Re: How to disable DRLs and auto-headlights on 2001 Camry?

The subject says it all:
What is the procedure for disabling the Daytime Running Lights and the
Auto-Headlights on a 2001 (aka "Generation 4.5") Camry, other than
paying a dealer to do so?
I do NOT want to start a debate about whether these characteristics of
this particular vehicle are "safety features" or "nuisances" and posts
arguing one side or another will be 100% ignored by me (and I urge
others to do the same so that the NG can remain ON-TOPIC).
Thanks.


If you did not want it, why did you buy it?

You can buy any make and model that will have neither DRL nor auto-on
headlights. You chose. Stop whining.

I like having all lights on when I get in the car, I travel to Canada
frequently, headlights are required. Pedestrians are a differnt
story. You don't want to start a debate, don't ask a debatable
question. You've got your own mindset, don't buy a Toyota.

<mmward@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:2516-45A0B1A6-176@storefull-3157.bay.webtv.net...[color=blue]
> The subject says it all:
> What is the procedure for disabling the Daytime Running Lights and the
> Auto-Headlights on a 2001 (aka "Generation 4.5") Camry, other than
> paying a dealer to do so?
> I do NOT want to start a debate about whether these characteristics of
> this particular vehicle are "safety features" or "nuisances" and posts
> arguing one side or another will be 100% ignored by me (and I urge
> others to do the same so that the NG can remain ON-TOPIC).
> Thanks.
>
>
> If you did not want it, why did you buy it?
>
> You can buy any make and model that will have neither DRL nor auto-on
> headlights. You chose. Stop whining.
>
> I like having all lights on when I get in the car, I travel to Canada
> frequently, headlights are required. Pedestrians are a differnt
> story. You don't want to start a debate, don't ask a debatable
> question. You've got your own mindset, don't buy a Toyota.
>[/color]

Well-said. If a vehicle is in an accident and it is shown that not ALL
available safety devices on the vehicle were operable AND IN USE, as
applicable, then both the owner and/or operator of that vehicle should be
held liable. If the accident was obviously caused by the other driver, then,
in that case, liability should be 50/50.

Re: the merits of using daytime running lights... I wish I had
the details on this, but I am relying on old memories. IIRC in
the 1960s one Chicago trucking company tried having its drivers
always run with headlights on. Their accident rate halved.

FWIW.
--
Andrew Stephenson

I think it was [email]ames@deltrak.demon.co.uk[/email] (Andrew Stephenson) who
stated:
[color=blue]
>Re: the merits of using daytime running lights... I wish I had
>the details on this, but I am relying on old memories. IIRC in
>the 1960s one Chicago trucking company tried having its drivers
>always run with headlights on. Their accident rate halved.[/color]

And was everyone else running with their headlights on at the time?

I wonder what difference it would make if everyone else had DRLs and
then the truckers started running with headlights on . . . .

Of course, we don't know. We also don't know how much difference DRLs
make when EVERYONE has them. When there is a change, it gets noticed.
After the change becomes status quo, it gets ignored again.

As a motorcyclist, that's what concerns me about DRLs. It used to be
that I was one of only a few vehicles with my headlight on during the
daylight hours. With DRLs, that isn't so anymore. So to me, DRLs are a
DISADCVANTAGE. To help get my edge back, I've installed a modulated
headlight, and I'm more likely to get noticed again. I wonder how long
that will help.

It is truly unfortunate that more and more, folks are relying on some
technology or another and less and less relying on their BRAINS to
stay safe . . . .

--
Light travels faster than sound; this is why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak

I think it was [email]ames@deltrak.demon.co.uk[/email] (Andrew Stephenson) who
stated:
[color=blue]
>In article <i3s2q2pnbs07mgopi7uaht86jmejq5pfbh@4ax.com>
> pooder "Don Fearn" writes:
>[color=green]
>> I think it was [email]ames@deltrak.demon.co.uk[/email] (Andrew Stephenson) who
>> stated:
>>[color=darkred]
>> >Re: the merits of using daytime running lights... I wish I had
>> >the details on this, but I am relying on old memories. IIRC in
>> >the 1960s one Chicago trucking company tried having its drivers
>> >always run with headlights on. Their accident rate halved.[/color]
>>
>> And was everyone else running with their headlights on at the time?
>>
>> I wonder what difference it would make if everyone else had DRLs and
>> then the truckers started running with headlights on . . . .
>>
>> [...][/color]
>
>To be frank, I wonder how closed your mind is on this topic.[/color]

