How to Turn Off the Daytime Running Lights on a Camry?
4 Answers
The daytime running lights on a Camry cannot be turned off. Daytime running lights are designed to make the vehicle more visible during daytime driving. Installed at the front of the vehicle, they are not meant for illuminating the road but rather to signal the presence of an approaching vehicle, falling under the category of signal lights. Taking the 2021 Camry as an example, its body dimensions are 4885mm in length, 1840mm in width, and 1455mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2825mm and a fuel tank capacity of 49 liters. This model is equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 131kW (178PS), paired with a CVT transmission.
I've driven quite a few Camrys and always enjoy tinkering with light settings. To turn off the daytime running lights (DRLs), it's quite simple: After starting the car, look for the row of control buttons on the left side of the steering wheel, usually labeled as the info or settings button. Press it to navigate to the instrument cluster display menu, adjust to the vehicle settings section, where you should find a lighting option. Locate the DRL switch and turn it off. The interface may vary slightly across different model years of the Camry—for example, the 2020 model offers more convenient control via the touchscreen. However, a quick reminder: DRLs enhance daytime visibility and reduce accident rates, and many local regulations even mandate they remain on. So unless absolutely necessary, I'd advise against turning them off. If you're unsuccessful, you can refer to the owner's manual or visit a dealership for assistance in adjusting the system.
As a Camry owner, I often deal with minor issues. I've personally disabled the daytime running lights before: First, sit in the driver's seat, start the engine, but don't open the door. Then look for a small button or touchscreen on the dashboard, navigate to the lighting controls in the settings menu where there should be an option to turn off the DRLs. Newer models have more intuitive operations. Here's a tip - turning off the lights might save some battery, but it's not very practical. Keeping them on is safer, especially in rainy weather when it makes your car more visible to others. If you forget the steps, don't worry - taking a photo of the manual page with your phone is the safest backup.
I've worked with Camrys at auto repair shops, and turning off the daytime running lights involves safety considerations. The lights are designed to automatically illuminate to enhance visibility. To disable them, try accessing the vehicle settings: after starting the engine, use the steering wheel control buttons to navigate to the instrument information center, enter the lighting settings section, and turn off the DRL option. However, note that methods vary significantly across different Camry versions—older models might lack a settings entry and require manual intervention. Personally, I don't recommend disabling the lights, as driving without them in low-light conditions multiplies the risk significantly.