Where to Turn On the Daytime Running Lights on a Corolla?
3 Answers
Corolla's daytime running lights do not have a switch; they automatically turn on when the car is powered. Daytime running lights are designed to signal the presence of the vehicle to others during the day, installed on both sides of the front end of the vehicle. Their purpose is to make the vehicle more noticeable during daytime driving, not to help the driver see the road better, but to alert others that a vehicle is approaching. The Corolla is a compact car under Toyota, equipped with two engines: a 1.2L turbocharged engine and a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine. In terms of dimensions, the Corolla measures 4630mm in length, 1775mm in width, and 1480mm in height.
My Corolla has been running for five years, and the daytime running lights (DRLs) really don’t require any manual switching. The new Corolla’s DRLs are automatically activated—once the engine is started and you shift into D-drive or release the handbrake, the two white light strips at the front turn on by themselves, fully automated just like the windshield wipers. When I first bought the car, I also searched all over the dashboard for a switch, only to realize there isn’t a dedicated DRL button near the instrument cluster. I remember once when I was moving the car in an underground garage, the taillights were on while reversing in R-gear, and I noticed the front DRLs had turned off. That’s when I understood the design: they automatically activate while driving and turn off when parked. If your DRLs aren’t lighting up, first check if the front of the car is covered in mud, or visit a shop to inspect the fuse.
Last time I helped my neighbor check his 2019 Corolla, the daytime running light switch issue actually depends on the situation. Most newer models have eliminated the physical switch—the lights automatically turn on when you start the car and shift to D gear, and turn off when you shut down the engine. However, for older models with mechanical handbrakes, you need to fully release the handbrake to activate them. If you find the lights aren’t working, don’t rush to replace the bulbs. Open the black junction box on the left side of the engine bay, locate the 10-amp fuse labeled DRL, and check it—I’ve seen several cases where oxidized fuses caused poor contact. After rainy or snowy weather, remember to rinse the gaps around the light covers, as dried mud can affect light transmission.
