DRL / Daytime Running Lights / Driving Lights

[SpeedBird]

According to the Specifications Booklet page 1, the Mk6 GTI has Daytime Driving Lights as standard equipment.

Can someone who owns one take a photo and add to this post so we can see what it looks like.

With the photos in the current magazines, i cannot recall seeing a car with then on, are they similar to the Audi LED daytime running lights?

[maca]

All Mk6 Golfs have the DRLs as standard.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/01/Mk6_DRLs-2.jpg

I'm not sure what they'll look like with the Bi-Xenons, but this is what they look like with the standard Halogen bulbs.

[EndlessMKI]

save the day time running lights for the posers.

[mikinoz]

save the day time running lights for the posers.

No LED, no care? :P

[Brian]

save the day time running lights for the posers.
I used to call them 'wanker lights' (along with idiots that turn their fog lights on during the day) till I got my 09 118TSI. Now I cant find a way to turn them off :confused:
Have read the manual backwards and checked all the menus on the MFD but alas - no answer. Anyone have any clues on how to turn these off?
Brian

[elisiX]

I read on another forum (vortex I think) about the DRL's on the GTI with Xenon's.

It's basically the same as above but with one of the Xenon bulbs.

Hoever as said, i've not seen them on in any of the driving press photo's / vid's i've seen.

They're not LED but an actual headlight so I dont know if this is disabled here in Australia.

[elisiX]

Here you go. :D

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4703760

[TuNeS]

I used to call them 'wanker lights' (along with idiots that turn their fog lights on during the day) till I got my 09 118TSI. Now I cant find a way to turn them off :confused:
Have read the manual backwards and checked all the menus on the MFD but alas - no answer. Anyone have any clues on how to turn these off?
Brian

Whats the issue with having lights on during the day? I dont turn on fog lights, but there is no harm in turning your lights on. There are so many idiots on the road so I dont see any problem with them being on for safety. They cant blind you and they dont shine in your eyes.

I still cant work out why everyone jumps on this bandwagon when it doesnt harm or affect them in any way. People seem more interested in what other people are doing than themselves and like the sound of their own voice......

[Lima]

Whats the issue with having lights on during the day? I dont turn on fog lights, but there is no harm in turning your lights on. There are so many idiots on the road so I dont see any problem with them being on for safety. They cant blind you and they dont shine in your eyes.

I still cant work out why everyone jumps on this bandwagon when it doesnt harm or affect them in any way. People seem more interested in what other people are doing than themselves and like the sound of their own voice......

+1

Anyway, if you want to turn the DRLs off, and if they're not individually switched, then if it's anything like the Audi system just make sure your lights are in the OFF position and not in AUTO.

As it is, I reckon the Mk6 DRLs work quite well.

[Lima]

save the day time running lights for the posers.

From Ingolstadt with love... :banana:

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/01/640876998_MR2MhM-1.jpg

[elisiX]

lol Lima.. I quite like them personally.

[GTI2708]

The day lights stay on because in some.most parts of europe it is illegal to drive with your day lights off. My dad and i copped that fine twice before really having it drummed into our heads...so i think they might make new cars to just have them always on as standard. No biggie IMO...doesn't look bad or affect anyone..so meh.

[maca]

The day lights stay on because in some.most parts of europe it is illegal to drive with your day lights off. My dad and i copped that fine twice before really having it drummed into our heads...so i think they might make new cars to just have them always on as standard. No biggie IMO...doesn't look bad or affect anyone..so meh.
That and from 2011, DRL's will become compulsary across Europe (as it is already in the USA).

[sillygogo]

I used to call them 'wanker lights' (along with idiots that turn their fog lights on during the day) till I got my 09 118TSI. Now I cant find a way to turn them off :confused:
Have read the manual backwards and checked all the menus on the MFD but alas - no answer. Anyone have any clues on how to turn these off?
Brian

DRLs are designed for safety, you can turn them off if you wish. For the TSI.

From memory: turn the light to the OFF position, pull back flasher + LEFT indicator at the same time + start engine, Turn off engine.

To turn back on DRL same as above but RIGHT indicator instead of LEFT.

[STV4SYT]

Safety First.

Lights have not one, but 2 uses.

1. To see in the Dark
2. To be seen by others.

I have noticed for the most part that if i drive with my lights on during the day(most of the time) that those nasty outside lane hoggers see me faster and get out of my way more often than if i have them off.

[Corey_R]

I have noticed for the most part that if i drive with my lights on during the day(most of the time) that those nasty outside lane hoggers see me faster and get out of my way more often than if i have them off.

Yep. I've always used my headlights during the day when freeway/motorway/highway driving for that very reason.
Though these days I always drive with my headlights on even though my little Polo GTI don't have DRL. It's just habbit for me to turn on the lights when I turn on the car.

[STV4SYT]

Yep. I've always used my headlights during the day when freeway/motorway/highway driving for that very reason.
Though these days I always drive with my headlights on even though my little Polo GTI don't have DRL. It's just habbit for me to turn on the lights when I turn on the car.

I found that on the golf if i just leave the headlights in the ON position they turn on and off with the ignition.

