97 EVC Headlights always on?

jah · « **on:** June 30, 2016, 10:30:25 am »

Hi. I've noticed that the headlights on my 97 EVC are always on if the car is turned on. This has created a problem in cases where we are camping and need to fire it up early in the morning. I feel like a jerk blasting my peacefully sleeping and camping neighbors with the lights. Does anyone have any experience with this and know how to change it so the lights only come on when turned on? Is this by design??

my_bmw_sucks · « **Reply #1 on:** June 30, 2016, 09:05:12 pm »

From lightsout.org: 2000-2002 VW Eurovan. Remove 4 screws holding panel in place just above cup holder console on dash. Behind that you will find several relays. Yank the one labeled with the big 94. This will essentially make your headlight switch an on/off switch only.

Doesn't have info on early model EVs. Maybe there's something similar for the '97s. Someone on vortex said it's the 194 relay.

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jah · « **Reply #2 on:** June 30, 2016, 11:38:56 pm »

Great, thanks. I'll give that a shot and report back whether or not it did the trick.

robinson1509 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 03, 2016, 06:30:33 pm »

Just put your emergency brake on, the drl will turn off.
I am sure they can be coded off with a vagcom but I do not know the shop code.

jah · « **Reply #4 on:** July 05, 2016, 08:47:00 am »

Quote from: robinson1509 on July 03, 2016, 06:30:33 pm

Just put your emergency brake on, the drl will turn off.
I am sure they can be coded off with a vagcom but I do not know the shop code.

I checked the parking brake trick this morning and it didn't change anything. Basically all my headlight switch does currently is turn the interior dash lights on or off. Otherwise lights are always on if van is on. I'll try the other solution soon and report back if it solved the problem.

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robinson1509 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 05, 2016, 10:00:31 pm »

It must be different wiring on the 97 I tried it on my 99, 2000, and 2002. The j89 is the drl change over relay (#94) that powers the j59 load reduction relay. I dont see any documentation on drl pre 98 it may not have the #94 relay. Does the emergency brake light on the instrument panel illuminate?

jah · « **Reply #6 on:** July 29, 2016, 12:27:13 pm »

I finally had a chance to check on this. I do not have that relay and the parking brake light does indeed light up when I turn the parking brake on. Any other ideas on how I might keep the headlights off when they are not turned on?