Frank, I try to keep an open mind, but not so much that my brains fall
out. I have DRLs on my Camry, and I leave the switch in the "ON"
position. I think it seems reasonable that I'm more likely to be seen
that way. I also put a sunglass lens over the headlight sensor so that
it will come on sooner as it gets dark. I turn on my xB headlights
when it seems like they should be on; when visibility is low and at
dusk. Visibility is a good thing, both mine looking out, and others'
seeing me.
[color=blue]
>Personally, I use daytime lights when it seems to make sense. I
>want other drivers to be able to see when the seeing isn't good:
>when there is glare (eg desert roads with dust in the air); when
>light is in oncoming drivers' eyes (eg towards sunset); when the
>car I am in is shadow (eg running along below trees); when it is
>night (eg when it is night)... I have no idea _what_ conditions
>were when that trucking company tried its test; but, the way the
>results got reported, the company was impressed and persuaded to
>keep doing it. From what I have seen of your reasoning on this,
>I would trust the dimly recalled hearsay historical opinion of a
>company I never met over any "arguments" I have seen in this NG,
>against the use of daytime running lights. Does that go any way
>towards addressing your questions?[/color]

It does. I don't know the answers to my questions, and I don't think
anyone really does. But folks seem to be polarized on this question,
so I'm putting out ideas to make 'em THINK. ALWAYS a good thing,
thinking, yes?
[color=blue]
>FWIW, I once owned a Volvo: no option there, unless you pulled a
>plug under the bonnet; but the blokes who designed that car were
>savvy, so I soon re-plugged.[/color]

To turn the DRLs ON or OFF?

--
Light travels faster than sound; this is why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak

"Don Fearn" <pooder@charter.net> wrote in message
news:i3s2q2pnbs07mgopi7uaht86jmejq5pfbh@4ax.com...[color=blue]
>I think it was [email]ames@deltrak.demon.co.uk[/email] (Andrew Stephenson) who
> stated:
>[color=green]
>>Re: the merits of using daytime running lights... I wish I had
>>the details on this, but I am relying on old memories. IIRC in
>>the 1960s one Chicago trucking company tried having its drivers
>>always run with headlights on. Their accident rate halved.[/color]
>
> And was everyone else running with their headlights on at the time?
>
> I wonder what difference it would make if everyone else had DRLs and
> then the truckers started running with headlights on . . . .
>
> Of course, we don't know. We also don't know how much difference DRLs
> make when EVERYONE has them. When there is a change, it gets noticed.
> After the change becomes status quo, it gets ignored again.[/color]

But... even if every single car used DRL, every single car would be still
more visible (than if all - or some - w/out lights). So... seems like fewer
accidents would still be the outcome. Don't know how _many_ fewer...

Prior to having DRL ('98), I never switched my lights on in the daytime,
providing the visibility was good. To me, lights on in daylight would
indicate an emergency - like "Out of my way, I need to get someplace
*fast*!" sort of thing.. Now I find that the cars w/out the lights are
definitely less noticeable on the road than those with them. And they -
coupled w/ auto-on full lights - preclude the problem of people forgetting
to switch their lights on at dusk.

Sorry, OP - there was no way this topic would remain an "answer my question
only, no comments about the merits of it" deal.

Cathy

[color=blue]
>
> As a motorcyclist, that's what concerns me about DRLs. It used to be
> that I was one of only a few vehicles with my headlight on during the
> daylight hours. With DRLs, that isn't so anymore. So to me, DRLs are a
> DISADCVANTAGE. To help get my edge back, I've installed a modulated
> headlight, and I'm more likely to get noticed again. I wonder how long
> that will help.
>
> It is truly unfortunate that more and more, folks are relying on some
> technology or another and less and less relying on their BRAINS to
> stay safe . . . .
>
> --
> Light travels faster than sound; this is why some people appear bright
> until you hear them speak[/color]

"Don Fearn" <pooder@charter.net> wrote in message
news:rp03q21tqmrd5uvje0sisk065ors7p8c0g@4ax.com...[color=blue]
>I think it was [email]ames@deltrak.demon.co.uk[/email] (Andrew Stephenson) who
> stated:
>[/color]
<snipped>[color=blue]
> I have DRLs on my Camry, and I leave the switch in the "ON"
> position. I think it seems reasonable that I'm more likely to be seen
> that way. I also put a sunglass lens over the headlight sensor so that
> it will come on sooner as it gets dark.[/color]

You should be able to turn the sensor clockwise to make it come on earlier.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

