Very good question - I too am doing a projection HID conversion.

 

A search for "day time running" on the Subaru Technical Information System in the 2014 Forester service manual returned the following results:

2014 Forester Service Manual v3

BODY SECTION

SEAT BELT SYSTEM SB

6. Rear Seat Belt​

LIGHTING SYSTEM LI

4. Day Time Running Light System
38. Day Time Running Resistor​

So it looks like they're still using the resistor method similar to previous models. Only question is, where is the resistor? I'm not sure I want to pay the 3-day access fee just to answer that question. Yes, I'm cheap that way. :icon_biggrin:

 

I found it to be reach able under the battery/or air filter.

It is exactly the same as the older cars I just could not reach it to disconnect it. I instead just swapped in yellow piaa bulbs. hope that helps. you just need to find the metal resistor thing then disconnect it.

 

Found it! Woo hoo!

I was reluctant to start ripping apart my BSN* Forester, but in the end I decided to take a quick peek, removing as little as possible. Turns out, it's AMAZINGLY EASY!!!

Remove the air intake duct from the front of the engine bay by removing two screw/clips. Just turn counter clockwise until they pop up a bit, then slowly and gently pry them up and out:

This leaves a sizable opening in the right side of the bay, giving you access to all kinds of stuff:

On the left side, kinda under the headlight connections, you will see a paired up black/orange connector, and to the left of it, the big tell-tale grey resistor! AH HA! Shown here disconnected:

The connectors have one flap that holds them together (there's not another one on the bottom. I carefully removed it and checked so you wouldn't have to. You're welcome!). Pry up the flap gently and disconnect the connectors. And you are DONE.

Tie it back, tape off the openings, etc, as desired. Slide the air intake duct back into the filter box, align it to the mount holes and pop back in the screw/clips, and viola! Done!

Tested. Works. Easy.



* BSN = Brand Spank'n New

 

found it! Woo hoo!

I was reluctant to start ripping apart my bsn* forester, but in the end i decided to take a quick peek, removing as little as possible. Turns out, it's amazingly easy!!!

Remove the air intake duct from the front of the engine bay by removing two screw/clips. Just turn counter clockwise until they pop up a bit, then slowly and gently pry them up and out:

this leaves a sizable opening in the right side of the bay, giving you access to all kinds of stuff:

on the left side, kinda under the headlight connections, you will see a paired up black/orange connector, and to the left of it, the big tell-tale grey resistor! Ah ha! Shown here disconnected:

the connectors have one flap that holds them together (there's not another one on the bottom. I carefully removed it and checked so you wouldn't have to. You're welcome!). Pry up the flap gently and disconnect the connectors. And you are done.

Tie it back, tape off the openings, etc, as desired. Slide the air intake duct back into the filter box, align it to the mount holes and pop back in the screw/clips, and viola! Done!

Tested. Works. Easy.



* bsn = brand spank'n new

thank you for the info

 

NICE!!!! I need 80 celebrating Banana dudes.

 

Nicely done! I've added a link to this thread to our Knowledge Base section.

 

Awesome.

 

What are the reasons for disconnecting the DRLs in the first place? Except to upgrade the lights.

 

That's about it in my book. It's why I did it.

 

Does anyone have HID upgrade pics?

 

Sorry for the noob question but why do you want the DRL disabled if you intend on doing an HID conversion?

 

Just to throw it out there since I also wanted to disable my DRLs. There is a MUCH easier way, just pull the fuse. On my 2014 2.5 6sp it was fuse 19 in the fuse box located inside the car. I pulled it and checked to make sure the lights still work properly and they do just no stupid DRLs.

EDIT: This doesnt actually work, I didnt realize the drls don't turn on until you release the e-brake.

 

^ I vote for including this info in the "solution / found it" post above.

 

Thanks for this just did it to mine. I hate DRLs. If I want my lights on ill turn them on.

 

Is there a way to do this under dash? In my '03 WRX, you can remove the glove compartment and then remove the molex connector from the DRL module, works great and is just as easy.

 

I am almost sure the DRL lights are on vehicles for a reason.

Safety.

Being able to be seen by other vehicles who in some intances might not be able to see you.

There is a reason why Subaru put them on the Forester.

Disabling them would be a saftey hazard.

To bad that all vehicles don't have them and states make in mandatory that they be on at all times during the day, just light headlights at night.

Having DRL's could save your life.

 

I could see the validity of your argument in the case of vehicles with automatic headlight sensors that will turn on the regular low beams based on daylight/visibility conditions. If that sort of function isn't present, I would consider the DRLs themselves more of a safety hazard. If I had a dollar for every idiot I see driving at night with nothing but the DRLs on (i.e. no taillights), I'd be rich.

 

I know, right? Unfortunately I see lots of this around here. People are stupid. So at least if they weren't able to see in the dark (no DRLs) they would be more likely to notice their error.

 

So at least if they weren't able to see in the dark (no DRLs) they would be more likely to notice their error.

I guess if you look at that way, you are probably right...

 

Im just gunna be honest and say I hate the look of lights on during the day. I believe if you need lights on during the day to be able to see a car than you shouldnt be driving. If I want my lights on I will turn them on. Ive done the same type of modification on my motorcycle and previous car. Just my opinion of coarse but lights are for when its dark out.

 

Yup, the next time I see a police car, ambulance or fire engine during the day, I will tell them to turn off their flashing lights because it's daytime and everyone can see them! :icon_wink:

 

Lol colored lights are a different story. I believe u can still see the police car whether the lights are on or off though.

 

If they are becoming mandatory in Europe it won't be long before they will be here too. Just a matter of time I think.

And Joe333x, lol, you can't be more old school than me, I am 67 years old and normally go by the old school rules, but in my opinion DRLs are a good idea, like adc said, so grandpa can see me. Well, I am a grandpa and hope the do see me, lmao.

 

Now that that's all sorted out, it's time to figure out how to get the LED accent lights to remain on when the DRLs are enabled. There has to be a way...

 

Um having trouble finding this...the pic of the clips ...is that from underneath car or top? Is the connector on the side where we remove the intake duct or opposite

Shoot...wonder if I have it...I'm in a base 2.5i

 

Got it...looks like it is a little different on the base

 

Where exactly is that?

 

Interesting thread! The setup of drl is completely diffrent on the Forester here in Europe. As already stated, there is a law that requires drl on new cars. But here in Sweden we have had a law that required drivers to use lowbeams or equivalent light(ex.fogs) for many years. There is really no question that a car is more visible with lights than without, in any condition. The new Forester on this side of the water has drl in the foglights. It's a dual bulb reflector, with one foglightbulb and one drl-bulb. Drl is active only in Auto-mode and switches to lowbeams with lightsensor, when dark enough. All lights can be switched of during the day, but at night drl is active in "off" setting.
Only thing to figure out now is how to make the led outline activate with drl:s...

 

Debate over DRLs will get us nowhere, as the bottom line is that it's going to end up being a matter of personal preference--regardless of the facts. Therefore, I suggest that those wishing to continue that aspect of the discussion move over to the Irreconcilable Differences thread and add to the existing DRL thread that's linked there.

 

why subaru couldn't add a DRL switch.................