Do all MKZ's have daytime running lamps

[billtkat]

XG, I think this was a huge miss, I swear I notice DRL's every time I see them. I have finally decided to turn them on manually, they look really cool!!

So is that just setting the dial to the correct position ? Also if so do you need to remember and turn them off each time ? thanks

[phil1336]

Some of the newer vehicles in the U.S. can't turn them on. Don't remember if it's the dealer software or the vehicle software but it's no longer available on some of the newer ones.

Thats exactly what my "Selling" Ford Dealership Service Manager told me. It simply could`nt be done, period. Went to another Ford Dealer out of town and asked if they could (enable) and activate the DRL`s and they said they would let their Electrical Tech give it a try. 10 minutes later, DRL`s were working. Months later, returned to Selling Dealership and confronted both my Salesman and the Service Manager (with) my Fiesta and asked, "How was that done elsewhere"? Then, another Electrical Tech Specialist said that whoever attempted the first activation obviously did`nt know how to reprogram correctly. All this nonsense is absolutely ridiculous. Even Chrysler offers DLR`s as an option of their US Spec Vehicles. Why Ford insists on making DRL`s a Fleet Only Option Code # 942 requiring a FIN number is a mystery! Just charge the extra $45 for the few people that want it! The Canadian Spec Vehicles I`m sure go down the same Assembly Line as the US Spec Vehicles. Except for the French/English Decals and the Kilometer vs MPH Speedometer Head, what else is different?

[xgman]

So is that just setting the dial to the correct position ? Also if so do you need to remember and turn them off each time ? thanks

The override is simply parking lights which turns on too many other lights such as the rear lights, the amber leds. And it has to be done manually each time. Sort of defeats the purpose of "Auto" lights. So not really a good option especially if you are in a hybrid as I would assume all those light on all the time would eat battery. I'm still a little bit hopeful someone will be able to get this programed, but the dealer hasn't responded and I haven't had time to take myu car in for service to give it a try. If anyone does, please post!

[xgman]

Thats exactly what my "Selling" Ford Dealership Service Manager told me. It simply could`nt be done, period. Went to another Ford Dealer out of town and asked if they could (enable) and activate the DRL`s and they said they would let their Electrical Tech give it a try. 10 minutes later, DRL`s were working. Months later, returned to Selling Dealership and confronted both my Salesman and the Service Manager (with) my Fiesta and asked, "How was that done elsewhere"? Then, another Electrical Tech Specialist said that whoever attempted the first activation obviously did`nt know how to reprogram correctly. All this nonsense is absolutely ridiculous. Even Chrysler offers DLR`s as an option of their US Spec Vehicles. Why Ford insists on making DRL`s a Fleet Only Option Code # 942 requiring a FIN number is a mystery! Just charge the extra $45 for the few people that want it! The Canadian Spec Vehicles I`m sure go down the same Assembly Line as the US Spec Vehicles. Except for the French/English Decals and the Kilometer vs MPH Speedometer Head, what else is different?

The Lincoln parts guy told me it was done through the "diagnosis" menu of their module.

[galangg]

The Lincoln parts guy told me it was done through the "diagnosis" menu of their module.

 

Are you going to try to turn them on xg?

[jasonj80]

The Lincoln parts guy told me it was done through the "diagnosis" menu of their module.

 

DRL gets into lighting law's that are goverened under the horriably outdated US lighting rules. Escapes / Mustangs / Focus LED's are called accent lights - the Mustang wouldn't meet brightness rules for DRL's and Escape is also an accent light and the ones on the Focus must be turned on each time as well.

 

On Canadian Ford's a lot of modles use the fog lights as the DRLs (MKX, Flex, Escape, older MKZ) While the new Fusion and Focus use the headlights, The new Canadian Escape Titatium uses both the LED's and the fog lights.

 

Ford really is the only manufature that hasn't put DRL/LEDs on their cars for whatever reason.

 

I will say the LED drls that are well intigrated into vehicles give them a really nice look.

 

In the rental 300's I've had you can acutally choose if you want them on or not from the vehicle settings menu.

[phil1336]

The DRL`s Daytime Running Lights are (usually) just the regular Head Lamp illuminated at 80% of usual Low Beam Output. Through the Smart Junction Box and using the IDS Programmer, the "BCM" Body Control Module is open to "Exterior Lighting" (DRL`s) and that is where they can be simply activated (enabled). Its like having an impacted wisdom tooth extracted to simply request this safety feature to be used! On most vehicles that come with Daytime Running Lights as standard factory equipment they can be activated or de-activated by the Owner as desired except in Countries like Canada where they are mandated by Law.

