How To install aftermarket DRLs

robz32

Texas Stinger Swarm
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Feb 18, 2018
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Location
Houston, TX
Tools required

1x Short Philips screw driver

1x Long Phillips screw driver

Electrical tape

Wire crimpers

Pliers

Quick splice connect plugs (got them from amazon HERE)

Get your DRLs here: Kia Stinger GT LED Daytime Running Lights - Kia Stinger dot com

YLscbJo.jpg



For this installation I recommend having someone with the proper tools and preferably a lift do the work, as there are quite a few parts that need to be removed in order to gain access and install also wiring connections to be done on the headlight harness.


On this installation I gained access to a lift to make installation much easier.

Once the car is up in the air, proceed to remove both front wheels

Dm2rnNy.jpg


After the wheel has been removed proceed to the removal of the clips holding the/attaching the splash shields

NOTE: there are five (5) clips that need to be removed inside the wheel well and three (3) under the corner of the front bumper.

Wheel well

3H2y2Ow.jpg


Front bumper corner

cJWIYmO.jpg


Once you have removed the clips, proceed to move the splash shield pulling form the bottom corner (where it attaches to the front bumper). Keep in mind that you will NOT be removing the splash shield completely, you will be moving it off to the side in order to gain access to the vent ducts in the front bumper, do not worry the plastic is flexible and strong enough and will not break.

With the splash moved out of the way, you will then proceed to remove the duct that directs air to the side of the car. This is done by unscrewing the three (3) screws and removing two (2) clips that hold it to the air vent and the front bumper.

u2HjzFN.jpg


OD04TtA.jpg


lvEBhG9.jpg


With the air duct removed you will now have access to the air vent. Should look like the photo below.

KXVqNct.jpg


Now in my case, the DRL came with the air vent, however I found that removing the air vent is nearly impossible with the front bumper mounted on the car.

Upon further inspection of the DRL and air vent I noticed that the center part of the air vent (the part containing the LED for the DRL) can be detached from the vent itself. It is only held/attached by very flexible plastic clips. So I went ahead and detached the center piece from the air vent itself

In order to separate these two pieces you need to start CAREFULLY pulling the center piece from the top of the vent and work your way down. No need for tool on this one, your hands are more than enough.

VJ4YfTT.jpg


wjWx9KE.jpg


m725TYq.jpg


Once you have separated both center pieces from the air vents you will need to the same on the vents that are mounted on the bumper. The same process and technique applies.



gRNKhky.jpg


NOTE: Since the cables from the DRLs are going to be exposed to debris and water from the road I highly recommend using the electrical tape and cover them, including the circuit board that is attached to it. It also prevents them from getting tangled on to something else and makes the installation look cleaner

With the center pieces removed from the air vent mounted on the bumper, proceed to mount the DRL center pieces on the air vents. Making sure that all clips go through and that the pieces is lined up correctly. HINT: there are making on each center piece that identifies which side it belongs to.

NOTE: Be careful when mounting the DRL and not push in from the middle part (where cable comes out) as that is where the electronic board and LED’s are housed.

wu9GYjS.jpg


I also zip tied the circuit board to a wire harness that was nearby in order to keep it from moving around and hitting stuff when the car is in movement.

65dYi1A.jpg


Now that everything is mounted you will need to run the wires upwards, into the engine bay, more specifically behind the headlight.

Don’t worry the wires are long enough and they will easily reach.

Now here is where the wiring fun starts.

You will need to disconnect the headlight harness and peel back some of the electrical tape. This is needed to gain access to wires that need to be tapped into from the DRLs.

NOTE: I have a GT2 model with the LED headlight and Light bending system. Other models may have different wiring harness.

You will also need to use your Quick splice connect connectors

DRL----------------------------------CAR

BLACK------------------------------BLACK/ORANGE

WHITE------------------------------RED

RED----------------------------------ORANGE

Once you are finished it should look like this.

r8cdSer.jpg


This DRL will work with or without your lights set to ON or AUTO. As they are powered by the ignition.

