Check DRL System Acura – What Does It Mean?
The drive to innovate, the road safety laws, creative designers, and a very competitive market are some of the factors that make modern cars a bastion of function and safety.
Every car brand is always trying to incorporate as much as they can into their models to cater to their customers.
This ensures that all cars on the road can operate safely in various weather conditions. One of the safety gizmos is the DRL.
It is also prone to malfunction. The definition of the daytime running light, its utility, the problems it is prone to, and how one can remedy them will be explored in the article.
What To Check Now?
The Check DRL system is one of the most common messages on Acura’s dash. It means you have an issue with your daytime running lights. It is important to get the lights fixed as soon as possible since they are required in many states.
A few things could be causing your daytime running lights to malfunction. It could be a simple issue or a more serious problem.
What Is DRL Light Used For?
Many drivers do not use their headlights in the right conditions. Different people on the road have different levels of visibility at different times of the day, which is not their fault.
Because not everyone on the road interacts with each other, a system that would help drivers from other cars identify your vehicle is needed.
The DRL light is different from the headlights and rear lights in that it doesn’t focus on helping the driver see their surroundings.
It allows drivers in other cars to see and identify other vehicles on the road.
The daytime running light can be used either through low-beam headlamps or high-beam headlamps.
The exact time for different brands and models varies, and it is an automatic system that comes on when the car starts motion.
Every vehicle on the road is required to have DRLs in some countries.
What Is the DRL Sign on an Acura Used for?
The DRL system has two symbols that are related to each other. They are:
- The daytime running lights are on according to the symbol. When the DRL system is active, it only comes on in green. There are either lines or dots coming out of the icons.
- In green letters, the check DRL light icon spells DRL. It indicates that the system is malfunctioning.
What Are the Causes for Malfunctioning of DRL System?
Being a safety measure, the DRL lamp is prone to malfunction and that scenario is not very desirable.
It could be a problem with the module, or it could be a blown fuse. Let’s dive into what they mean.
Loose Electrical Connector
The DRL is an electric-powered system that can develop a fault due to a loose connection. One cannot expect a device to function if it is not connected.
The good news is that you don’t need to replace the connector, unlike most of the other things.
You can locate the DRL assembly by going to the hood of your car.
It is important to remember that your Acura might still be lined up with the headlights, even if it has a different assembly.
Pull the connector behind the assembly after locating it.
If it isn’t loose, then you shouldn’t. It’s best to pull it on again to make sure it’s safe. If the light is on, you reassemble the DRL again. You have fixed the problem if it is.
A Burnt-out Bulb
The burned-out bulb is most likely to happen on the left or right side. Due to constant usage, most DRL is liable to be burned out.
If your DRL assembly is different from your regular headlight assembly, you only have to replace the DRL.
If the upper lens is attached to the headlight assembly, you must first detach it from the assembly, and then connect the wiring.
To remove the lens from the DRL, you have to remove the bulb.
You need to replace the bulb and reassemble the relevant parts. This is a relatively inexpensive activity to do. The majority of the bulbs are less than $30.
Blown out Fuse
The fuse is behind the battery, that’s one thing to notice. When the fuse is broken, your DRL won’t receive any power, because it’s a block to harmful electrical current.
You can find the one that connects to the DRL by opening the fuse box. You replace it with a new one when you discover it.
Bad DRL Module
When the DRL produces a burning smell or does not work, your module is bad.
The DRL module will turn the DRL on or off. The module should be located behind the dashboard or within the engine compartment.
You need to unbolt the DRLm from the car using a wrench after you disconnected the negative battery wire. You need to remove the connections from the vehicle after this.
If you want to mount the new module, you need to connect the connectors first and make sure they are secure.
After securing the bolts, you connect the negative battery wire to the newly secured module.
How Can I Turn off the DRL Lights?
If your DRL system is malfunctioning, you can turn it off by pressing the “DRL” button on your car.
You have to disable the system until you can fix it. Some models do not have this button.
Maybe you do not like the fact that the lights come on automatically. If you want to turn them off, you can detach the DRL fuse from the fusebox or cut the wires that lead to the bulb.
Is It Possible to Drive with the DRL Light On?
Yes, absolutely. The Check DRL System warning indicates there is a problem. Yes, but only relatively.
Even though it might mean a deeper issue, your vehicle should still be safe to drive, even if you consult a mechanic or electrician. Some states will require you to have the DRL running.
Conclusion
Most of the time, the Check DRL System warning message is caused by a blown fuse or a burnt-out bulb.
If you find yourself in need of assistance, it is better to drive the car to a mechanic than to try to fix it on your own.
If you drive with a faulty DRL system, you can get in trouble in some states.
Truck driver by profession, automotive lover by heart. Ricky is the main publisher and editor at Truckile.com sharing his life-long knowledge and experience in the auto industry and truck driving!