[Mk6 GTI]

I think they DRL look great :)

[mfl]

I used to call them 'wanker lights' (along with idiots that turn their fog lights on during the day) till I got my 09 118TSI. Now I cant find a way to turn them off :confused:
Have read the manual backwards and checked all the menus on the MFD but alas - no answer. Anyone have any clues on how to turn these off?
Brian

My initial reaction as well,(how do I turn them off) when I discovered the car had drl, but at least they are dedicated lights and not the foglights that the wankers use.

Although I believe commonwealth government cars have drl fitted. - didn't want to look like I was driving a government car. !

After a trip down the south coast in overcast weather and the generally grey days around Sydney, I now think they are a plus in terms of other road users actually seeing me. That said when I used to ride a motorcycle a few decades ago, I always had my headlight on during the day to improve my visibility to others on the road.


as an aside, on Saturday afternoon I drove from Nowra to Sydney in torrential rain and could not believe the number of cars without any lights turned on in atrocious driving conditions.

cheers

[Lima]

as an aside, on Saturday afternoon I drove from Nowra to Sydney in torrential rain and could not believe the number of cars without any lights turned on in atrocious driving conditions.

cheers

This is why it wouldn't be a bad idea to make DRLs mandatory. Or getting a licence in this country could be aligned with the responsibility of driving on the road rather than giving them out with Cornflake packets.

Of course it will be easier and more electorate friendly to introduce DRLs, haha.

The amount of ignoramuses driving at dusk, during fog and other inclement weather without using lights is astounding really. If such people cannot make a simple judgement call at these times then one can only wonder at what other poor habits they have.

[Riker]

I must get my eyes checked if what I just read is for real. Someone want's to turn 'OFF' a safety feature because they believe it doesn't look any good.......... Absolutely :crazy:

[Brian]

This is why it wouldn't be a bad idea to make DRLs mandatory. Or getting a licence in this country could be aligned with the responsibility of driving on the road rather than giving them out with Cornflake packets.

Of course it will be easier and more electorate friendly to introduce DRLs, haha.

The amount of ignoramuses driving at dusk, during fog and other inclement weather without using lights is astounding really. If such people cannot make a simple judgement call at these times then one can only wonder at what other poor habits they have.
Well, I think you have me convinced that I should leave them on, just to remind other morons that they should have lights on also. I still believe that I can make a decision on whether or not to turn my lights on if road conditions should dictate that, and I'll always be first to do so. I'm just anti dictatorship with how I should drive my car, whether it be lights, wipers or whatever. Soon the world government will tell me that I have to drive in economy mode all the time and you wont be able to change it on your car, just like DDL. :policeman: Beware, the climate change protagonists will rule your life. :goodluck:
Brian

[Lima]

Haha, good on you Brian.

Good to see you have a white car too, which helps!

We usually leave the lights in Auto on our cars, which means LED DRLs for the S3 and just lights on when need be in the GTI. Although, in overcast conditions we'll usually err on the side of having the lights on too early.

I became much more aware of such issues when we had our Mk4 GTI which was black. Generally speaking I ran the low beams all the time as I noticed that other dark cars could be difficult to see during the day when driving through tree lined streets etc.

I also used to drive quite a lot of highway kms not long after I started driving and quickly saw the benefits of having lights on during the day.

[cme2c]

The rest of the world is catching up with 1980's Volvos.

[kimiraikkonen1a]

Firstly, are DRL's standard on the 118tsi?? Because it would appear that mine doesnt have them and based on what ppl have said in this thread, i get the impression that they are....


DRLs are designed for safety, you can turn them off if you wish. For the TSI.

From memory: turn the light to the OFF position, pull back flasher + LEFT indicator at the same time + start engine, Turn off engine.

To turn back on DRL same as above but RIGHT indicator instead of LEFT.

Seeing as mine aren't on (if i even have them), i tried your method a few times to turn them on but it didn't work.

[maca]

Firstly, are DRL's standard on the 118tsi?? Because it would appear that mine doesnt have them and based on what ppl have said in this thread, i get the impression that they are....



Seeing as mine aren't on (if i even have them), i tried your method a few times to turn them on but it didn't work.
DRL's are standard on all Mk6 Golfs.

I've noticed that on some of the loan cars I get however, they don't have them on. I think it's got something to do with the comfort settings?

[Lima]

The rest of the world is catching up with 1980's Volvos.

Except new/current Volvos don't have DRLs any more. Which I always found odd given you rightly point out they are well known for them.

[kimiraikkonen1a]

DRL's are standard on all Mk6 Golfs.

I've noticed that on some of the loan cars I get however, they don't have them on. I think it's got something to do with the comfort settings?

So what you're saying is that I should have them and that i should call up my VW dealer and demand they activate them?

Are they a separate bulb to the park lights? because i had a look at the all the bulbs and I can only see the high beams and the parkers in that refletor fixture.

[maca]

So what you're saying is that I should have them and that i should call up my VW dealer and demand they activate them?

Are they a separate bulb to the park lights? because i had a look at the all the bulbs and I can only see the high beams and the parkers in that refletor fixture.