Once all connections are made proceed to test and if everything is properly connected, it should look like below.

Ignition ON

GvK9x0h.jpg


Hazards/Turn signals

ZM2UqMB.jpg


Parking lights/Headlights ON

YcgqlO5.jpg


rpObjkB.jpg


BIG Thanks to @jongkihong for the DRL's and blazing fast shipping


Hope this helps.

Rob
 
Last edited:
Tools required

1x Short Philips screw driver

1x Long Phillips screw driver

Electrical tape

Wire crimpers

Pliers

Quick splice connect plugs (got them from amazon HERE)

Get your DRLs here
Front Bumper Surface Emission LED Fog Lamp Light DRL For Kia 2018 2019+ Stinger | eBay

YLscbJo.jpg



For this installation I recommend having someone with the proper tools and preferably a lift do the work, as there are quite a few parts that need to be removed in order to gain access and install also wiring connections to be done on the headlight harness.


On this installation I gained access to a lift to make installation much easier.

Once the car is up in the air, proceed to remove both front wheels

Dm2rnNy.jpg


After the wheel has been removed proceed to the removal of the clips holding the/attaching the splash shields

NOTE: there are five (5) clips that need to be removed inside the wheel well and three (3) under the corner of the front bumper.

Wheel well

3H2y2Ow.jpg


Front bumper corner

cJWIYmO.jpg


Once you have removed the clips, proceed to move the splash shield pulling form the bottom corner (where it attaches to the front bumper). Keep in mind that you will NOT be removing the splash shield completely, you will be moving it off to the side in order to gain access to the vent ducts in the front bumper, do not worry the plastic is flexible and strong enough and will not break.

With the splash moved out of the way, you will then proceed to remove the duct that directs air to the side of the car. This is done by unscrewing the two (2) screws and removing two (2) clips that hold it to the air vent and the front bumper.

u2HjzFN.jpg


OD04TtA.jpg


lvEBhG9.jpg


With the air duct removed you will now have access to the air vent. Should look like the photo below.

KXVqNct.jpg


Now in my case, the DRL came with the air vent, however I found that removing the air vent is nearly impossible with the front bumper mounted on the car.

Upon further inspection of the DRL and air vent I noticed that the center part of the air vent (the part containing the LED for the DRL) can be detached from the vent itself. It is only held/attached by very flexible plastic clips. So I went ahead and detached the center piece from the air vent itself

In order to separate these two pieces you need to start CAREFULLY pulling the center piece from the top of the vent and work your way down. No need for tool on this one, your hands are more than enough.

VJ4YfTT.jpg


wjWx9KE.jpg


m725TYq.jpg


Once you have separated both center pieces from the air vents you will need to the same on the vents that are mounted on the bumper. The same process and technique applies.



gRNKhky.jpg


NOTE: Since the cables from the DRLs are going to be exposed to debris and water from the road I highly recommend using the electrical tape and cover them, including the circuit board that is attached to it. It also prevents them from getting tangled on to something else and makes the installation look cleaner

With the center pieces removed from the air vent mounted on the bumper, proceed to mount the DRL center pieces on the air vents. Making sure that all clips go through and that the pieces is lined up correctly. HINT: there are making on each center piece that identifies which side it belongs to.

NOTE: Be careful when mounting the DRL and not push in from the middle part (where cable comes out) as that is where the electronic board and LED’s are housed.

wu9GYjS.jpg


I also zip tied the circuit board to a wire harness that was nearby in order to keep it from moving around and hitting stuff when the car is in movement.

65dYi1A.jpg


Now that everything is mounted you will need to run the wires upwards, into the engine bay, more specifically behind the headlight.

Don’t worry the wires are long enough and they will easily reach.

Now here is where the wiring fun starts.

You will need to disconnect the headlight harness and peel back some of the electrical tape. This is needed to gain access to wires that need to be tapped into from the DRLs.

NOTE: I have a GT2 model with the LED headlight and Light bending system. Other models may have different wiring harness.

