How to turn on daytime running lights on a Chevy?

Daytime running lights (DRLs) are a safety feature on many modern vehicles, including Chevrolet models. DRLs automatically turn on the front headlights or dedicated DRL lights when the engine is running, making the vehicle more visible to other drivers during the day. If your Chevy doesn't have DRLs activated, you can easily turn them on by following a few simple steps.

Locating the DRL Settings

The process for turning on daytime running lights varies slightly depending on the Chevy model and year, but generally, you can find the DRL settings in the vehicle's infotainment system or instrument cluster menu. Consult your owner's manual for the specific steps for your Chevy model.

Enabling Daytime Running Lights

• Turn on the ignition and access the vehicle's settings menu, usually found in the infotainment system or instrument cluster.


• Look for an option related to "Daytime Running Lights," "DRL," or "Exterior Lighting."


• Select the option to enable or turn on the daytime running lights.


• Save the settings and exit the menu.

Once you've enabled the daytime running lights, they should automatically turn on whenever the engine is running, providing increased visibility and safety on the road.

Verifying DRL Operation

After enabling the daytime running lights, take your Chevy for a short drive to ensure the feature is working correctly. The front headlights or dedicated DRL lights should illuminate when the engine is running, even during the day. If the DRLs do not turn on as expected, double-check the settings or consult your owner's manual for further troubleshooting steps.

Activating the daytime running lights on your Chevy is a simple process that can enhance the visibility and safety of your vehicle on the road. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily turn on this useful feature and enjoy the added peace of mind it provides.

What controls daytime running lights?

Daytime running lights are typically controlled from the engine compartment or dashboard of a vehicle – the electrical system is stored there and features a DRL module, which (in modern vehicles) communicates with the vehicle's sensors.

How do daytime running lights turn on?

Daytime running lights (DRLs) turn on automatically when you start the engine, so there is no manual switch to turn them on. They operate separately from your headlights and will turn off automatically when you manually activate your headlights or when the vehicle's auto-headlight sensor detects low light conditions. 
This video explains how DRLs turn on automatically when you start the engine and turn off when you switch on your headlights: 1mThe Savvy ProfessorYouTube · Dec 5, 2023
How DRLs work

• Automatic activation: When you start the car, the DRLs will illuminate on their own. They function without any driver input. 
• Automatic deactivation: They are designed to turn off automatically when you turn on your regular headlights (either manually or by setting the light switch to the "auto" position). 
• No separate switch: Most modern cars do not have an on/off switch for DRLs, as their purpose is to be on whenever the engine is running to increase visibility. 

What to do if your DRLs aren't on

1. Start the engine: DRLs only activate once the engine is running. 
2. Check the light control: Make sure your headlight switch is not set to the "off" position. If it's set to "auto," the DRLs should be on unless it's dark enough for the headlights to come on automatically. 
3. Check settings: On some vehicles, DRLs can be disabled in the vehicle's infotainment or settings menu. You may need to navigate to "Settings," then "Vehicle Lighting," and ensure "Daytime Running Lights" is set to "on". 
4. Check for a "Park" mode: Some DRL systems will not operate if the vehicle is in park. If you see the lights come on when you shift into drive, this is normal behavior. 

How to check if daytime running lights are working?

To check if your daytime running lights (DRLs) are working, start the engine and have a friend watch from outside to see if bright lights appear at the front of the vehicle that are not your headlights. If you don't have a helper, put the car in gear (with the parking brake engaged and wheels chocked for safety) and see if the DRLs come on, or place a bright light on the ambient light sensor to see if that triggers them. DRLs should be bright enough for daytime use but dim or turn off when you turn on your headlights at night. 
Step 1: Perform a simple visual check 

• With an assistant: Start the engine. Have a friend stand in front of the car and look to see if the bright, lower-wattage DRLs are on. They should be distinct from your main headlights. 
• Without an assistant: Put the car in gear (Drive, Reverse, or Neutral) and ensure the parking brake is on and wheels are chocked for safety. Then, go outside or have a friend check for the DRLs. 

This video demonstrates how to visually check daytime running lights with and without an assistant: 58sWiseman Automotive YouTube · Sep 16, 2022
Step 2: Check the ambient light sensor (if applicable) 

• Many cars use an ambient light sensor to automatically turn on DRLs. To test this, turn the car on but do not start the engine yet. 
• Shine a bright flashlight directly on the sensor. This tricks the sensor into thinking it is daytime, and the DRLs should turn on. If they do, the sensor is working correctly. 

You can watch this video to see how to test the daytime running lights using a flashlight to cover the ambient light sensor: 59s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jun 9, 2021
Step 3: Check for proper behavior 

• Daytime: The DRLs should be on and visible in daylight. 
• Nighttime: When you turn on your headlights, the DRLs should dim or turn off automatically. If they don't, the system is not functioning correctly. 
• With indicators: If your DRLs are close to your turn signals, they should temporarily turn off while the indicator is flashing. 

Step 4: Check for a "lights not working" warning

• If your DRLs are not working, your vehicle may display a warning light on the dashboard. 
• This could be caused by a burnt-out bulb, a loose connector, a blown fuse, or a more complex electrical issue. 

This video explains some of the warning signs and how to check if your daytime running lights are working: 53sEastCoastJeepSRTYouTube · May 21, 2018

Why won't my daytime running lights turn on?

Daytime running lights (DRLs) may not turn on due to a blown fuse, a burnt-out bulb, or a faulty DRL module. To troubleshoot, start by checking and replacing the fuse, then try replacing the bulb, as this is a common fix especially if only one light is out. If those steps don't work, investigate the DRL module or look for wiring issues and corrosion in the bulb socket.
 
This video demonstrates how to diagnose daytime running lights issues: 57s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jun 9, 2021
Troubleshooting steps

• Check the fuse: A blown fuse is a common culprit. Locate your vehicle's fuse box, find the DRL fuse (you can check your owner's manual or the fuse box lid for a diagram), and replace it if it's blown. 
• Replace the bulb: If only one DRL is not working, it's most likely a burnt-out bulb. Replace it with the correct bulb type. If both are out, it's more likely an electrical issue, but it's still good practice to replace both bulbs at the same time. 
• Investigate the DRL module: If the fuse and bulb are fine, the DRL module itself could be faulty. Replacing this module may fix the problem. 
• Inspect the bulb socket: Check the bulb socket for corrosion or damage. A poor connection here can prevent the light from turning on. 
• Check the wiring and sensors: Look for any obvious wiring damage or loose connections, especially if both DRLs are out. A faulty ambient light sensor or rain sensor (on some models) can also be the cause, as these can control DRL activation. 
• Adjust vehicle settings: On some vehicles, DRLs can be turned off or on in the vehicle's settings menu. Make sure the DRL option is enabled. 

You can watch this video to see how to replace the DRL fuse: 57s2CarProsYouTube · Feb 23, 2016