Daytime running lights

[Wtwills]

I have a 2002 legacy sedan AWD. Is there a way to shut the drl off permanently?? I don't like my headlights on all the time. Thank you for your help. 

[moosens]

I wonder if we can trick the parking brake switch? If you pull up on the lever as you may already know it cuts the running lights. 
 

I use that same tactic on a certain property in the dark I like to approach in a very stealth manner. I’ve got the parking brake slightly yanked upwards just enough to kill the lights. Not even the first click. But maybe just have the switch engaged at all times? I’ve not yet lifted the cover and messed it even viewed. But I’d guess it’s the same as the generations before. 

[88SubGL]

I don’t remember the ‘02 Subaru’s having drl’s. I know you can leave the headlights on and they turn off when you either turn off the ignition or turn them off at the switch. 

[moosens]

Yes but with the switch off and car still running the drl’s are on. That’s annoying and a hazard while driving.

Rear lights are always far too dim if they’re even on as drl’s 

I still haven’t looked yet but I’d bet we can engage that parking brake lever SWITCH to stay engaged. 

[nvu]

There's a module you unplug to turn off the DRL permanently.  On an 02 impreza it's passenger side glovebox/footwell area near the fuel pump relay.  It's probably the same area on your legacy.  Download the service manual for your car and find out.

[Wtwills]

You guys are awesome. Thank you for replying.  I thought about the ebrake thing also. Lifting up on it slightly when  pulling in the driveway starting to be a pain. I could look up schematic and use a jumper wire but maybe as a last resort. I'll look into that module. Must be the drl module that's being talked about?

[Wtwills]

I have access to prodemand.  I will look it up and update

Thank you 

[Numbchux]

Super easy. Unplug the white connector from the module mounted vertically to the left of the steering column.

Here's the old write-up on it, but looks like the pictures are dead.

https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/diy-disabling-drl-2000-2004.6668/

[moosens]

Now we’re talkin’ , thanks man. I’ll be doing that after my lunch. 

[ThosL]

Is it hard to polish up the headlight lens so it "sees" through better? Mine is pretty dim.  Also the radio antenna has been out, I'll search online for solutions.

[Numbchux]

On 5/22/2025 at 10:48 AM, ThosL said:

Is it hard to polish up the headlight lens so it "sees" through better? Mine is pretty dim.  Also the radio antenna has been out, I'll search online for solutions.

I've done a few different restoration techniques. None of them terribly difficult, and look great at first. But I generally see them start to cloud again within a year. I did one that involved protecting them with Spar Urethane, which I think lasted 2 or 3.

Lately I just put some fine polishing compound on my buffer, and do a couple passes on them. I try to do this for our daily drivers every fall so they're perfect for the dark winter. The hardest part is finding the tote of car wash stuff and getting it out and an extension cord out to the cars. It's about 1 minute of actual buffing per car.