You will also need to use your Quick splice connect connectors

DRL CAR

BLACK BLACK/ORANGE

WHITE RED

RED ORANGE

Once you are finished it should look like this.

41KfBan.jpg


This DRL will work with or without your lights set to ON or AUTO. As they are powered by the ignition.

Once all connections are made proceed to test and if everything is properly connected, it should look like below.

Ignition ON

GvK9x0h.jpg


Hazards/Turn signals

ZM2UqMB.jpg


Parking lights/Headlights ON

YcgqlO5.jpg


rpObjkB.jpg


BIG Thanks to @jongkihong for the DRL's and blazing fast shipping


Hope this helps.

Rob
Looks good, nice job.
 
______________________________
however I found that removing the air vent is nearly impossible with the front bumper mounted on the car.
I want to swap out the front air vents to CF. Is it doable without removing the front bumper?
 
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
I want to swap out the front air vents to CF. Is it doable without removing the front bumper?

After doing this install, I realized it is impossible to do it without removing the whole facia. The clips that hold the vents are in a hard to reach position and you can not see them. That is why I just swapped out the center pieces when doing this install.
I am also wanting to replace the vents for CF ones, so I will be doing a write up when the time comes.
 
Thanks Rob for the install post. Just ordered these.

Looks good, nice job.

Rob, fantastic install guide and photos.
Appreciate the time you took to make the installation easier for us.
Thanks for your contribution!

Thank you everyone. For those that are looking to order these. Keep in mind that the intensity/ brightness of the LEDs is not high and you may not be able to tell they are on during the day.
 
Thank you everyone. For those that are looking to order these. Keep in mind that the intensity/ brightness of the LEDs is not high and you may not be able to tell they are on during the day.

Can you take a day pic to depict this.
 
Awesome DIY writeup, thank you for taking the time to put this together for the community. We will soon be adding this product to our website and offering discounted pricing to forum members. Stay tuned...
 
______________________________
Tools required

1x Short Philips screw driver

1x Long Phillips screw driver

Electrical tape

Wire crimpers

Pliers

Quick splice connect plugs (got them from amazon HERE)

Get your DRLs here
Front Bumper Surface Emission LED Fog Lamp Light DRL For Kia 2018 2019+ Stinger | eBay

YLscbJo.jpg



For this installation I recommend having someone with the proper tools and preferably a lift do the work, as there are quite a few parts that need to be removed in order to gain access and install also wiring connections to be done on the headlight harness.


On this installation I gained access to a lift to make installation much easier.

Once the car is up in the air, proceed to remove both front wheels

Dm2rnNy.jpg


After the wheel has been removed proceed to the removal of the clips holding the/attaching the splash shields

NOTE: there are five (5) clips that need to be removed inside the wheel well and three (3) under the corner of the front bumper.

Wheel well

3H2y2Ow.jpg


Front bumper corner

cJWIYmO.jpg


Once you have removed the clips, proceed to move the splash shield pulling form the bottom corner (where it attaches to the front bumper). Keep in mind that you will NOT be removing the splash shield completely, you will be moving it off to the side in order to gain access to the vent ducts in the front bumper, do not worry the plastic is flexible and strong enough and will not break.

With the splash moved out of the way, you will then proceed to remove the duct that directs air to the side of the car. This is done by unscrewing the two (2) screws and removing two (2) clips that hold it to the air vent and the front bumper.

u2HjzFN.jpg


OD04TtA.jpg


lvEBhG9.jpg


With the air duct removed you will now have access to the air vent. Should look like the photo below.

KXVqNct.jpg


Now in my case, the DRL came with the air vent, however I found that removing the air vent is nearly impossible with the front bumper mounted on the car.

Upon further inspection of the DRL and air vent I noticed that the center part of the air vent (the part containing the LED for the DRL) can be detached from the vent itself. It is only held/attached by very flexible plastic clips. So I went ahead and detached the center piece from the air vent itself

In order to separate these two pieces you need to start CAREFULLY pulling the center piece from the top of the vent and work your way down. No need for tool on this one, your hands are more than enough.

