Daytime Running Lamp Relay: Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Liberty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Daytime Running Lamp Relay

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - DRL RELAY

2 - HEAT SINK

3 - POTTING MATERIAL

4 - TERMINAL (4)

The Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) relay is a solid state relay that is used only on vehicles manufactured for sale in Canada. The DRL relay is installed in the Junction Block (JB) on the driver side outboard end of the instrument panel. Vehicles equipped with this relay do not have a headlamp high beam relay installed in the JB. See Fig 1.

The DRL relay features a die cast aluminum housing that serves to contain the solid state circuitry of the relay as well as to perform as a heat sink. Potting material fills the base of the housing to enclose and protect the circuitry.

Four male spade terminals exit the base of the relay housing through the potting material to connect the relay to the vehicle electrical system. These terminals are laid out in a footprint that is similar to that of a conventional International Standards Organization (ISO) relay; however, a standard ISO relay must never be installed in place of the DRL relay.

The DRL relay cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced with a new unit.