[xgman]

I'm getting really mad about having to beg, plead and borrow just to turn on these nice lights. I don't see any other modern car company out there right now that doesn't do this by default. From what I can tell, Ford has recently taken the option to program this i to any Ford or Lincoln away with the exception of Fleet vehicles or Canada bound cars. I don't get this logic at all. So my question is how can I order the Fleet vehicle junction box and activate them? They most likely won't let me. I'm pissed about this. It makes no sense.

[Stentgraft95]

I'm getting really mad about having to beg, plead and borrow just to turn on these nice lights. I don't see any other modern car company out there right now that doesn't do this by default. From what I can tell, Ford has recently taken the option to program this i to any Ford or Lincoln away with the exception of Fleet vehicles or Canada bound cars. I don't get this logic at all. So my question is how can I order the Fleet vehicle junction box and activate them? They most likely won't let me. I'm pissed about this. It makes no sense.

I hope there is a way to activate the LED's for normal daytime driving. I'm following this thread closely hoping someone discovers how this can happen.

[galangg]

I hope there is a way to activate the LED's for normal daytime driving. I'm following this thread closely hoping someone discovers how this can happen.

Me too

[xgman]

I'll report back after my service appointment tomorrow. I've asked my GM if he can order the "Fleet" Smart Junction Box if necessary and he is checking on that. It's like we are asking for nuclear fusion or something. It's so stupid.

[phil1336]

I'll report back after my service appointment tomorrow. I've asked my GM if he can order the "Fleet" Smart Junction Box if necessary and he is checking on that. It's like we are asking for nuclear fusion or something. It's so stupid.

You might ask your Ford Dealer`s General Manager (assuming) their Dealership has their own Fleet Identification Number "FIN" if they would consider Special Ordering you the Vehicle of your choice as if it was a purchase for their Dealership for use as a Car Rental, Service Loaner, Customer Courtesy Shuttle Vehicle used by their Service Department. When the Vehicle arrives, they simply designate that particular Vehicle back to Dealer Inventory Stock and retail it to you then? It is ridiculous to resort to these extremes simply to get a $45 option. You might think your attempting to smuggle contraband or a controlled substance!

[xgman]

I went in yesterday and after the dealer and a ford rep had a powwow, it was determined that it can't be switched on anymore in the software (and that goes for new Ford models too). So I asked if they could try to order the Fleet Smart Junction Box. The parts manager insisted that that was for Canadian cars only and I politely suggested that I thought that it was also for USA Fleet orders and that I would like them to try to find out if it could be ordered. Reluctantly he said he would check but I haven't heard back. They really don't want to be helpful at all if it is outside the "stock way of doing things" box. I was made to feel like I wanted to order machine gun lights for my car. Just absurd really. I just want to turn on my little cute lights and I am told in no uncertain terms . . . NO! NO, like the soup Nazi from Seinfeld. No lights for me! Kind of pathetic really. I'd like to meet the idiot who made this decision for Ford to remove this function.

Edited April 11, 2013 by xgman

[phil1336]

I went in yesterday and after the dealer and a ford rep had a powwow, it was determined that it can't be switched on anymore in the software (and that goes for new Ford models too). So I asked if they could try to order the Fleet Smart Junction Box. The parts manager insisted that that was for Canadian cars only and I politely suggested that I thought that it was also for USA Fleet orders and that I would like them to try to find out if it could be ordered. Reluctantly he said he would check but I haven't heard back. They really don't want to be helpful at all if it is outside the "stock way of doing things" box. I was made to feel like I wanted to order machine gun lights for my car. Just absurd really. I just want to turn on my little cute lights and I am told in no uncertain terms . . . NO! NO, like the soup Nazi from Seinfeld. No lights for me! Kind of pathetic really. I'd like to meet the idiot who made this decision for Ford to remove this function.

