DRL occasionally not turning off

Aramis76

Hi all,

Recently bought a used 2013 with touring and navigation.

In the last two weeks, it's done this twice on me.

I turn the car off and the DRL/Fog lights never turn off. ( i waited 5+ minutes)
I play with the light switch, from Off to Auto to On and back to Off and they stay on.

I have to start the engine and then turn it back off and then they shut off.

Could this be a sticky DRL relay?

I'm in Canada so the DRL were not added, it was born with them, everything seems stock.

I tried looking in the owner's manual, but they say nothing about relays. Since they do turn on, I know I can exclude the fuses.

Thanks for your help!

SouthArk370Z

Download the FSM (link in my sig) and check out the wiring diagrams for the DRLs.

Just a guess, but manipulating the switches may reset any off delay.

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Aramis76

Thanks, I found the manual and was looking at it. Seems the relay is part of the IPDM.

Since I gave it at least 5 minutes before touching anything, I would say it was really stuck.

The only think i can't find is if the relay can actually be changed or if it's internal to the IPDM and the entire thing would have to be changed. Any idea?

SouthArk370Z

Getting the IPDM out can be a PITA, especially the first time you do it. There are several DIYs associated with the steering lock (ESCL) threads.

Nissan is bad about not breaking down assemblies into parts for servicing. There's a chance that they will want to sell you the entire IPDM. Call your dealer to see. If the relay is not available from Nissan (or they want an outrageous price) you should be able to get manufacturer and model numbers from the installed relay and search the Intertubes for a replacement.

Edit: Get a multimeter (a cheap one will do) and check voltage to relay coil. The BCM may be telling it to stay on.

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Aramis76

I'm not sure we're on the same page here.

I'm asking if the relay is actually ON the IPDM and can be swapped out or if it's INSIDE and can't be taken out by itself.

When I look at pictures of the IPDM, I see only two places for relays, and I don't know what they are.

SouthArk370Z

Most (if not all) of the relays in the IPDM can be changed.

__________________
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Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

SouthArk370Z

Looks like it might be helpful: LED DRL on 2011?

See also: LED DRL on 2011?

__________________
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Aramis76

Thanks, but unfortunately that can't help. When they add DRL after the fact, they wire it in differently.
I checked the secondary relay box (near the driver side strut) and mine does not even contain a DRL relay there. (because it's in the IPDM).

It was worth a shot to look at those threads and I appreciate your help. From what I can gather, the 2 relay location on the IPDM, one seems to be a starter relay, but the other is almost always empty in pictures I find online. (I will open my IPDM tomorrow and see, if mine has a 2nd, i would conclude it's the DRL relay). All the ones I see on ebay don't have the 2nd relay, which would make sense since the sellers are in the US where DRL is not required.

SouthArk370Z

You seem to be on the right track. Good luck and keep us updated on what you find.

__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

Aramis76

Well that theory is gone, I opened up my IPDM and I only have the one relay like everyone else.

Anyone have any idea where the DRL relay actually is on Canadian cars (not DRL added later).?

SouthArk370Z

Did a Q&D web search for DRL relay location. Everything I've found says the DRL relay is in a module mounted between one of the air filter boxes and a shock tower.

__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

SouthArk370Z

According to page EXL-16: Factory Service Manuals - NICO Club

the DRL relay is in the IPDM but labeled as "Front Fog Lamp Relay"

__________________
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Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

Aramis76

That's what i'm finding also. Unfortunately I think those relays are internal to the IPDM and can't be changed. If you look at a picture of the IPDM, there are many fuses, but only one relay. (which I think is the started relay since the US all have this one too).

If that's the case, it means it's hidden inside the board and can't be changed.