Demanding them to activate your DRL's will get sugar in your fuel tank next time you take your car in for a service. I'm guessing you've gone through and read the instruction book yeah? I've played with a few Mk6's before and I've found that if you reset the comfort settings (I think it was these), they come on.

The DRL's use the same bulb as the high beam, similar to how some cars use the same bulb for main/high beam. The reflectors are set up so that it won't dazzle oncoming traffic.

[Idle]

My TDI had the DRL's on as delivered — since it's a white car it stands out well enough and I see where I'm going perfectly well in daylight, I turned them off. The somewhat arcane procedure is in the manual, as is how to re-enable them.

Since it runs headlamp bulbs, which are tedious things to replace in the Mk 6 and it must shorten their useful life, I'll leave mine off unless/until I'm forced to turn them on again.

In over 65 years of driving many different varieties of transport I've never needed many of the so-called essentials of today (although I have to admit I'm impressed with electronic stability control — if I'd had that in some of the devices I used to race...)

[logger]

I'm guessing you've gone through and read the instruction book yeah? I've played with a few Mk6's before and I've found that if you reset the comfort settings (I think it was these), they come on.

Pretty sure it is not covered in the manual so reading it wont help.

But now that you mention it cycling the comfort setting does re-activate DRLs. For those who don't know - Comfort setting are the optional 4 indicator flashes you get when you momentarily press the indicator part way. Great for when overtaking. If this comfort setting is OFF then the indicators only come on when fully selected. The reason I know that cycling comfort settings activates DRLs is that I generally have my DRLs set to off, but if I use VAGCOM to change the comfort flashes from the default 4 to anywhere in the acceptable range 1-5 DRL come back to life. Go figure.

But for me I find the easiest way select left indicator while simultaneously holding the stalk hard back towards you to flash the lights while cycling IGN on for a couple seconds - until you hear the DING. DRLs are active. Same as above with right indicator to reverse it. No need to start ENG.

[Brian]

Firstly, are DRL's standard on the 118tsi?? Because it would appear that mine doesnt have them and based on what ppl have said in this thread, i get the impression that they are....



Seeing as mine aren't on (if i even have them), i tried your method a few times to turn them on but it didn't work.

My TSI is Jun 09 and it came with the DLLs activated (ON). I haven't tried to turn them off less I incur the wrath of the ex Volvo drivers now driving dubs :sheep:

[sillygogo]

Firstly, are DRL's standard on the 118tsi?? Because it would appear that mine doesnt have them and based on what ppl have said in this thread, i get the impression that they are....



Seeing as mine aren't on (if i even have them), i tried your method a few times to turn them on but it didn't work.

It is a standard feature in the 118TSI, is the light in the 0 position?

remember to hold the flasher and indicator RIGHT at the same time, keep holding them then start your car.

Its in the manual. Check it out.

[logger]

Thanks sillygogo you are quite correct light switch must be in OFF position as well. I forgot to mention that. Also I had the indicator arse position about. Right for ON. So:

Left = DRL OFF

1) Headlight switch to OFF,
2) Select Left indicator while
3) Simultaneously holding the stalk hard back towards you to flash the lights while
4) Simultaneously cycling IGN on for a couple seconds - until you hear the DING.

DRLs are now OFF.

Right = DRL ON

1) Headlight switch to OFF,
2) Select Right indicator while
3) Simultaneously holding the stalk hard back towards you to flash the lights while
4) Simultaneously cycling IGN on for a couple seconds - until you hear the DING.

DRLs are now ON.

[Craig67]

Having the lights hard wired to the ignition has been a safety feature on motorcycles since the 80's. The reason for motorcycles having the lightshard wired to the ignition was so they were more visable to other road users

i wondered how long it would take for car manufactures to adopt this idear. The militay have been using the headlights as DRL since at least the 80's, apprently this makes it easer for other road users to see ther vehicles. Have you ever noted that irrespective of the vehilcle colour they all appear dark/black at a distance, on how esay it was to spot car head lights in the day at a distance on the highway. (or perhaps you dont venture onto highways)

This is not a new concept, anything that makes you more visable to others is good thing, mind you people will still run into you if they are not looking / paying attention. I have a dint in the rear of my new car to prove it ( i had poseesion of the car for less than 24hrs:().

I thought i read/heard some where it was illegal to have your fog lights on except for when there is fog around.

[Corey_R]

I thought i read/heard some where it was illegal to have your fog lights on except for when there is fog around.

Yes it is. 100% definite in NSW, and I believe other states are similar. There is a difference between DRL and foglights though :)

[ricksterrr]

Yes it is. 100% definite in NSW, and I believe other states are similar. There is a difference between DRL and foglights though :)

Yup - mate of mine got fined $84 for having his fog lights on at night when there was no fog... a nice bonus on top of his fine for speeding. Don't think the cops will pull someone over just because their fog lights are on but if you get pulled over for something else and the officer is in a bad mood then that's when the fog light punishment is going to be dished out.