Like I suggested before, the DRL`s Daytime Running Lights (are) an available option for Fleet Only Orders requiring a valid "FIN"" #. If you are Special Ordering this Vehicle, ask if the Dealership would simply order the Car of your choice using (their) Fleet Identification Number and when the vehicle arrives, simply place it into Dealer Inventory where they can then use it as a Retail Sale, be it an X Plan or otherwise. If you already took delivery of this Vehicle and (another) Ford Dealership`s Service Department also verifies that the current Model Smart Junction Box using the IDS Programmer will not permit the DRL`s from being activated and enabled through the "BCM" Body Control Module, your going to be out of luck. If there really is a different Canadian Smart Junction Box or "BCM" Body Control Module, U.S. Ford Dealerships won`t even have the specific Part# in their system. If you were located closer to the Canadian Border or took a trip there on Vacation, I`m sure a Canadian Ford Dealership could solve your problems immediately. Here in South Florida, many vacationing Canadians purchase U.S. Spec Vehicles from local Ford Dealers here with the knowledge that their Speedometer Cluster will have MPH instead of KPH on the primary cluster. When they return back home to Canada where DRL`s are required by Law, their Canadian Ford Dealerships know how to handle the issue. The Daytime Running Lights Option for U.S. Spec Fleet Vehicles Orders with "FIN" is Option Code # 942. Ask your Dealership to contact their Area Zone Manager and demand a resolution. You can always purchase a Non-Ford Aftermarket DRL Kit off the Internet and have it installed. I frankly would`nt go that route even if installed at a Ford Dealers Service Department. If something even non-related to the DRL Module malfunctioned and caused Electrical Issues, they would probably blame the Non-Ford aftermarket DRL Module and justify voiding your New Vehicle Limited Bumper to Bumper Warranty. Pacific Insight in British Columbia, Canada was the OEM Vendor that used to manufacture the Genuine Ford Aftermarket DRL Modules which they no longer supply for late Model Ford Vehicles. You can verify this by calling them at 1-250-354-1155

[xgman]

And all that fuss, just to be able to turn on a light in the daytime that virtual every single other car manufacturer other than Ford has as standard. It boggle the mind. . . .

 

 

Phill, do you happen to know if in fact the USA "Feet" orders have the DRL module option, or is it Fleet for Canada only? I guess either way the dealers in the DC area and I assume beyond couldn't be any less helpful since they simply can't think out of their little robotic boxed minds. Quite frustrating. This could be so easily done if they would just let you.

Edited April 12, 2013 by xgman

[phil1336]

And all that fuss, just to be able to turn on a light in the daytime that virtual every single other car manufacturer other than Ford has as standard. It boggle the mind. . . .

 

 

Phill, do you happen to know if in fact the USA "Feet" orders have the DRL module option, or is it Fleet for Canada only? I guess either way the dealers in the DC area and I assume beyond couldn't be any less helpful since they simply can't think out of their little robotic boxed minds. Quite frustrating. This could be so easily done if they would just let you.

If you Factory Order any U.S. Spec Model Ford Vehicle, to the best of my knowledge, according to every Dealer Order Bulletin I`ve seen, including the KBB and Edmunds Build Site, Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Escape, Explorer, C-Max, etc. there is a section for "Fleet Only" Options requiring a "FIN" Number. All of them offer for US Spec Vehicles Daytime Running Lights as option Code # 942. It is the same for all Model Vehicles. Again, I`m not sure if you already took delivery of your new Vehicle or your in the process of placing an order. I suspect that the information you are receiving is based on the "Warning Notification" that pops up when changes are being inputed to the Body Control Module when the DRL`s are attempted to be activated or (enabled). More likely they don`t want to "click" to accommodate the activation of the DRL then the fact that the (software) won`t allow the process. Thats my guess. In the next couple of months when I place my order for a 2014 Ford C-MAX, I`ve already discussed the matter with the same Salesman that sold me my 2011 Ford Fiesta 3 years ago. I told him, I want that damn DRL`s activated. I don`t care if he gets them as a Fleet Ordered Vehicle or if has to get Santa Claus and his Elves to stop by their Service Department to enable them. I won`t take delivery of the Vehicle unless they are operational when they attach my License Plate tags to drive the Car home. Case closed! Its a ridiculous demand, I agree but there is no reason for Ford to be so adamant about not allowing those that want this Safety feature that a majority of other manufacturers already provide and make it so difficult to obtain.

[akirby]

All that angst over having a few Leds light up in the daytime? I don't get it.

[phil1336]

All that angst over having a few Leds light up in the daytime? I don't get it.

