
Daytime running lights serve the purpose of making vehicles more easily noticeable during daytime driving. Their function is not to help the driver see the road better, but to alert others that a vehicle is approaching. Therefore, these lights are not illumination devices but rather signal lights. The installation steps for Highlander daytime running lights include the following 3 points: 1. Remove the fender fixing screws: First, remove the fender fixing screws, pull the fender outward, loosen the front bumper, detach the clips, and unplug all connected connectors, including the left and right fog light connectors, front radar connector, and external temperature sensor connector, completely separating the front bumper; 2. Install the daytime running lights: Begin installing the daytime running lights, securing them with brackets and screws; 3. Connect the power source: You can choose to directly connect to the fog light wiring or connect directly to the ACC fuse, then add an additional control switch.

I've personally installed daytime running lights (DRLs) on the Highlander several times. The process isn't overly complicated but requires careful handling. First, gather essential tools: screwdrivers, wrenches, electrical tape, and a DRL kit (opt for LED kits available online). For safety, disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery before starting, and choose a spacious work area. Remove screws and clips from both sides of the front bumper to access the installation points, then securely mount the DRL modules aligning with the original lamp holes. Wiring demands extra attention—connect the positive wire to the ACC terminal in the fuse box or locate the corresponding terminal in the engine bay, while the negative goes to a grounding point. Use a multimeter to check voltage and prevent short circuits. Reassemble the bumper, start the vehicle, and test for stable illumination without flickering. Throughout the process, avoid damaging factory wiring, and post-installation, double-check all connections to prevent rattles or electrical issues. While beginners can tackle this job, patience is key.

As someone who frequently works on car repairs, I find the installation steps for the Highlander's daytime running lights quite challenging in terms of fundamental skills. First, ensure all tools are ready, including wrenches, pliers, protective gloves, and the appropriate kit—never use low-quality light components. After disconnecting the battery, remove the front bumper cover and locate the light socket interface for proper alignment and fixation. When routing the wires, prioritize connecting to the 15A socket in the engine compartment fuse box, wrapping them tightly with insulating tape to prevent leakage. For the negative terminal, choose a metal grounding point on the car body. After installation, test the brightness to ensure compliance, such as being noticeable during the day without being glaring. Throughout the process, don’t forget to wear protective goggles to avoid losing small parts; if the wiring is messy and could interfere with engine components, use cable ties to tidy it up. Finally, take a photo before reinstalling the bumper bolts to double-check, ensuring no gaskets are missing to maintain aesthetics.

For driving safety, the installation of daytime running lights must follow standardized procedures. First, clear the workspace in the garage and prepare the DRL kit and basic tools. Park the car, turn off the engine, and disconnect the battery. Carefully remove the front bumper, position and install the light brackets, then proceed with wiring: connect the ACC positive to the fuse box and the negative to the car body; test for a safe voltage around 12V. After installation, adjust the light angle to ensure direct ground illumination with moderate brightness, complying with traffic laws to prevent glare. Do not skip steps during the process, such as forgetting to insulate connections, which can easily cause short circuits and fires. After installation, take a short drive to check for overheating or dim lighting. I recommend regularly inspecting and reinforcing connection points—this task affects others' visibility safety and should not be taken lightly.