[sillygogo]

logger, I was trying to turn the DRL ON and OFF without success. After a few frustrated attempts, I've realised the Light switch was on AUTO. So back to OFF then all good :banana:


----
DRL is NOT the same as FOGLights! I think it uses 65% of the highbeam for DRL, fog lights are the ones at the corners of the bumbers and yes you might get fine for having them on when there are no fogs. However, there are many cars have the fog lights on for look factors.

[kimiraikkonen1a]

Right = DRL ON

1) Headlight switch to OFF,
2) Select Right indicator while
3) Simultaneously holding the stalk hard back towards you to flash the lights while
4) Simultaneously cycling IGN on for a couple seconds - until you hear the DING.

DRLs are now ON.

Yeah that worked a treat, thanks.

[cktsi]

When I first got my car, the daytime running lights were not always on. Then around Sept last year I noticed in the reflection off other cars that they were activated.

Today when I was driving I looked in the reflection & definitely not switched on. After I stopped the car, I walked to the front of the car with the engine still running. Yep... definitely not switched on.

Seems strange. I may get VW to look at it at my 15k service, but I actually prefer it without the DRL. I normally use headlights on longer distance drives anyway.

Anyone else have this? I thought DRL were meant to be switched on permanently, not be subject to light conditions (incidentally sydney was overcast today)

[logger]

Check that you actually have your DRLs activated. Perhaps you are running your lights in Auto and seeing this reflection and thinking this is DRL when it is just auto lights due low ambient light.

This is how to turn them on and off.


Using Right indicator = DRL ON

1) Headlight switch to OFF,
2) Select Right indicator while
3) Simultaneously holding the stalk hard back towards you to flash the lights while
4) Simultaneously cycling IGN on for a couple seconds - until you hear the DING.

DRLs are now ON.



Using Left indicator = DRL OFF

1) Headlight switch to OFF,
2) Select Left indicator while
3) Simultaneously holding the stalk hard back towards you to flash the lights while
4) Simultaneously cycling IGN on for a couple seconds - until you hear the DING.

DRLs are now OFF.

[cktsi]

thanks. That worked. I played around and could turn then both on and off (no chime though).

Still begs the question how they turned off cos i never touch the light switch which is required in this sequence.

Around the time they turned on i recall playing around the controls.

[logger]

Dunno why you did not get the chime but it might be because you left the headlight switch on or in auto when you did the change. I only get the confirmation chimes with the switch to Off. Also I have found I can inadvertently turn them off/on when playing with other settings in VagCom. So if you have VagCom that might be the cause.

[cwcarruthers]

Check that you actually have your DRLs activated. Perhaps you are running your lights in Auto and seeing this reflection and thinking this is DRL when it is just auto lights due low ambient light.

This is how to turn them on and off.


Using Right indicator = DRL ON

1) Headlight switch to OFF,
2) Select Right indicator while
3) Simultaneously holding the stalk hard back towards you to flash the lights while
4) Simultaneously cycling IGN on for a couple seconds - until you hear the DING.

DRLs are now ON.



Using Left indicator = DRL OFF

1) Headlight switch to OFF,
2) Select Left indicator while
3) Simultaneously holding the stalk hard back towards you to flash the lights while
4) Simultaneously cycling IGN on for a couple seconds - until you hear the DING.

DRLs are now OFF.

Thanks Logger. I also wasn't sure if my DRL were working or not - but I tried your instructions, got the chime, and bingo!

My DRLs are now always on as expected.

Why exactly my car was delivered with them turned off, I do not know!

[Corey_R]

@cktsi - Maybe the service guys did an update to your car, and then forgot to check what settings had been changed?

@cwcarruthers - maybe it's something that gets enabled during dealer delivery or compliance and was missed?

[Brian]

thanks. That worked. I played around and could turn then both on and off (no chime though).

Still begs the question how they turned off cos i never touch the light switch which is required in this sequence.

Around the time they turned on i recall playing around the controls.

Finally tried it on mine and worked but no chime also. Lights where OFF (non-auto) and nothing else going to affect sound. At least I know it works, thanks to all who contributed.
Brian

[CatonaPC©]

Driving into work this morning, I had a Mk6 TSI behind me with DRLs on. Bloody hell! But they're bright! How long before some unlucky sod gets pulled over by the constabulatory for running 'fog lights'.

[cme2c]

Driving into work this morning, I had a Mk6 TSI behind me with DRLs on. Bloody hell! But they're bright! How long before some unlucky sod gets pulled over by the constabulatory for running 'fog lights'.

I heard it's already happened, but not to a Golf driver. Fortunately my 118TSI also has foggies, so even the thickest plod should be able to be shown the difference. It's funny, Volvos and Saabs had DRLs 30 years ago.

[CatonaPC©]

. . . Volvos and Saabs had DRLs 30 years ago.

Yeah, but they didn't burn out your retina if you just happened to glance at them! I undertand these things are mandatory in Europe and the US, but do they need to be so bright? In time when they become more prevalent on the road, they might actually be a hazard.

[iBoost]

So this car didn't have xenons? Were they similar to high beams brightness?

[Corey_R]

Yeah - that's a question I'd be asking since the MK6 TSI just uses it's headlights for DRL ?!

