Principles of Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: When installing a new smart junction box (SJB), it must be configured for this feature, if originally equipped. Refer to MODULE CONFIGURATION article.

The daytime running lamps (DRL) are controlled by the SJB. The SJB operates the low beam headlamps at a reduced intensity. The DRL driver (integral to the SJB) supplies pulse-width modulated (PWM) voltage to the low beam headlamps when the following conditions are met:

The high beam headlamps are not on.
The ignition switch is in the RUN position.
The parking brake is not engaged.

The SJB utilizes a protective circuit strategy for many of its outputs (for example, the headlamp output circuit). Output loads (current level) are monitored for excessive current (typically short circuits) and are shut down (turns off the voltage or ground provided by the module) when a fault is detected. A continuous diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored at that time for the fault. The circuit will then reset after an ignition cycle or customer demand of the function (switching the component on, 5-minute battery saver being energized).

When an excessive circuit load occurs several times, the module shuts down the output until a service procedure is performed. At the same time, the continuous DTC that was stored on the first failure will not clear by a command to clear the continuous DTCs. The module will not allow this code to be cleared or the circuit restored to normal until a successful on-demand self-test proves that the fault has been repaired. After the on-demand self-test has successfully completed (no on-demand DTCs present), the continuous DTC will have been cleared and the circuit function will return.