Just bought a new 2007 Pacifica Touring AWD. have had Chevies for years. To use the automatic headlights in a Chevy you just turn them on and leave them on and they go on and off as needed. In this car if you turn them on and it is daytime the dash lights go out and you can't even see to read the speedometer
Also the daytime running lights do not work, according to the manual if the ignition is on and the headlamps are off the high beams should come on as the DTRL's, (why high beams?) makes no difference what gear the transmission is in.
Can someone clue me in to what is going on?
Thanks, Bud

 

Not sure about your dash lights going out,they don't seem to do that in my 2006,but I don't have auto lights.I've just been using the parking/marker lightsduring the day.My DRL's aren't working either - I was just told at the dealer, that DRL's are not installed/activated for most US models.I bought a used US model and live in Canada,where DRL's are mandatory since the early 90's.They're usually 60-70 percent of high-beams by the way(I think to conserve headlight lamp life).My service manager is trying to get more info from ChryslerTech for a repair, because they hoped that 'resetting one of the modules'? might have helped, and it didn't change anything. Maybe ask your Tech about it though.I think it is like a processor of some kind.(?)

 

Fang,

There should be a second and third position on the multi-function stalk control that dims the dash lights. The second "click" will set the dash lights to their brightest setting when the headlights are on.The third "click" should also turn on the interior overhead lamps.

Fang, 06Pac,

Chrysler doesn't offer the DRL's as a standard item in the US on their vehicles as GM does. GM's are actuated by the choosing a gear other than Park. I haven't looked at exactly how they use the existing headlight bulbs but it is a fraction of the power of normal night lighting. I suspect they use a scheme similar to Chrysler's by using the high beam element with a lowered power supply since the high beam is typically the least used of the two elements. Of course, GM also has a number of designs that have a separate DRL.

Chrysler's choice for my 99 Sebring (yeah, I know, it ain't a Pacifica, but that one's an 08 ) as well as the years prior and through 06, has been to use a separate module that clips onto the back of the Body Control Module. I suspect the Pacifica will have the same approach. I bought a used module for $50 and took about 5 minutes to locate and install. It really was absolutely plug and play. No other mods needed. Chrysler's choice of an actuator is to use the e-brake switch. If the e-brake is on, no DRL. If the e-brake is off, DRL are 50% of high beams.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the info bandaide. My service manager seemed to think that I had an aftermarket relay of somekind added to the car for importing, but I wasn't sure why it should be so hard to adapt if the vehicles are being manufactured for both markets.Shouldn't be rocket science. It was this Saturday that it was in the shop, so they didn't have access to some tech info(mon-fri thing).I'll pass on the Body Control Module info to them if they haven't already sourced a solution.Of course they are saying that it's not a warranty thing because the car works the way it should for the US market it was intended for.I believe that if they are going to sell me a car for the Canadian market it should be their responsibility to make sure it is compliant before selling it, where ever it is from.As it is now, I can't even wash the car with the stereo on without the headlights being on. As soon as the key is turned to ACC the lights come on whether the e-brake is on or not.We used to have a 2002 Caravan, so I would like to have my DRL working the same as that, if possible(e-brake actuator).Anyway we'll work it out....Thanks again, and Good Luck, Fang

 

Thanks for the replies. bandaide you were correct about the control on the signal light post, that turned the dash lights on when the headlights were on. I had been adjusting the one on the dash which only controlled the dash lights at night, ...very odd to me.
I stopped at the dealers yesterday and they put their computer on there and said they may be able to turn on the DTRL's, no luck.
They checked and said the lights are only on the Canadian models and they said they would into finding a solution.
I know there is an after market solution but I hesitate to tap into the factory wiring which may void the warranty
It is a great car other than all of the little differences from all of my past GM cars

 

Not sure why some dealers are having a problem activating the DTL. For the Pac, only the country code has to be changed with the DRB scanner.

 

That seems like the simple type of fix I was looking for.I don't know what DRB stands for though.Enlighten me and I'll pass the info on to my techs.
Thanks

 

DRB data record box. Its the name of the scanner that ALL Chrysler dealers use.

 

jamie1: Not sure why some dealers are having a problem activating the DTL. For the Pac, only the country code has to be changed with the DRB scanner.
+++++++++++++++
Do you know FOR SURE if this can be done on a 2007 Pacifica Touring? or is it just something that you have heard.
They had the scanner on my car yesterday and said it could not be done.

 

Fang,I'm a tech a chrysler dealer. For 07 I cannot be 100% positive as I have not had to do an 07 but all other years I have done a few times. If I have time tomorrow I will check to see if an 07 can be done.