[cme2c]

Yeah - that's a question I'd be asking since the MK6 TSI just uses it's headlights for DRL ?!

It has a special bulb (in the Halogens) H15 55W high beam/15W DRL. HIDs in the GTI don't know. I don't see how you can dim a gas discharge lamp.

[cme2c]

Yeah, but they didn't burn out your retina if you just happened to glance at them! I undertand these things are mandatory in Europe and the US, but do they need to be so bright? In time when they become more prevalent on the road, they might actually be a hazard.

The Golf DRLs are 15W halogens. The Volvos were 21W incandescent. I think the main difference is that the Golf ones use the high beam reflector, whereas the old Volvos had a diffuser over the bulb.

By putting the DRL filament away from the focal point of the reflector, a divergent beam is produced.

Here's the bulb

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/01/H15-2.jpg

and here's a link to a Hella product guide. You can see the difference in the beams.

http://www.hella.com/produktion/HellaSG/WebSite/MiscContent/Download/Wholesalers/LEDayline_DRL.pdf

[Corey_R]

Thanks for the info cme2c :)

[paulcito]

Hi
Am trying to activate the driving lights as per user manual ie "left turn signal and pull back (flash)" - it doesn't work ...
Are the instructions correct ?:confused:

Thx in advance,

[barges]

to turn on the driving lights turn the headlight switch to on and pull outwards. mine cant be pulled out in auto.
in auto the cornering lights work at low speed maybe with indicators???

[Olaf the Golaf]

The "driving lights" (the ones in the centre of the headlight unit) are always on if the car is set to Auto (using the little knob to the right of the steering wheel next to the door. I know if you turn the standard headlights on/off manually (to the far right) and pull out the little turning knob it turns on the fog lights, pull it out a second time and it turns on the rear fog lights as well.

If you're using the indicator stalk you're turning on the high beams. towards you to flash them, away from you to keep them on.

[logger]

If it is in fact the Daylight running lights that you are looking to change, here are some intructions I put together for another forum. Make sure headlight switch is off or it will not work.

To change DRL state:

Left = DRL OFF

1) Headlight switch to OFF,
2) Select Left indicator while
3) Simultaneously holding the stalk hard back towards you to flash the lights while
4) Simultaneously cycling IGN on for a couple seconds - until you hear the DING.

DRLs are now OFF.

Right = DRL ON

1) Headlight switch to OFF,
2) Select Right indicator while
3) Simultaneously holding the stalk hard back towards you to flash the lights while
4) Simultaneously cycling IGN on for a couple seconds - until you hear the DING.

DRLs are now ON

[G-rig]

That's some good info logger, will have to try that.

It was all new to me and thought the xenons were on.

Interesting how the dash needles are always lit, don't mind that but is harder to tell if the lights are on or not during the day.

[logger]

Actually you just reminded me...I do not think my instruction work for Xenons. Just Halogens. But give it a try.
To see if you lights are on during the day (other than DRLs which you cannot tell unless you go outside and look), Glance up near the dome lights. The little red spotties ON, are give away that lights are on (I think).

[Sute]

That's some good info logger, will have to try that.

It was all new to me and thought the xenons were on.

Interesting how the dash needles are always lit, don't mind that but is harder to tell if the lights are on or not during the day.

These steps for enabling\disabling DRLs are only for halogen fitted cars. They don't work on the Xenons.:(

[paulcito]

Hi
Just like to say "thank you" to all - solved my problem

[nicandlance]

If it is in fact the Daylight running lights that you are looking to change, here are some intructions I put together for another forum. Make sure headlight switch is off or it will not work.

To change DRL state:

Left = DRL OFF

1) Headlight switch to OFF,
2) Select Left indicator while
3) Simultaneously holding the stalk hard back towards you to flash the lights while
4) Simultaneously cycling IGN on for a couple seconds - until you hear the DING.

DRLs are now OFF.

Right = DRL ON

1) Headlight switch to OFF,
2) Select Right indicator while
3) Simultaneously holding the stalk hard back towards you to flash the lights while
4) Simultaneously cycling IGN on for a couple seconds - until you hear the DING.

DRLs are now ON

Thanks for the helpful advice!
I know sometimes people are a little confused about what the daytime driving lights are and don't understand that they can be set to be on (or off) whenever you start the car. My tsi is black so I prefer them to be on - it makes the car stand out better.
Found the info on 'how to do' in the manual, but my mistake was not turning the headlights from auto to off before I tried to activate them.
Thanks again!

[sharkablue]

Hey guys,

I finally picked up my GTI this morning. I have had the windows tinted today and been playing with all the gizmo's.

The thing which I am stumped on is the Day Time Running Lights.

The twisty thing on your right.

- Middle = Auto
- 1 turn to the right and it turns the day time running lights on
- another turn to the right turns the foglights on.


How do you make it so the daytime running lights are always on, and also have it so the headlights turn on automatically when needed?

[118TSI]

Hey guys,

I finally picked up my GTI this morning. I have had the windows tinted today and been playing with all the gizmo's.

The thing which I am stumped on is the Day Time Running Lights.

The twisty thing on your right.

