The owner's manual for my 2002 V70 says about the daytime running lights: "If you would prefer to have these lights turned off (USA only), lease consult your Volvo retailer." Can anyone tell me how to turn them off without a visit to Volvo? Thanks

You are out of luck, unless you have a very friendly dealer.

Now, why not ask the real question:

Can I keep the rear lights off and use the front fog lights for DRLs?

Klaus
--
(1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

Okay, here's where we agree completely :-).

I really see no purpose whatsoever for keeping the taillights on (and using up their filaments, not to mention the fuel*)! If it's dark enough to warrant lighting the taillights to keep from being rear-ended, it's logical to have the headlights on! DRLs are to protect you from idiots that are ahead of you, or that you're approaching -- not idiots that are behind you.

* And, in these days where this country should be trying to conserve fuel, the taillights use a certain amount of energy that comes from fuel (additional fuel to drive the additional load of the alternator to replace the energy lost to the taillights). Not very much for an individual car, but sum that over millions of cars, and you've got some "leak" in the "conservation program".

Again, wiring in your own DRLs is a better idea.

But, by the way, fog lights are not a good idea, as they use too much wattage -- it's overkill -- and they're frequently misaimed (either initially, or eventually from little impacts or whatever) and become not just an annoyance but a hazard to other drivers (like driving with high beams on when they're not aimed properly).

On a '01 and newer model, the dealer has to do a software download to change this. Still may be worth it if it's bugging you enough.
--
1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

Why does the safety aspect of this bother you so much?

No one mentioned anything about the safety aspect ? ? ?
--
1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

I've had a string of 240s to which I've added DRLs (at least in the front -- having the rear taillights on is a waste).
Quite a few years ago, maybe ~fifteen years ago, I wrote an article in Rolling about how to install DRLs into the front parking lights of 240s.
Lately, I've been attracted by LED lamps (less heat, and less current consumption), and I've been installing them (LED turn signals for trucks) into the front grille of my 240s.
I feel that they're a great safety feature, with no downside (as long as they're not irritating to other drivers, as some cars -- e.g., Lexuses -- are).

I turned my DRLs off because I don't like driving around town with my head/tail lights on. What I would really like are "real" front fog lamps that act like DRLs. When I was in PA last summer, the law requires us to turn on headlights in construction areas. That's almost the whole state!

BTW, I know when it gets dark out and turn on my headlights. Same for rain/snow/fog/tunnels, and I know how to turn the lights off when I get home at night. I hate it when car crafters assume my IQ is approaching zero.

Klaus
--
(1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

re: "...I know when it gets dark out and turn on my headlights. Same for rain/snow/fog/tunnels... I hate it when car crafters assume my IQ is approaching zero.."

Actually, enabling you to see where you're going (e.g., when it gets dark) isn't at all the reason for DRLs, and they're not installing them because they think that you're too stupid to remember to put on your headlights. They're not a personal affront to you.

The idea of DRLs started about 20 years or more ago -- experiments showed that collisions were reduced drastically when cars had some light (especially the front) lit up to catch the attention of other drivers who might not be as attentive as they ought to be. Examples include:
1) catching the attention in the peripheral vision of a driver who should have checked his mirror before changing lanes but didn't, who otherwise would have cut you off or even collided into the side of your car.
2) catching the attention of a driver who just briefly, too briefly, glances in your direction (or maybe doesn't even look fully in your direction) before pulling out of a driveway or side street in front of you.
3) catching the attention of a driver who (for a variety of weather, or road surface conditions -- e.g., the oasis illusion on a hot road) doesn't notice you as he pulls in front of you to pass another car in a two lane road.
4) likewise, catching the attention of a pedestrian crossing in front of you.

So as you can see, the purpose of DRLs is to make your car more noticeable to others. That's why a lot of cars have DRLs that aren't headlights, but rather merely bright parking lights. That's all that's necessary -- the lights don't have to be bright enough for you to use (like headlights) to see in bad weather, but rather just bright enough for others to notice you.

Admittedly, I don't use the headlights on my 240's as DRLs, although I could -- they would work like that if I left them switched on (they'll go out automatically when I shut off the engine), but I prefer to keep them off until, like you, I need them to see where I'm going. I think that using headlights as DRLs is a waste of their filaments! So we're in agreement on this.

