[andrew]

Hello, is there any Canadian member of this forum working at the MDX Ontario plant? What I would like
to find out is this: Does the MDX for Canadian market have different wiring harness because it has DRL
(daytime running light)? Or does the MDX for both markets (US/Canada) have the same wiring harness
but the Canadian MDX just requires a DRL module to plug in at the fuse box?

I'm from California and would like to convert my MDX to have DRL. I already know the DRL module part
number for the MDX but would like to investigate further to find out about the wiring harness on US models.
Thanks!

 

[mhoner]

DRL Wiring

I emailed nearly every Acura dealer in western and central Canada. Here is one of the responses I received...

Mark

From: "ACURA OF VICTORIA" <[email protected]> | Block Address | Add to Address Book
To: "Mark Honer" <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Daytime Running Lights Module for US MDX?
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 15:08:35 -0700

No it is not possible.
Call customer relations @1-888-922-8729
Jeff Cutler
Parts Mgr.
---------------------------------------
ACURA VICTORIA
2620 Government Street,
Victoria, BC V8T 4P8
Telephone: (250) 360-1111
Fax: (250) 360-2812
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Honer" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, June 23, 2001 4:17 PM
Subject: Daytime Running Lights Module for US MDX?

 

[mhoner]

Another reply.....

Some say no, some say maybe. I think that I'll just have to order both parts manuals to make sure....

From: Parklane Acura <[email protected]> | Block Address | Add to Address Book
Reply-to: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
To: "'Mark Honer'" <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Daytime Running Lights Module for US MDX?
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 08:28:33 -0700
Organization: Parklane Acura

I presume that you are referring to the multiplex control unit under the
dash, There is also a separate relay assembly for the DRL system. From past
experience with other Acura model we have found that the wiring is
different between the US and Canadian models. Unfortunately I have no
wiring information on the US models so I am unable to say if the DRL system
could be installed.

Thanks for the enquiry

Paul Stickler
Parts & Service Manager

PARKLANE ACURA
http://www.parklaneacura.com

 

[andrew]

Mark,

The p/n for this DRL module is 38260-SV4-C01 for 162.10$Can. You can just ask
your local Can. Acura Dealer Parts Dept to look this it up.

My speculation is that there is no special wiring harness required. I don't think
Acura would go through the trouble of having 2 separate wiring designs, 1
w/ DRL for Canada vs. 1 w/out DRL for US.

On my Miata, it was a similar scenario. I converted the vehicle to have DRL by
simply connecting the DRL module. The part looks very similar to a relay-type
object. It was straightforward plug-n-play. The Miata has been around so the
info is well-documented on the web. I asked my cousin to buy the part for me
from a local Montreal Mazda dealer and shipped it over. Oh yeah...I wouldn't
advise doing it, the shipping I mean. UPS charged me an additional 50$US for
duty even though my cousin declared it as a gift.

Anyway, I'm going to be in Montreal visiting some relatives in a couple of weeks
so I'm going to use this chance to get the part and experiment it.

 

[TheWorm]

I'd be interested to see what you find out about whether it's truly plug-n-play w/the US wiring harness. I do know the DRL module plugs in on the driver's side, under the panel.

Unfortunately, the service manual doesn't have any information about whether it's compatible w/a US harness, or whether the harness even exists on the US model. But, I too would be surprised if they were using different harnesses; it makes more $ense just to leave the DRL module out on US cars.

 

[mhoner]

Still more opinions from Acura

From: "service" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: running lights
Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 08:52:53 -0700

Unfortunately there is a whole lot more to the system than a relay. The usa vehicles are not wired for this. It is not practical to install the factory system and I would recommend installing one of the may aftermarket systems that are available.

Service

 

[mhoner]

Guess this means no

From: "Dave Salt" <[email protected]> | Block Address | Add to Address Book
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: daytime running lights
Date: Wed, 27 Jun 2001 11:51:43 -0700

mark,the wiring is different on us to can. mdx.. we could install a daytime system but unfortunatley
it would not be acura system...dave..

 

[montkl]

daytime running lights

Did you ever find out if you can hookup the Acura DLR on a US model?

 

[polyian]

The 02 service manual shows a 14P connector from the drivers side Multiplex Control unit to the daytime running light control unit which sits behind the drivers lower dashboard cover. Perhaps the connector exists. Have a look behind the drivers side lower dashboard cover to see if there is a 14P connector free? If so then I think it would be a plug and play add on.

If you find a 14P connector free let me know and I'll give you the pin tests to ensure it is correct an has all the correct signals. It has pins to detect ignition on, headlight switch on, parking brake pushed, etc. It should be easy to identify if you see a 'free' 14P connector behind the panel.

To remove the panel you must first remove the dashboard side cover (gently pry rear edge to release the clips and hooks).
This gives you access to a screw holding the lower cover. The rest of the lower cover is held by 8 clips. Gently pull down. Then disconnect the fog, cruise, and moon roof switches, in-car temp connector and an air hose.
I'm curious to what you find in there for future reference.
Good Luck...

 

[midnightMDX]

This thread is a blast from the past.