- Middle = Auto
- 1 turn to the right and it turns the day time running lights on
- another turn to the right turns the foglights on.


How do you make it so the daytime running lights are always on, and also have it so the headlights turn on automatically when needed?

Ok OK Ok, since you haven't stated, I am assuming you dont have Xenon,

So you have 4 options on the light knob, Off, Auto, Parkers, Low Beam

To activate the foglights - pull out half for front, and full for font and rear

Select Off or Auto, and Middle lights(in the high beam cluster) stay on, the cluster is fully illuminated similar to low beam, and these are the DRL

Select parkers, the same cluster of light, but will dim by 75%, a wee little globe

Select low beam , and the DRL will go off

The only way you can select the fog, is by pulling out the knob

See the manual in case the DRL's are off, its easy to activate them

Cheers, hope that was as simple as possible

[Tux]

To be quite honest I would be going back to your salesperson/dealer and asking what a handover is all about? They should of explained this in detail.


I have to agree. I found out this kind of info on delivery...and was told that DRL's couldn't be turned off.

[Corey_R]

Learning to search the forums also helps.... I've just merged three threads together after doing the search for "Daytime".

[sharkablue]

To be quite honest I would be going back to your salesperson/dealer and asking what a handover is all about? They should of explained this in detail.

When I asked about them, the rep said that if I leave the headlight switch on Auto that the Day Time running lights will be on and if it gets dark the headlights will turn on.

I noticed after I parked it this evening that the day time running lights were not working.

I have followed the above instructions and it worked a treat.

Can the same thing be done on a Tiguan?

[Guest1306]

DRL's can be turned off, but it is a sequence that involves the ignition key and the indicator stalk. For ease of use, leave the cars light switch in Auto. When it gets dark, lights come on, when it gets bright, they will go off....

BTW, Tiguan does not have DRL's, but if it has the Comfort Pack (Ambience Pack) then it will have Auto Lights which is basically the same features as a Golf but minus the DRL's

[logger]

DRL's can be turned off, but it is a sequence that involves the ignition key and the indicator stalk...

Yeah - already detailed this in post #51 (http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f112/drl-daytime-running-lights-driving-lights-39344-6.html#post491254) on the previous page. You can also do it with VCDS coding which is more permanent solution.

[prise]

A good reason to use the DRL's (provided you leave your headlights on auto or remember to switch headlights on when it gets dark)

ACRS: Daytime Running Lights (http://www.acrs.org.au/collegepolicies/vehicles/daytimerunninglights.html)

[night_flight]

when I turn on my fog lights my headlights turn off is this how it is suppose to happen?

[Idle]

Yes, that's why they exist — to cut through/under the fog where the headlights would just reflect back and blind you.

[AdamD]

when I turn on my fog lights my headlights turn off is this how it is suppose to happen?


Yes, that's why they exist — to cut through/under the fog where the headlights would just reflect back and blind you.

Not true. Your headlights should remain on when your foglights are turned on. I've never seen a car that turns off its headlights when foglights are switched on - including my GTI.

[MkVIGTI]

when I turn on my fog lights my headlights turn off is this how it is suppose to happen?

You need to flick the headlight switch to ON before you pull it out for the fog lights to come on, then your headlights should remain on.

[night_flight]

You need to flick the headlight switch to ON before you pull it out for the fog lights to come on, then your headlights should remain on.

thanks MKVIGTI this car suprises me daily....

[slipshot]

I'm making my first post here, so forgive me, but only because I had the DRL's on on my Golf and I wanted them turned off since I am not a fan of them on my own car.

One of the key reasons it was introduced in Scandinavian countries was because of the numerous snow storms and general snowing and an inability of some (a vast minority) or drivers to remember to turn their lights on. Couple that with low evening/morning sun reflecting off the snow and some cars were hard to see. Now, Australia is a very different country and while I understand the benefits of the system I'm quite capable of turning my lights on and off when I know it is required. Fortunately, now turned them off.

And remember DRL's do NOT turn on the rear lights, but on some Volvo's and Saab's, when they were introduced, the rear lights were also on.

In regards some other posts, it is impossible in the Golf to have fog lights on and headlights off since you have to go past the point of turning on lights to have fog lights on. That bugs me in this country - the amount of people who think fog lights should be on to make their car more visible. Makes no difference - I still see you.

And let's not forget that daytime running lights are very different to fog lights which are different to driving lights.

Sidelights (sometimes called parkers) are for those initial periods of reduced light, when you do not need to see forward, but your rear lights are on as well. The comes headlights when visibility is more reduced.

Fog lamps in Aus are really for aesthetics since I've never seen fog here that would require them to be used. Some manufacturers convert rears to brake lights or side lights - others leave them blank.

Driving lights are often wired into main beam and for night driving when there is no oncoming traffic. Very rare, if at all, do cars have these as standard.

I'm getting of my soapbox now! Sorry for minor rant but it just bugs me how DRL's can be considered valuable when to my mind it would be far more beneficial to ensure that lights come on with wipers in rain for example. Far more dangerous, far less visibility and in some US states, the law (and indeed the Golf in Auto mode will turn on lights when wipers are activated via the rain sensor), yet not policed.