But where we differ is in understanding the actual safety benefit of DRLs -- so I installed yellow (turn signal) LED truck lights in the grille -- very little current, not enough light to help me see where I'm going (which is the purpose of headlights), but very noticeable to other drivers.

Unfortunately, I think that Volvo's decision to use the headlights as DRLs was wrong -- some bright parking lights as used in other car makes would be better -- but lacking an alternative DRL on your car, leaving things as they are is a safety improvement.

At least, that's my personal opinion, based on studies. But of course it's your choice in the end.

Best regards.

I remember in the early 60's when people put small lights in the grills of American cars. They weren't called running lights back in those days, but they were on whenever then car was on. They were a great help, there were more 2 lane roads back then and visibility was paramount.
I just dislike the use of head/tail lights as DRLs. Companies should use dedicated lights for DRLs, just like American cars SHOULD use separate bulbs for brake/turn signal lights.
If I knew how to wire some amber DRLs to the front of the Volvos, I would do so in a minute. I just think that headlights are overkill.
I also have this problem with people who drive around with their rear fog lights on, but that is another pet peeve!

Klaus
--
(1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

re: "...I remember in the early 60's when people put small lights in the grills of American cars. They weren't called running lights back in those days, but they were on whenever then car was on. They were a great help, there were more 2 lane roads back then and visibility was paramount...."

Thinking back, I do remember those lights! Folks put them on their grille, usually just one white light, right in the middle. I think we did call them "running lights", and they were more popular in rural areas, obviously for the reasons you pointed out. I grew up in the city, but I worked some summers in resort hotels in the mountains, and I saw more than a few cars and trucks with them up there.

I guess that's where the idea of DRLs started, even before they were "studied" by government, insurance and car companies.

re: "...If I knew how to wire some amber DRLs to the front of the Volvos, I would do so in a minute..."

I'd be happy to help you wire up a pair of amber lights....

I used round, amber LED lights made for truck turn signals, but any cheaper incandescent turn signal lamp would work, too (I like the turn signal lamps because they're yellow, and brighter than taillight lamps anyway). I cut out an appropriate hole using a Dremel kit in the front grille.

If I knew how to post pictures on this forum, I'd do so (do you know how to?). I could snap a low res picture with my cell-phone camera and include it.

In an early article that was published in Rolling, I explained how to incorporate bright DRLs into the front parking lights, but I like the new LED lights so much more (miniscule current and heat, and yet very bright) that I wouldn't go back to my older way.

Wiring it is easy, too. You could use a DRL module (like the one sold by IPD) that has the logic to turn them off when you turn your regular lights on; or you could just wire them for power to any "engine on" circuit, and interupt it with a small, cheap, normally-closed NC relay from radio shack that's powered by your turning on the lights. I used to use the latter (it's very simple), but for my newest '93's, I used the DRL module solution. There's little difference.

And re "...I just dislike the use of head/tail lights as DRLs. Companies should use dedicated lights for DRLs... headlights are overkill....", I wholeheartedly agree(!!!), as in my other answer, http://www.brickboard.com/AWD/index.htm?id=1026304

Best regards.

Thanks, brethren (and sistren?) for the interesting advice on my question on DRLs. I went to Volvo today, and they programmed away my DRLs on my 2002 V70 for free..it seems the warranty was still in effect. I asked them to remove the automatic (without human intervention) doorlocking, but they couldn't find the software item. I've only had the car for a fortnight now, but already i could have been locked out when i walked around to the passenger door (key in pocket and not under the seat as i do when i swim in VT next to my 240) took out a package and closed the door. The doors all locked then!

FYI, in California it is illegal to drive with Park Lights on. I agree with this, based upon my experiences.

Especially on two lane roads, especially with long straight-aways, especially close to dusk or dawn, a car with dimmer front lights can appear to be a car with headlights on at a much greater distance. Head-on collisions are more likely under these circumstances.

I would make sure that any "running lights" are 1) legal in your area and
2) not easily mistaken for headlights that are further away.

Personally, I run with my headlights on at all times. I feel that I get plenty of life out of the filaments this way, I haven't noticed a difference in fuel economy and I do feel safer. just my preference.