder]

Hmmm, didn't think of the "lame" setting on the DRL's. If my truck ever makes it past the "In Production" stage I will have to play around with the settings and see what is best. Thanx.

 

[ejouie]

The auto function works well. It will change from DRL, Low Beams, and High Beams as the ambient light allows.

My personal plan for DRL on my XLT is to go all amber. Amber LED turns along with the raptor style 3 Amber LED (but not changing the grill). Amber seems to cut through fog better and is just as visible during the day. These bulbs also will be replaceable without changing the entire headlight assembly like the stock DRL.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

I turned the DRL option off so as to save the led bulbs.
Yeah, I know they supposedly have a multi thousand hour life and all that.
Besides, I really don’t like the look of it when they’re on.

My thoughts exactly. I, too, plan to turn of DRLs when I get my truck.

 

[K5Blazer]

Not to mention the $1500 replacement cost, per side, and probable lack of availability if one bulb section dies.

If these LEDs were individually replaceable it would be different.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

... My personal plan for DRL on my XLT is to go all amber. Amber LED turns along with the raptor style 3 Amber LED (but not changing the grill). Amber seems to cut through fog better and is just as visible during the day. These bulbs also will be replaceable without changing the entire headlight assembly like the stock DRL.

Thanks. Good to know the amber bulbs are replaceable. If I turn any daytime lights on, it will be those. I don't want to spend over 1,000 bucks just to replace an LED headlight.

My '97 F-150 sat outside for 22 years. When it came time to replace the foggy plastic headlight lenses, I ordered two complete assemblies, halogen bulbs included, for around $50.

Since the Maverick will be my only vehicle, it will get parked in the garage, out of the UV rays.

 

[BigB]

I have been leaving mine on since they don’t have stand alone DRLs like most modern vehicles. I really don’t like the fact that the tail lights stay on too. The rear turn signals (yes I actually use them) aren’t that bright when it’s sunny with the lights on.

 

[K5Blazer]

Thanks. Good to know the amber bulbs are replaceable. If I turn any daytime lights on, it will be those. I don't want to spend over 1,000 bucks just to replace an LED headlight.

My '97 F-150 sat outside for 22 years. When it came time to replace the foggy plastic headlight lenses, I ordered two complete assemblies, halogen bulbs included, for around $50.

Since the Maverick will be my only vehicle, it will get parked in the garage, out of the UV rays.

Someone correct me if I’m wrong;

Unless you reprogram, (with a computer), your settings, running your DRL‘s always turn your headlights on at the same time. The headlights run at a lower lumen, but they will always be on.

You can’t select running lights OR headlights in the lighting menu.
Its both or none.

It kinda sucks.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

Someone correct me if I’m wrong;

Unless you reprogram, (with a computer), your settings, running your DRL‘s always turn your headlights on at the same time. The headlights run at a lower lumen, but they will always be on.

You can’t select running lights OR headlights in the lighting menu.
Its both or none.

It kinda sucks.

Can you not just disable DRLs in vehicle settings and run the amber (aka "Parking") lights?

 

[K5Blazer]

Edit:
Let me correct myself.

You can turn on the running/parking lights manually from the dash light switch. However, the tail lights will also turn on. This is not good.

You cannot do this when the dash switch is set to “automatic”.

So, if you really want to run your front running parking lights during the day you will have both of the aforementioned issues to deal with.

I personally don’t want to run with my tails on during the day.
I also don’t want to have to remember to turn on my headlights at night.

Its just not worth it to me.

Wish I could automatically

run just these but I can’t.

 

[Bob The Builder]

I think as time goes on there will be either lower cost aftermarket LED housings for the Maverick or some enterprising souls with rebuild them with newer and brighter LED's (illegal of course).

Not looking go put myself into an earlier grave here, but prolly safe to say, given how little I drive, these lights will outlive me.

I am a bit dissapointed the DRL's are dimmer, but it does make sense that they would be.

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