Later

Andy

[logger]

The words "Here endeth the Sermon" come to mind
:worship1:

[Banzai]

I can honestly say I have been in several situations in this country where fog lights were certainly warranted. Combined fog and rain in the NSW Southern highlands and the NSW south coast. Heavy fog in Canberra and the Victorian Alps. These have been rare occasions and I could have gotten by without the fog lights but with visibility of only 10 to 20 metres I felt safer using them. As soon as the visibility improved I happily switched the fog lights off.

Alpine and some coastal regions do get the right conditions for fog lights. Canberra, and sometimes Sydney, can get pretty heavy fogs but otherwise the need for foglights in this country is almost non-existent. People who use them unnecessarily are very annoying.

[slipshot]

The words "Here endeth the Sermon" come to mind
:worship1:

Fair enough. Did tell you the soap box was in use. Just bugs me that's all...

[Corey_R]

Fair enough. Did tell you the soap box was in use. Just bugs me that's all...

Whilst it may bug you, there have been numerous studies all over the world that having Daytime Running Lights does make cars more visible during the day, even in countries such as Australia. Hence why it has been law on Motorbikes for years now. Just do a search on "Daytime Running Lights Australia" on google and see how many results come up.

I won't bother posting links as all of them support the use of them for safety.
So getting on your soap box against DRLs ain't much help when you're talking against numerous studies that support it :)

[elephino]

I haven't come across a car (personally) where you can turn the fog lights on without at least the parking lights on - and one car where they could only be turned on when high beam was on as well.

[slipshot]

I won't bother posting links as all of them support the use of them for safety.
So getting on your soap box against DRLs ain't much help when you're talking against numerous studies that support it :)

I'm sure there are numerous studies. But this is an opinion and I stand by it. I do think there are many other things that should take priority for safety, such as an annual inspection for cars to ensure they meet standards - that would save a heck of a lot more lives than DRL's.

Again, just an opinion and also supported by many more facts around the world. But I know the thread was on DRL's which I choose to have turned off. Each to his own and all that. Fair enough...

[Idle]

No matter what cause you espouse or don't espouse, you'll always find 'studies' that support your preferences.

Politicians of all persuasions are past masters at this and DRL's, where mandated, are made so by politicians.

Here in Victoria, despite that motorcycles have compulsory DRL's, we are suffering an almost unprecedented number of crashes involving motorcyclists this year. I've not yet seen a study explaining this phenomenon.

Personally, when driving in daylight I've no problem seeing everything that moves (or ceases to move) within my range of vision, and DRL's don't seem to materially extend this — I'm conscious of moving objects whether or not they are lit up. What is a problem, though, is motorcycles (and sometimes cars and trucks) without DRL's that run with high beams turned on in daylight — particularly cars with those horrid blue things that should never have been invented, let alone allowed to run loose.

Since soap now comes in cardboard boxes I'll get down off mine before it collapses.

And please don't confuse me with facts — my mind is made up!

[Ryan_R]

Rather than make a new thread, can I ask/confirm that on the rear of the Mk6 Golf, is there one reversing light, whereas the other is a fog light (which has nothing in it if the option wasn't requested)? Can the fog light be easily converted to a second reversing light; has anyone done this?

[Syd118TSI]

I believe the rear fog light is standard* and is engaged by pulling out the light dial.

* - At least on 118tsi up.

[logger]

Fog lamps in Aus are really for aesthetics since I've never seen fog here that would require them to be used. As Banzai mentioned we do indeed get FOG here. Although I would suggest that 99.9% of Fog lamop use in this country is not in FOG, so I agree with your aesthetics line. For ages it used to peeve me off everyone driving around with their FOGs when in clear conditions. Hit the country roads at night and every third car routinely drives with FOGs on nowadays. Finally it dawned on me that these clowns are providing you a very useful service. Given that it is illegal to use them when not in FOG - it tells you that these cars are not Police cars coming at you with a radar. Now there's a tip :P


Sorry for minor rant but it just bugs me how DRL's can be considered valuable when to my mind it would be far more beneficial to ensure that lights come on with wipers in rain for example.

Andy
The way I understand it, you are not even really saying that DRLs are a useless. Are you not just suggestion lights on in rain would be relatively of more safety value?

Anyway I agree with much of what you say. I am just glad VW has given us the ability to turn them off, if we so choose.

[Ryan_R]

Oh ok, it must be just the front fog lights that are optional then.

[slipshot]

As Banzai mentioned we do indeed get FOG here. Although I would suggest that 99.9% of Fog lamop use in this country is not in FOG, so I agree with your aesthetics line. For ages it used to peeve me off everyone driving around with their FOGs when in clear conditions. Hit the country roads at night and every third car routinely drives with FOGs on nowadays. Finally it dawned on me that these clowns are providing you a very useful service. Given that it is illegal to use them when not in FOG - it tells you that these cars are not Police cars coming at you with a radar. Now there's a tip :P


The way I understand it, you are not even really saying that DRLs are a useless. Are you not just suggestion lights on in rain would be relatively of more safety value?