I did say its ridiculous and I agree that it matters to (very) few Car Buyers. At the same time, this is no rational reason for Ford to to make it that difficult for a dedicated Ford Customer not to be able to have the option of utilizing the DLR devise. Chrysler which along with Ford (do not) equip their U.S. Spec vehicles with DRL`s at least makes it a Factory Option or a Dealer Installed plug in add on. Why Ford restricts enabling its U.S. Vehicles to use the DRL`s and requires a Fleet Identification Number to purchase this $45 Option is even more ridiculous, IMO!

[akirby]

It's usually not done on purpose. Ford has allowed this in the past. The most logical explanation is that it was left out of the software accidentally or for some other reason.

[Stentgraft95]

All that angst over having a few Leds light up in the daytime? I don't get it.

I think because it's obviously trending in that direction. I see more cars on the roads with LED's lit up during daytime driving with each passing day.

[phil1336]

It's usually not done on purpose. Ford has allowed this in the past. The most logical explanation is that it was left out of the software accidentally or for some other reason.

Since most of same model Fords Vehicles are made at the same Plants and no doubt on the same Assembly Lines for both U.S. and Canadian export, its difficult to assume it was an (accidental software issue). The question is what that (some other reason) actually is? The cost of the Module, assuming there is one? Charge for it as an extra cost option as available for Fleet Sales. If its already incorporated and disabled in the Body Control Module, simply allow the Dealers to enable (activate) the DRL`s at the Owners request. The Service Department could either provide the 10 minutes required as a (courtesy) or charge a nominal amount for the time required.

[phil1336]

I think because it's obviously trending in that direction. I see more cars on the roads with LED's lit up during daytime driving with each passing day.

I agree and its become so excessive especially in certain Vehicles like Audi, I totally dislike the LED effect now. Many Headlamps with LED`s are beginning to look gaudy like an overdone Christmas Tree display and are becoming annoying and a distraction. The rationale (if there was one and it appears now, unproven) of the DRL`s was to simply have a reduced (80%) illumination of the oncoming Vehicle headlamps so it could better be seen in bright sun conditions or at twilight. Its only a matter of time where the LED displays will eventually be circling the headlamp display in sequential order or blinking. Then even (I) will agree, its time to pull the plug!

[akirby]

Since most of same model Fords Vehicles are made at the same Plants and no doubt on the same Assembly Lines for both U.S. and Canadian export, its difficult to assume it was an (accidental software issue). The question is what that (some other reason) actually is? The cost of the Module, assuming there is one? Charge for it as an extra cost option as available for Fleet Sales. If its already incorporated and disabled in the Body Control Module, simply allow the Dealers to enable (activate) the DRL`s at the Owners request. The Service Department could either provide the 10 minutes required as a (courtesy) or charge a nominal amount for the time required.

 

I was talking about the dealer software not the vehicle software but I'm not exactly sure how that works.

[phil1336]

akirby; The (real) mystery if there is one, is that no one at Ford Customer Service, Technical Support, Public Relations, or for that matter a local Ford Dealers Service Department Manger can give anyone a definitive answer, one way or the other. Like I Posted earlier, in response to someone in Wash DC who was given a "not possible" answer to stop at another Ford Dealership to confirm. I was told the same thing in regards to my 2011 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback and another Ford Dealership out of town had one of (their) Electrical Tech`s make an attempt using, I`m assuming, the same IDS Programmer and in less then 10 minutes, as they say, "Let there be Light". Again, I know its a insignificant matter to 99% of Ford buyers but for the odd few that would prefer having the DRL`s on their Vehicles, let them have them.

[xgman]

Well there is a reason that Mercedes, Lexus, Range Rover, Tesla, BMW and Audi do nice daytime LED's. They look nice (in my opinion), and they add to safety. I notice cars behind me and oncoming more in the daytime if these light are on, especially when cloudy. AND I LIKE THE WAY THEY LOOK!!!! AND THEY ARE ALREADY ON THE CAR!!!!!!!!!!! So I'm looking into going to a custom shop to have a wired switch so I can control when I want them on. I imagine the reason that Ford turned them off is to gain the 1/100th of a gallon MPG that they might effect. I'm still really pissed off about this and the lack of any sensible answers from Ford/Lincoln. At this point is is the principal of the matter to me.

 

By the way, apparently all the other Ford models are in the same boat. The software option disappeared sometime at the end of last year.

Edited April 13, 2013 by xgman