DIY Guide: Evo X DRL Polarity Reversal for LED Bulbs
DIY Guide: Evo X DRL Polarity Reversal for LED Bulbs
Upgrading your daytime running lights (DRLs) to LEDs should be a simple plug-and-play job, but Mitsubishi made things complicated on late-model Evo Xs. Swapping the pins in the factory harness is the correct, professional way to fix this issue without hacking up your wiring.
The Short Answer (TL;DR)
On 2012 and newer Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X models, the factory DRL wiring has reversed polarity (-12vdc). Standard LED bulbs will not fire or will blow out immediately. The fix takes 15 minutes: use a jeweler’s screwdriver to depin the DRL harness and swap the ground and power wires.
The DIY Process Overview
To do this right, you do not need wire cutters or electrical tape. All you need are two small jeweler's flathead screwdrivers. Locate the DRL plug next to the large main headlight connector.
Pull the plug apart by squeezing the clips. Using your smallest screwdriver, gently pry up and remove the plastic retaining clip. Look inside the housing for small plastic tabs resting against the metal pins.
Carefully slide the screwdriver to lift the tab away from the pin without applying excessive pressure, as they snap easily. Pull the pin out from the rear of the plug. On the driver's side, swap the black and teal (or light blue) wires. On the passenger side, lift the washer fluid bottle off its bracket to make room, then swap the black and yellow wires. Push the pins back in smooth side out until they seat, and reinstall the retaining clips.
Why You Should Upgrade While You're In There
While you are working behind the headlights, you have direct access to the intake pathway and the front frame rails. This is the perfect time to optimize engine airflow. Swapping out the restrictive factory intake box for an aftermarket setup will maximize turbo efficiency.
Recommended Upgrade: Aftermarket Cold Air Intake System for the 4B11T engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need load resistors after swapping the pins?
No. When doing this polarity swap on the factory DRL harness, standard polarized LED bulbs will function normally without the need to splice in inline load resistors.
Will this fix DRL issues on older 2008-2011 Evo X models?
Older Evo X models typically have standard +12vdc wiring, so plug-and-play LEDs usually work right out of the box. Mitsubishi switched to the -12vdc configuration around the 2012 model year, making this pin swap necessary for those vehicles.
Shop 2012-2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Upgrades Here
