Mondeo Daytime Running Lights

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Mon 24 Sep 2012 15:01
Mondeo Daytime Running Lights - greenhey

I have recently bought a Mondeo Zetec 12 reg first registered March 2012..

I have realised that although there is what appears to be the provision for a row of LEDs within the headlamp fitting, there is no actual DRL.

I thought they were compulsory on cars this new, and have booked it into my local Ford garage for warranty attention.

The cars hadndook refers to them.

They rang me back to say that DRLs were not fitted to this car.

I suppose the headlight fitment might be universal to allow some to have them, and others not, but it doesn't seem to make sense to me.The Ford website seems to say they would be fitted to all models irrespective of trim.

Any ideas?

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Mon 24 Sep 2012 15:45
Mondeo Daytime Running Lights - Collos25
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS UK LAW

Daytime running lights (sometimes referred to as DRLs or daylight running lamps) are low-wattage bulbs that are fitted to a car to improve visibility during daylight hours. As of 7th February 2011* DRLs have become a mandatory fitting to all new type approved passenger vehicles (except trailers).

DRLs must switch on with the vehicle ignition and switch off when the vehicle sidelights are switched on. They can also be made to function as front position (side) lights, which operate at a reduced intensity when the vehicle sidelights are switched on.

You may have already seen DRLs out on the road - many manufacturers such as Audi have fitted them to new models. They can usually be found just below the car's main headlights, and normally switch on with the vehicle ignition and off when the vehicle sidelights are turned on.

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Mon 24 Sep 2012 16:23
Mondeo Daytime Running Lights - yeoman

So - vehicles such as the current Mondeo which were type approved prior to 7 Feb 2011 don't need DRL's then?

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Mon 24 Sep 2012 16:23
Mondeo Daytime Running Lights - daveyjp
They are only required once there is a model facelift. Retrofitting to existing model styles is not required.
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Mon 24 Sep 2012 16:48
Mondeo Daytime Running Lights - mss1tw

I didn't know that had been made law, thanks a lot E.U.

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Mon 24 Sep 2012 21:53
Mondeo Daytime Running Lights - RicardoB

The current Zetec trim Mondeos do not have DRLs fitted. It's on the next trim level upwards that have them - Titanium etc. (The Zetec have the little groove/slot where they would be fitted on the higher trim cars)

Something I've noticed, is that on the ones that do have them, they appear to stay on, even when the headlights have been switched on. Which I think is a bit wrong, so to speak. But I'm sure it must be within the rules.

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Tue 25 Sep 2012 09:40
Mondeo Daytime Running Lights - Happy Blue!

Lots of cars with LED DRLs have them on even when the headlights are on. The only car to turn them off is the Citroen DS3 I think. (At least it was about a year ago).

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Tue 25 Sep 2012 20:00
Mondeo Daytime Running Lights - Hamsafar

They do go a lot (~70%) dimmer with the headlights on as they then become sidelights.

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Thu 27 Sep 2012 00:58
Mondeo Daytime Running Lights - Bilboman

The deliberate deleting of "non essentials" to low end models and the fitting of "not yet mandatory" items - seen as "luxury" rather than "safety" accessories - is nothing new. Years ago Escort Popular drivers were denied reversing lights, hazard lights, rear screen heaters, head restraints and the like well into the 1980s, whilst the Granada Ghia-driving elite were treated to headlamp washers, auxiliary lights and that all-important rear cigarette lighter.
My current car (Spanish-market Toyota Avensis "Comfort") has the 2012 model year "must-have" DRLs, but the base-spec halogen variety (with twin filament 5W/25W bulbs for dual use as sidelights) just to make it absolutely clear that I'm driving the base model. It is the only car I am aware of which has been subject to "DRL apartheid", although I find the lack of reversing camera, touch screen and climate control somewhat more irritating.

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