VJ4YfTT.jpg


wjWx9KE.jpg


m725TYq.jpg


Once you have separated both center pieces from the air vents you will need to the same on the vents that are mounted on the bumper. The same process and technique applies.



gRNKhky.jpg


NOTE: Since the cables from the DRLs are going to be exposed to debris and water from the road I highly recommend using the electrical tape and cover them, including the circuit board that is attached to it. It also prevents them from getting tangled on to something else and makes the installation look cleaner

With the center pieces removed from the air vent mounted on the bumper, proceed to mount the DRL center pieces on the air vents. Making sure that all clips go through and that the pieces is lined up correctly. HINT: there are making on each center piece that identifies which side it belongs to.

NOTE: Be careful when mounting the DRL and not push in from the middle part (where cable comes out) as that is where the electronic board and LED’s are housed.

wu9GYjS.jpg


I also zip tied the circuit board to a wire harness that was nearby in order to keep it from moving around and hitting stuff when the car is in movement.

65dYi1A.jpg


Now that everything is mounted you will need to run the wires upwards, into the engine bay, more specifically behind the headlight.

Don’t worry the wires are long enough and they will easily reach.

Now here is where the wiring fun starts.

You will need to disconnect the headlight harness and peel back some of the electrical tape. This is needed to gain access to wires that need to be tapped into from the DRLs.

NOTE: I have a GT2 model with the LED headlight and Light bending system. Other models may have different wiring harness.

You will also need to use your Quick splice connect connectors

DRL----------------------------------CAR

BLACK------------------------------BLACK/ORANGE

WHITE------------------------------RED

RED----------------------------------ORANGE

Once you are finished it should look like this.

41KfBan.jpg


This DRL will work with or without your lights set to ON or AUTO. As they are powered by the ignition.

Once all connections are made proceed to test and if everything is properly connected, it should look like below.

Ignition ON

GvK9x0h.jpg


Hazards/Turn signals

ZM2UqMB.jpg


Parking lights/Headlights ON

YcgqlO5.jpg


rpObjkB.jpg


BIG Thanks to @jongkihong for the DRL's and blazing fast shipping


Hope this helps.

Rob
Just a clarification question, lights remain on at all times when car is running; no way to turn off?
 
Your description states:
WHITE------------------------------RED

But your picture has:
WHITE------------------------------BLACK
 
Just a clarification question, lights remain on at all times when car is running; no way to turn off?

Correct the DRL remain ON as long as the ignition is switched on. You can add a separate switch so you can manually operate them.

Your description states:
WHITE------------------------------RED

But your picture has:
WHITE------------------------------BLACK

Thank you for letting me know I have edited the post and added the correct photo.
 
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
Can you take a day pic to depict this.

Here you go

Aftermarket DRL ON Factory DRL OFF

1OsppjL.jpg


BOTH OFF

shT1rw8.jpg


BOTH ON

nIYoWeT.jpg


You can see that that the factory DRL is much brighter even under direct sunlight. Whereas on the aftermarket you only see the white acrylic light diffuser.
 
______________________________
Here you go

Aftermarket DRL ON Factory DRL OFF

1OsppjL.jpg


BOTH OFF

shT1rw8.jpg


BOTH ON

nIYoWeT.jpg


You can see that that the factory DRL is much brighter even under direct sunlight. Whereas on the aftermarket you only see the white acrylic light diffuser.

Thanks man! That’s too bad but it still looks stunning when it is visible. They just have to use brighter LEDs, maybe in a version 2. I do like the look of the low DRL that the Camry’s have.
 
Hopefully another version will use fiber optics with the led. Would give a smoother look with high output capacity.

Excellent spot for them.
 
Can anyone confirm fitment on the Base and Premium models? The bumper looks different, wasnt sure if these would fit or not?
 
thank you rob for the install and the pics, nice job.
 
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
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