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The following are step by step instructions to
disable the DRL daytime running lights on the 2009, 2010, and
2011 Subaru Impreza. This is for the 2.5i non-turbo
cars. The WRX and WRX STI are different due to the turbo
and intercooler plumbing. For those vehicles, the front
bumper needs to removed to access the DRL resistor.
To disable the DRLs we will be disconnecting the
DRL resistor. This disables the DRL lights - all other
lighting functions continue to work normally.
Tools needed. I think the only tool needed is a 10mm socket socket wrench.
Tools needed:
STEP 1: Remove Intake Filter box.
The intake filter box is directly over the DRL
resistor so you need to remove it to get access.
The pic below show what we will be doing to
remove it.
OK, First unclip the connector for the air flow sensor as below:
Next, unclip the filter housing and stow the top half out of the
way. No need to disconnect the hoses going to the throttle
body.
Now we are left with the front half of the housing and
front air intake. We need to move these out of the way
also. In the picture below, it shows how to slide the
front of the front air intake to remove it. It is on
rubber grommets and should just push back. No need to
remove the large plastic retainers. The back half just
slides into the air cleaner housing - there is no
connector. Just wiggle out the front air intake scoop and
set it to the side.
Now we are left with just the front half of the
air filter box. There is only one nut holding this
on. It is inside the housing, under the orange dot in the
picture.
Here is another picture of the where the nut is (nut is removed
in picture). This is a 10mm nut. Remove it with a
socket wrench.
With the nut off, the front half of the intake
box can now be removed by wiggling it out. The picture
below show how the box is retained at the bottom. This is
also on a rubber grommet and the housing can be just pushed to
the side to remove it.
Ok, now set the housing to side. We finally
can see under the intake housing. Now we can simply
disconnect the connector from the resistor.
It is a good idea to tape it up after
disconnecting to prevent moisture from getting in. You can
also zip tie it to something near by to prevent it from flopping
around.
The Daytime Running Lights are now disabled!
Optionally, you can also remove the resister
assembly. I weighed it and it only weighs 8 ounces so
leaving it in is OK too.
To remove it, you need to take out the 10mm bolt
holding it in. You can do this with the ratchet and socket
but you do need to contort yourself to get it done. Below
is a picture showing which bolt to remove. You have to
remove it from the other side, of course.