Anyway I agree with much of what you say. I am just glad VW has given us the ability to turn them off, if we so choose.

My ignorance on fog, so apologies. I'm only going off Melbourne, where I've never seen it, but if it does exist and is required, fair enough. Bit like the UK - rare they are needed but that does not stop people! Muppets.

As for DRL's, I think they look crap (as if I want to say hey look at me), but while I see they are of value, really only for those people who cannot think to turn their lights on when conditions exist. As you say, I think lights on in rain is far more important, will cause far less accidents yet nothing seems to be done about that. Hence the priorities seem to be wrong. Again, I can turn my lights on when conditions are appropriate but many cannot so they do provide a useless tool for those tools driving.

But I'm glad I can turn them off. But your comments are appreciated as I thought I was getting beaten up!

[Syd118TSI]

Oh ok, it must be just the front fog lights that are optional then.

Basically, though the front fogs are not optional on their own anymore, they need to be part of the 'Sports Pack' for regular variant Golfs (ie. not GTI or R which have Fog lights standard anyway). As to whether a dealer could retrofit fog lights, not sure.

[Corey_R]

Golf GTD and GTI have foglights standard. Golf R does not have fog lights, but has dedicated DRL LEDs.

Fog lights can be fitted by dealers if you really wanted them...

[Ryan_R]

I've survived the fog in other cars without special lights (plus the normal headlights are 18 years old and not brilliant), so I'm sure I will be ok without them on the Golf :) It's more about other cars seeing me I guess (esp with the Shark Blue colour).


We had some heavy fog around S.E. Melbourne last week in the morning, plus it's pretty regular if you head up into the hills east of Melbourne (i.e. Belgrave, Healesville) on cold winter mornings

[Maverick]

Whilst it may bug you, there have been numerous studies all over the world that having Daytime Running Lights does make cars more visible during the day, even in countries such as Australia. Hence why it has been law on Motorbikes for years now. Just do a search on "Daytime Running Lights Australia" on google and see how many results come up.

Research has shown a minimal impact on safety in non nordic countries and this impact dimishes over time as road users become accustomed to them.

DRLS for motorbikes are no longer required IIRC as accidents increased after the introduction as it was harder to calculate the distance when you were approaching a motorbike.

Telstra activated headlights on it's fleet many years ago but found that accidents dropped off for a short time as people were not used to seeing headlights on but the accident level soon went back to normal. They no longer have headlights wired to the ignition.


I won't bother posting links as all of them support the use of them for safety.

Neither will I but I posted a lot of info on this forum or the golfmkv australian section a while back.

[Brian]

Finally it dawned on me that these clowns are providing you a very useful service. Given that it is illegal to use them when not in FOG - it tells you that these cars are not Police cars coming at you with a radar. Now there's a tip :P
What a great revelation Logger! , you are a genius. I continuously moan when others have their fog lights on in non fog conditions, though I now leave my DRLs on all the time. Call me a hypocrite, but the DRLs seem less "wankerish" than fog lights without fog :cool:

[Stoney!]

I was pulled into an RBT one night, went up to the last officer at the front of the line. I did my biz he said no probs but can you turn your fog lights off thanks. I said they aren't on.... He replied saying they were as I drove in. I was like "ohhhh if you look when I turn the wheel the fog light on that side comes on"

Officer walkts to the front of the car, asks me to do it again, see his eyebrows raise and he says "oh, thats pretty awesome, have a good night"

Stoney!

[stomper]

Sorry if this has been asked before - I did a search but couldn't find an answer.

I recently took delivery of a new GTI. When you turn the headlight switch to the "0" position the head lights don't turn off.

I only noticed this after I had rear parking sensors fitted as previously (all of 1 week) I had the switch in the Auto position and the lights were on all the time in that position.

I asked the service department and I was told that they all function this way. I don't know if I believe that as I haven't noticed other Golfs getting around with their lights on during the day.

Any ideas if there has been a recent change? During the day, should the headlights be on even in the Auto position?

Thanks

[pologti18t]

I asked the service department and I was told that they all function this way. I don't know if I believe that as I haven't noticed other Golfs getting around with their lights on during the day.


Look harder :)

[Ryan_R]

All the new Golf's have Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) which are your parkers. A study in Europe found that they increase others visibility of you and help reduce accidents. Of course the latest more expensive cars use LED DRLs now.

Look in the Official VVW VCDS thread for the setting to disable them if you wish, although I personally don't recommend it. You'll need to borrow or buy a VCDS cable though.

[epicmac]

I think you can turn them off in the menus under lighting (or similar, can't quite remember). At least I can on my Mk6 Golf.

[Ryan_R]

Not all Golf's have it, guess it depends on MY. I don't have the option.

[AdamD]

When you turn the headlight switch to the "0" position the head lights don't turn off.

If it is DRLs you're referring to, they can be disabled - there's an option in the MFD for MY11 and after. (Prior to that there was a sequence using the indicator stalk to enable/disable them. Check out the manual.)

If you're talking about your full headlights (complete with tail lights, dash lights, etc), then you may have an issue with your light sensor.