Maxx Mazda

It's actually quite easy to do, and only takes about 45-60 mins depending on your ability.

First, remove the center console trim pieces. (Around the E-Brake handle, and the piece containing the cupholders.) Next, remove the actual console trim piece. There are 6 screws. Two at the front (In the footwells, covered by little plastic buttons.) Two at the back (easily seen with the front seats all the way forward, and your head in the back seat.) The remaining two are just in front of the E-Brake handle. Pull the console backwards and upwards to remove it. - *Note If you have an MTX, remove the shift ****.

Now that the console is removed, locate the white wire with the red stripe, attatched to the E-Brake. Remove the gold phillips screw that holds the wire onto the assembly. Now, remove the entire "spring" assembly. (Like a cube, about the size of a quarter.) There is a phillips screw that comes in from the passenger side for removal. Now, as long as the wire is in constant contact with the E-Brake handle, (grounded) the DRL's will not illuminate. It's up to you how you ensure the contact is made, but I just flipped the spring assembly to the other side, and put the wire between the handle and the assembly. Now that this is done, turn the ignition to the "RUN" position, and verify that with the E-Brake off, the ( ! ) light stays illuminated. If it stays lit with the brake off, go ahead and put the console back together.

Now, the next step is to remove the bulb, so that you won't be constantly annoyed with the ( ! ) message. Remove the two upper screws on the gauge cluster surround. Pull the surround straight out, and remove it. Next, remove the three screws that hold the cluster itself in place. Once they are removed, pull the cluster out (be carefull not to scratch it) and disconnect the three wiring harnesses. Looking from the back, on the left side there should be 4 bulbs, arranged vertically. Remove the second from the top by rotating it 45* and pulling. Verify it's the ( ! ) bulb, by holding the cluster up to a light and looking through the hole. The bulb you just removed may be stored in one of the empty holes at the bottom of the cluster.

Re-install in the reverse order of removal. Check once again that the DRL's do not illuminate when the brake is off, and enjoy!

The headlights, etc. will still function as normal, however you will now have no ( ! ) warning, so just check that the E-Brake is off before driving. If your car is an automatic, you should have no problem anyway.

Kincaid

Looks good.

On mine I just used to pull the handbrake up one notch. It's not enough to engage the brake but it turns off the DRL's.

Bumble_G

There has to be another way. I don't like the idea of the brake warning light not working. What if there is something wrong with the brakes??

My other car had a DRL module with it's own fuse. I just wired a switch inline with the fuse.

On the P5 I don't know if there is a module. And I know that there is no fuse labled DRL. I even checked the fuses under the hood.

Maxx Mazda

Kincaid, I used to do the exact same thing, but the damn light just got too annoying!

Bumble_G. There is no DRL fuse on the P5. My method is so far the only way to disable them on the Canadian cars. And as for something going wrong with the parking brake (remember, the brakes have their own indicator light) what could possibly go wrong? I'm not dumb enough to try driving away with the brake engaged... (Knock on wood... )

90210brandon

I might sound stupid but what the hell is DRL?

mnkyboy

US Proteges dont have DRLs, correct?

mnkyboy

Well, my P5 doesnt have em

90210brandon

DRL's, lol, aren't in the States because they aren't required by law (for new cars when they come out of the factory) unlike they are here in Canada. From what I understand you can modify them so that the DRL's don't come on but it is frowned apon.

Bumble_G

That's exactly why I don't like the idea.

Yea I know you can check the level under the hood. But it's there for a reason.

mnkyboy

Why do you want your DRL's disconnected?

Maxx Mazda

Because I don't like running the lights on a low voltage. It makes them look too gay being so dim and all. As well, every time I hit the brakes, my light would come on and annoy me. (I'm beginning to think it's now a fluid problem, I'll check that momentarily.) Also, if you're running HID's, the lower voltage of the DRLs will not be sufficient and cause them to flicker.

Just a thought. Does that light really indicate the brake fluid level on 3rd Gen's? Not calling BS, but saying it's kind of retarded having a light like that.

Bumble_G

Edwin any progress on the wiring for the DRL's??

BTW sent you a PM.

Maxx Mazda

I checked the fluid, and it's right midway between the FULL and LOW markings on the master cylinder. Any ideas?

Maxx Mazda

Yess massa! LOL!

What did Edwin mean by his original comment? It's between FULL and LOW, so it should still be fine, and why the hell would I have to ask for anyone's permission - it's my car!

Maxx Mazda

Like I said above, there is NO DRL RELAY ON THE P5... I would have just pulled that had it been that simple, but it's not. I like my method, and I'm going to take the car in this afternoon to have the fluid topped up.

Btw, I happen to like being special!