Daytime running Lights and Smart Junction Box
 

I have read that its possible to program the SJB to activate the Daytime Running Lights. Has anyone been able to get their dealer to do this? I have called all the dealers in my area and they say its impossible. :confused:

Re: Daytime running Lights and Smart Junction Box
 

I'm getting the same response from my dealer. His techs tell him you can't do it. I would certainly like to have DRL's but I'm not haveing any luck either.

Re: Daytime running Lights and Smart Junction Box
 

I thought someone else on here had it done.... have you searched other threads?

If not then it might be true. Its wrong to assume its just a switch that you flip or a bit that is changed. If its a bit thats different you probably have to reflash the firmware entirely to do it. That brings up the real possiblity that there would likely be two entirely different firmwares, one for the US and one for Canada; the Canadian one having DRL. The problem with that scenario would be that Canada and the US probably have different emissions requirements that and those might require different constants to be loaded in the engine control module. If thats the case they might not be allowed to flash a US car with Canadian firmware.

Thats all hypothetical, but I just wanted to point out that we can't assume the dealers aren't telling the truth, lazy whatever. If someone did get it done its even possible they found a dealer that was willing to let it slide. There could be several explainations.

Re: Daytime running Lights and Smart Junction Box
 

I took a look in the workshop manual under DLR and hears what it says about installing a new smart junction box:

"When installing a new smart junction box (SJB), it must be reconfigured for this feature if originally equipped".

It does appear from comparing the '05 wiring diagrams in both the regular Escape and the FEH, both are the same. Also, under the FEH wiring manual, there are two DLR pages of the wiring. The language in the manual "if originally equipped" is what prevents the dealer from reconfiguring the SJB.

My '05 FEH came with autolocks, but is was not suppose to. It caused a burning smell problem and then stopped working along with the key unlock feature when you shut and lock the doors with the key in the ignition. The Tech refused to reprogram the autolock feature, but fixed (programmed) the unlock feature and it works fine.

As you know, the EPA ratings and the fact that the lights would use more generator power may be an issue here. Can't say for sure, but I do know the Tech was very serious when he said he was not going to reprogram my autolocks.

GaryG

Re: Daytime running Lights and Smart Junction Box
 

Well, there were a few folks with other fords with SJB's that have had it done. I.E. Ford 500, The response that makes it questionable is that they are saying that it isn't programmable on ANY car, and there seems to be direct evidence to the contrary...

Re: Daytime running Lights and Smart Junction Box
 

I'm going out a limb a little bit, but, I don't think the Mercury brand exist in Canada anymore.

Re: Daytime running Lights and Smart Junction Box
 

But Ford does, and I would suspect they source a single sjb...

Re: Daytime running Lights and Smart Junction Box
 

check out the mods forum at www.escape-central.com I know there have been several discussions about adding DRL's and several users who have had it done.

Re: Daytime running Lights and Smart Junction Box
 

Daytime running lamps are possible.
What I do not know is if there would be a charge for doing it. Probably, yes.

Quote from Ford when I emailed them Jan. 30, 2006:

"DRLs are known as a "programmable parameter" which can
simply be turned on or off by the dealer. This particular feature is
programmable since some markets (Canada) require that DRLs be active, yet
others do not. Why aren't DRLs active on every Hybrid that's shipped? 1)
The slight electrical load negatively impacts fuel economy ever so
slightly and 2) some customers simply do not want them."

-John

Re: Daytime running Lights and Smart Junction Box
 

OK, I hope you're correct, but, how do we get around the dealer's service people saying it can't be done?

Re: Daytime running Lights and Smart Junction Box
 

The message below was from Ford.
Use the exact verbage "it's a programmable parameter" and reference cars built on the same assembley line, the same day, shipped to Canada, have this feature "turned on". I know of 3 people in the U.S. that had them successfully turned on after shipment.

It may not be "dim headlamps". I suspect it is just full time headlamps... but have not seen any in person.

-John

Re: Daytime running Lights and Smart Junction Box
 

This has been discuss Mr Gran FEH Technogist, do you have a dealer that will program the smart junction box? Didn't think so!

GaryG

Re: Daytime running Lights and Smart Junction Box
 

I will check in my manual tomorrow, too cold tonight. It was something like, in Park, Turn key and move something else x times and then DRL is enabled. Or is that the auto dim?

Re: Daytime running Lights and Smart Junction Box
 

Um... I don't think DRL are something the owner can set.
A procedure like you talk about is used to turn off the seatbelt reminder chime... but that's all I can think of at the moment.
It requires equipment to talk to ( aka program ) the car's settings that only a dealer would have. Kind of like the "autolock" feature Gary G claims his car had originally. I don't know why Gary G is being such an A$$ lately... as he claims to have had first hand experience of "programmable" features.

You may need to press the issue to "higher ups" at your dealer to get this done if it is important to you... as there is no money in it for them, and even if they charge for labor, it would only take minutes. One man on the west coast had it done at no extra charge while the dealer was doing a LOF ( lube, oil, and filter ) so they tend to be more cooperative when other work is being done for $... that doesn't mean they shouldn't do just what you ask, when you ask... but you know how the real world works!

Good Luck, and report back when you have it done, and what, if anything they charged you.
-John