"Fred Garvin, Male Prostitute" <nospam@whitehouse.gov> wrote in message
news:Xns98B18FB507191FredGarvin@66.250.146.128...[color=blue]
> You wrote:
>[color=green]
>> The subject says it all:
>> What is the procedure for disabling the Daytime Running Lights and the
>> Auto-Headlights on a 2001 (aka "Generation 4.5") Camry, other than
>> paying a dealer to do so?
>> I do NOT want to start a debate about whether these characteristics of
>> this particular vehicle are "safety features" or "nuisances" and posts
>> arguing one side or another will be 100% ignored by me (and I urge
>> others to do the same so that the NG can remain ON-TOPIC).
>> Thanks.
>>
>>
>> If you did not want it, why did you buy it?
>>
>> You can buy any make and model that will have neither DRL nor auto-on
>> headlights. You chose. Stop whining.
>>
>> I like having all lights on when I get in the car, I travel to Canada
>> frequently, headlights are required. Pedestrians are a differnt
>> story. You don't want to start a debate, don't ask a debatable
>> question. You've got your own mindset, don't buy a Toyota.[/color]
>
> I didn't buy the car; I acquired it when my mother passed away. So fuck
> off, asshole.[/color]

YOU fuck off, ***got.

I think it was "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> who stated:
[color=blue]
>
>"Don Fearn" <pooder@charter.net> wrote in message
>news:rp03q21tqmrd5uvje0sisk065ors7p8c0g@4ax.com...[color=green]
>>I think it was [email]ames@deltrak.demon.co.uk[/email] (Andrew Stephenson) who
>> stated:
>>[/color]
><snipped>[color=green]
>> I have DRLs on my Camry, and I leave the switch in the "ON"
>> position. I think it seems reasonable that I'm more likely to be seen
>> that way. I also put a sunglass lens over the headlight sensor so that
>> it will come on sooner as it gets dark.[/color]
>
>You should be able to turn the sensor clockwise to make it come on earlier.[/color]

"Should be able", being the operative words. That was actually one of
my first questions to this newsgroup, after buying my Camry. The
sensor didn't turn, so I found some cheep sunglasses and put one of
the lenses over the sensor. It works great!

--
Light travels faster than sound; this is why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak

"Don Fearn" <pooder@charter.net> wrote in message
news:qe43q2p280u2thc1isam2lnf1ad1loecvd@4ax.com...[color=blue]
>I think it was "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> who stated:
>[color=green]
>>
>>"Don Fearn" <pooder@charter.net> wrote in message
>>news:rp03q21tqmrd5uvje0sisk065ors7p8c0g@4ax.com...[color=darkred]
>>>I think it was [email]ames@deltrak.demon.co.uk[/email] (Andrew Stephenson) who
>>> stated:
>>>[/color]
>><snipped>[color=darkred]
>>> I have DRLs on my Camry, and I leave the switch in the "ON"
>>> position. I think it seems reasonable that I'm more likely to be seen
>>> that way. I also put a sunglass lens over the headlight sensor so that
>>> it will come on sooner as it gets dark.[/color]
>>
>>You should be able to turn the sensor clockwise to make it come on
>>earlier.[/color]
>
> "Should be able", being the operative words. That was actually one of
> my first questions to this newsgroup, after buying my Camry. The
> sensor didn't turn, so I found some cheep sunglasses and put one of
> the lenses over the sensor. It works great![/color]

Are you guys talking about the actual little sensor on top of the dash, next
to the windshield? Or is there a little knob somewhere else which determines
the amount of light/darkness needed for the sensor to trip the lights full
on? (I've always assumed that the sensor's setting was non-tinkerable.)

Cathy

[color=blue]
>
> --
> Light travels faster than sound; this is why some people appear bright
> until you hear them speak[/color]

"Don Fearn" <pooder@charter.net> wrote in message
news:qe43q2p280u2thc1isam2lnf1ad1loecvd@4ax.com...[color=blue]
>I think it was "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> who stated:
>[color=green]
>>
>>"Don Fearn" <pooder@charter.net> wrote in message
>>news:rp03q21tqmrd5uvje0sisk065ors7p8c0g@4ax.com...[color=darkred]
>>>I think it was [email]ames@deltrak.demon.co.uk[/email] (Andrew Stephenson) who
>>> stated:
>>>[/color]
>><snipped>[color=darkred]
>>> I have DRLs on my Camry, and I leave the switch in the "ON"
>>> position. I think it seems reasonable that I'm more likely to be seen
>>> that way. I also put a sunglass lens over the headlight sensor so that
>>> it will come on sooner as it gets dark.[/color]
>>
>>You should be able to turn the sensor clockwise to make it come on
>>earlier.[/color]
>
> "Should be able", being the operative words. That was actually one of
> my first questions to this newsgroup, after buying my Camry. The
> sensor didn't turn, so I found some cheep sunglasses and put one of
> the lenses over the sensor. It works great!
>[/color]

Hmmm... I'll have to experiment on one of ours to see what gives. I suspect
that the plastic cover has to pop off first. I like the sunglasses
solution - it's simple and effective.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

