Installing DRLs on an American Honda Accord - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

snootchiebootchies · 06-07-2010, 04:20 PM

Hi there,

Can anybody recommend a garage that will install DRLs on a 2003 Honda Accord EX? I called Canadian Tire and they quoted me $300 + tax. I also called a Honda dealership and they quoted me $350 + tax. Both of those sound a bit excessive to me since my understanding is that it is a fairly simple job. Maybe I'm wrong and those costs are reasonable but I thought I would do some research first. Thanks in advance for any advice.

SB

Pinner · 06-07-2010, 04:39 PM

Have you checked your fuse box? I wouldn't be surprised if there is a missing fuse for the DRLs, doesn't make sense to manufacture a different fuse box for the US model.

Fobby · 06-07-2010, 04:42 PM

I am not sure if this is legal or not, but does your accord have fog lights? can't you wire it to turn on automatically when your ignition is on?

murray1 · 06-07-2010, 05:09 PM

If you know anything about wiring etc you can do it yourself. If you want a kit Hamsar sells DRL kits, for 86 bucks shipped you could get one for your car(still requires some wiring knowledge).

http://www.hamsar.com/images/DRLAppGuide.pdf
http://www.hamsarstore.com/

Most shops are going to be the same 300+ range though because they charge 100+ bucks per hour of work and likely charge a couple hours labour. Maybe you have a friend that could do it or family mechanic or something that could do it for cheaper though.

snootchiebootchies · 06-07-2010, 06:32 PM

Thanks for everybody's inputs. Unfortunately, I do not have any wiring knowledge. You would think with all the vehicles being imported from the U.S. lately, a garage somewhere would set themselves up as specialists to take some of that business from Canadian Tire.

PIMking · 06-07-2010, 10:25 PM

You have to have DRL in canada? That sucks.

DownhillGoat · 06-07-2010, 10:38 PM

Used this on mine. It should work on most vehicles. I could only find that style of jumper in the US though, you may have to order one online. Ran me about $5 instead of the $600 the dealer wanted.

- - - edit - - -

remembering to insert the link helps
http://www.whiteson.org/boxster/mods/drl/

As long as the fuse is the same amperage and it's 12v switched, I can't see why that procedure wouldn't work for an Accord.

DownhillGoat · 06-07-2010, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PIMking

You have to have DRL in canada? That sucks.

Yeah, making cars easier to see really does suck.

Pinner · 06-07-2010, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PIMking

You have to have DRL in canada? That sucks.

Why ?

Bill Bumface · 06-08-2010, 12:32 AM

Even if you have no wiring knowledge this one is very very easy to do. Just pick a wire that is hot all the time when the ignition is on, usually one with higher amperage such as the wipers will work great. You can tap it right out of the fuse box or get an inline wire connector (super cheap) and wire up some cheapo fog lights or existing fog lights.

getbak · 06-08-2010, 03:20 AM

Is there any reason to do this?

Vehicles sold in Canada have to have them, so I guess if you're selling a vehicle, you might have to do it, but otherwise, why bother?

It's not illegal to drive without headlights during the day (a significant number of police cars don't have them, in fact, that's a pretty good way to know if the large late-model Ford that's following you is a cop), and if you just want to increase your visibility, why not just turn your lights on when you leave home?

Northendzone · 06-08-2010, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by getbak

Is there any reason to do this?

my first thought is that without this "feature" the vehicle may not pass a safety inspection.

burn_this_city · 06-08-2010, 10:16 AM

$300 isn't unreasonable considering how much you'll save bring the car from the US. I think this cost is something to be factored into the decision to buy the car along with the import taxes, RIV fees, inspection ect.

Dynamic · 06-08-2010, 10:33 AM

I myself wouldn't put them in unless its an issue getting registration or insurance ect.

snootchiebootchies · 06-08-2010, 10:36 AM

It is a registration issue. We cannot register the vehicle without the DRLs. In fact, they won't even do the out-of-province inspection until the DRLs are installed first.

DownhillGoat · 06-08-2010, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snootchiebootchies

It is a registration issue. We cannot register the vehicle without the DRLs. In fact, they won't even do the out-of-province inspection until the DRLs are installed first.

Or pass the RIV inspection.

PIMking · 06-08-2010, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kunkstyle

Yeah, making cars easier to see really does suck.

I don't see how driving in the sunlight and having Day light running lamps on makes it easier to see.

If you have that big of an issue seeing cars put down your phone and pay attention..

DownhillGoat · 06-08-2010, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PIMking

I don't see how driving in the sunlight and having Day light running lamps on makes it easier to see.

Fog, dawn, sunset, heavy rain.... Light makes it easier to see. And I don't use a phone in the car, so it's not about paying attention.

PIMking · 06-08-2010, 11:38 AM

Well if you're dumb enough not to turn all your lights on when it's raining, foggy or not alot of light then you are just plain ######ed. DLR are goofy. People think they don't need to use their lights because the head lights are on when the running lamps are not.

oh well I guess we just have to agree to disagree.

Rerun · 06-08-2010, 11:44 AM

What? The goverment in Canada makes auto manufacturers install DRL's?

Damn government... how much extra does that cost?

Whats next? Seatbelts and then forcing everyone to wear them?
Helmets for motorcycle riders?

The government should stay out of peoples business and let them decide whether or not they want to turn their lights on during the day. The government is in the governing business... not the safety business.