How to Repair Chevrolet Aveo Daytime Driving Lights

If you're having trouble with your daytime driving lights, the problem might be with the relay.

The Chevrolet Aveo features daytime driving lights, or daytime running lamps, to heighten visibility and ensure safety. If you are experiencing trouble with the daytime driving lights even after changing the bulbs, the problem might have to do with the relay that operates them. You can replace the relay to repair the Aveo's daytime driving lights at home in about 15 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Socket wrench set
• Relay-puller pliers
• Replacement relay

Instructions

1. Raise the hood and locate your car's battery. The battery will have two cables connected to it, one positive and the other negative. Identify which of the two is the negative by looking for a small minus symbol on top of the battery.

2. Remove the negative battery cable with a socket wrench. After you remove the cable, position it away from its post entirely to avoid accidental reconnection.

3. Open the driver's door and remove the fuse panel cover. The fuse panel on your Aveo is on the right side of the dashboard. You should see it as soon as you open the door.

4. Locate the daytime running lamp (DRL) relay within the cluster. There are eight square relays all within the fuse cluster. There are two at the top, two at the bottom and four on the right side of the cluster. The DRL relay is on the right side that has four relays. You should see one big relay and immediately on its right side, a smaller relay. The smaller relay is the DRL relay.

5. Remove the relay by grasping it with a pair of relay-puller pliers. Pull the relay out of its position in an outward motion. Do not attempt to twist or turn the relay.

6. Install your new daytime driving lights relay by reversing the removal process. Push inward on the top of the relay with your thumb until you feel it fully seat itself. Put the fuse panel cover back on, then connect and secure the negative cable back to its post on the battery.

Tips & Warnings

• When you purchase the new relay, go directly to the dealership, not the local parts store. There have been issues and complaints with aftermarket relays catching fire within the fuse panel cluster. If the lights still don't work after you replace the relay, replace the high-beam and low-beam relays under the hood in the power distribution center.

• To replace the bulb itself, pop off the protective cap on the rear of the headlight assembly. Unplug the wiring harness connected to the bulb. Remove the bulb. Install the new bulb in reverse. Do not touch the glass on the bulb. Put on a pair of latex gloves before you handle the new bulb.

References

• "Chilton General Motors Service Manual 2004 ed."; Chilton Book Company; 2004

Resources

• "Automotive Lighting"; Frederic P. Miller, Agnes F. Vandome, and John McBrewster; 2010
• "Advanced Lighting Technology for Vehicles SP-1668"; Society of Automotive Engineers Inc; 2002