"Cathy F." <clfr@adelphiadot.net> wrote in message
news:8PednXovqvQYDjzYnZ2dnUVZ_o6gnZ2d@giganews.com...[color=blue]
>
> "Don Fearn" <pooder@charter.net> wrote in message
> news:qe43q2p280u2thc1isam2lnf1ad1loecvd@4ax.com...[color=green]
>>I think it was "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> who stated:
>>[color=darkred]
>>>
>>>"Don Fearn" <pooder@charter.net> wrote in message
>>>news:rp03q21tqmrd5uvje0sisk065ors7p8c0g@4ax.com...
>>>>I think it was [email]ames@deltrak.demon.co.uk[/email] (Andrew Stephenson) who
>>>> stated:
>>>>
>>><snipped>
>>>> I have DRLs on my Camry, and I leave the switch in the "ON"
>>>> position. I think it seems reasonable that I'm more likely to be seen
>>>> that way. I also put a sunglass lens over the headlight sensor so that
>>>> it will come on sooner as it gets dark.
>>>
>>>You should be able to turn the sensor clockwise to make it come on
>>>earlier.[/color]
>>
>> "Should be able", being the operative words. That was actually one of
>> my first questions to this newsgroup, after buying my Camry. The
>> sensor didn't turn, so I found some cheep sunglasses and put one of
>> the lenses over the sensor. It works great![/color]
>
> Are you guys talking about the actual little sensor on top of the dash,
> next to the windshield? Or is there a little knob somewhere else which
> determines the amount of light/darkness needed for the sensor to trip the
> lights full on? (I've always assumed that the sensor's setting was
> non-tinkerable.)
>
> Cathy
>[/color]

Yes, I'm talking about the actual sensor on top of the dash. I believe that
the a sensor under the plastic cover is threaded so you can screw it down to
make the lights come on earlier or up to make the lights come up later.
There is no adjustment knob.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

I think it was "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> who stated:

[color=blue]
>Hmmm... I'll have to experiment on one of ours to see what gives. I suspect
>that the plastic cover has to pop off first.[/color]

I didn't try popping anything off. But that makes sense; I'll try it
too. (The folks at the service department hadn't a clue -- despite the
owner's manual telling me to ask them to do it. <shrug>)
[color=blue]
>I like the sunglasses
>solution - it's simple and effective.[/color]

I did what I needed to do. The only drawback was that it slid off
easily until I put on felt pads and double-stick tape on the lens.

--
Light travels faster than sound; this is why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak

Don Fearn wrote:
[color=blue]
> It is truly unfortunate that more and more, folks are relying on some
> technology or another and less and less relying on their BRAINS to
> stay safe . . . .[/color]

One of the major problems with DRLs is that many automakers cheaped out
on the design, and ended up with creating more problems than they
solved. The NHTSA agreed that many of the DRLs are much too bright, and
aimed improperly, especially the ones that use the high beams at lower
brightness. Of course the advantage of using the high beams is that it
makes the low-beam bulbs last much longer, but the real solution should
be using entirely separate lamps.

A well-designed DRL system would be just fine. It's especially important
that the DRLs not be mistaken by the driver for the regular headlights,
as you often see. At least the Camry with the automatic headlights
appears to have solved this problem by turning on the real headlights
when it gets dark, but most DRL implementations aren't that good.

On Sun, 07 Jan 2007 19:54:16 -0600, Don Fearn <pooder@charter.net>
wrote:[color=blue]
>I think it was "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> who stated:[/color]
[color=blue][color=green]
>>Hmmm... I'll have to experiment on one of ours to see what gives. I suspect
>>that the plastic cover has to pop off first.[/color]
>
>I didn't try popping anything off. But that makes sense; I'll try it
>too. (The folks at the service department hadn't a clue -- despite the
>owner's manual telling me to ask them to do it. <shrug>)[/color]

There are only three solutions: The factory method is probably a
collar style shroud around the photosensor CDS Cell or phototransistor
to cut down the ambient light reaching it. Second being the "external
shroud" dodge with the sunglass lens.

There is probably an adjustment trimmer potentiometer somewhere, but
under the dashboard on the 'amplifier module' or whatever they call it
for the DRL trigger. Most likely not easy to get to, and overly
sensitive and easy to mis-set, so you leave it alone...
[color=blue][color=green]
>>I like the sunglasses
>>solution - it's simple and effective.[/color]
>
>I did what I needed to do. The only drawback was that it slid off
>easily until I put on felt pads and double-stick tape on the lens.[/color]

A piece of black electrical tape over part of the face of the sensor
works, or a shroud out of "field expedient materials" like a chunk of
plastic pipe slid over the working end of the sensor - Do it all the
time on lighting photocontrols.

You could also use a blob of clear silicone sealant over the sensor
eye, that's translucent enough to diffuse and cut down the light and
not liable to fall off easily.

--<< Bruce >>--