Automatic Headlights (1 Viewer)

[EdsCruisin]

Has anybody messed with the automatic headlights? Mine don't work automatically anymore - they just stay on when the vehicle is turned on. The Dealer told me the sensor or module was bad and that it cost about $250 plus another $600 to replace due to its location in the vehicle.
I about choked.

What is the "real" story on this item? I figure I paid enough for this beast, that I want it all to work right.

 

[firetruck41]

Are you storing anything on the dash, covering up the little black button looking sensor? I know another member solved his problem by moving where he stored his ballcap (?)

 

[SINCITY100]

I would ask the dealer for the exact failed item(s) description and/or the part# ...

And then I would get back to us here and we will see where this "hard to replace" relay (or whatever is) is actually located on your 100.

Maybe its easier to replace than they (dealer) make it sound..and if so, you can get the part through Mud for a better price and do it yourself. : )

Peace !

 

[LX470Pilot]

I thought the photovoltaic sensor was on the back of the rearview mirror?

Nope, I'm wrong...

Pg. 22 of the 2000 LX manual says "
The automatic light control sensor is on top of the passenger's instrument panel.

Do not place anything on the instrument panel, and/or do not affix anything to the windshield to block this sensor."

That does seem like a kinda PITA changeout...

 

[EdsCruisin]

I keep nothing on my dashboard. I had the truck in for other repairs when I asked about this problem. I doubt I got a good answer since the service rep didn't even know there were DRL's on this vehicle. In other words I don't think they truly checked. A good friend who is a Nissan & Hyundai mechanic told me that the sensitivity has to be adjusted on a dealer's computer.

I just find it hard to believe that any electrical component under the dash should cost a whole day of labor to repair/replace. Does anybody have a spec of this system or schematics of how to get to it?

 

[Jim_Chow]

On the LX I think there's a way to adjust the sensitivity.

 

[uHu]

Didn't I read somewhere that you turn the sensor to adjust the sensitivity, or is was that something else??

 

[Campfire]

Service manual- Body Electrical - BE-26
12. Adjust Automatic Light Control Sensor
(a) Adjustment of the light control is performed by turning the sensitivity knob on the sensor.
(b) This will determine at what light condition the automatic control will take place.
If response is too quick, turn knob clockwise
If response is too slow, turn counterclockwise

So anyway, I got this stupid thing in my hand after prying it out of the dash. The little dome twists and is various thickness so when you turn it, it allows more or less light through to the sensor. And no, I'm not taking a picture of it.

 

[tech_dog]

Didn't I read somewhere that you turn the sensor to adjust the sensitivity, or is was that something else??

Adjusting sensitivity was one of the setup options on my 06 LX. I'm pretty sure it was done via software setting.

 

[NMuzj100]

If the adjustment Campfire described doesn't work ...

Checking the solar sensor is a three step process that requires only a taped screwdriver, a piece of paper and a continuity tester. No dash removal. (FSM AC-76)

Running the AC diagnostic check will also test the solar sensor. (DI-620). AC thread with diagnostic check info. This is also just a pretty cool self-test procedure for a Cruiser nut with some spare time to kill.

 

[EdsCruisin]

Well, the note about the AC diagnostics made me think about addressing this sooner. I recalled the sensor on my Volvo was a "do it all" item too. So I popped off the cover from the dash and there was nothing there! So next goes the glove box and ECU to find the sensor hanging out in the dark. The lense was still attached to the dash plate. I put it back together and it works fine.

I have determined that the local dealer is full of it.

Thanks for your help guys.

 

[NMuzj100]

How did you attach the two pieces together to keep this from happening again?

 

[EdsCruisin]

They snap together fairly tightly. When I reassembled it under the dash I had to pry with a thin blade to open it again. I'm figuring somebody yanked the wire down from underneath, although it is in a pretty hard to reach location. If it falls again, at least I will know where to look and then add super glue.

The problem with the design is that the lense you see on the dash is a button mounted in a cover that snaps on to the electronics. The oval dash plate you see around the lense is holding the cover only underneath. There is no need to have the cover separate from the electronic module, so permanently affixing it should not be a problem, as long as you don't glue it to the dash plate.

 

[uHu]

The AC diag. will not tell you anything about the state of the Automatic Light Control Sensor, as there are two different sensors.
The Automatic Light Control Sensor is on the RH side (PS) of the dashboard, and is adjustable, while the Solar Sensor for the AC is on the LH side (DS) of the dash.

 

[tabraha]

Well, the note about the AC diagnostics made me think about addressing this sooner. I recalled the sensor on my Volvo was a "do it all" item too. So I popped off the cover from the dash and there was nothing there! So next goes the glove box and ECU to find the sensor hanging out in the dark. The lense was still attached to the dash plate. I put it back together and it works fine.

I have determined that the local dealer is full of it.

Thanks for your help guys.

Nice work! Always good to know the dealer thoroughly investigated things!

Also, thanks for posting an update. Sometimes folks get things taken care of and we never hear of what was done.

 

[NMuzj100]

The Automatic Light Control Sensor is on the RH side (PS) of the dashboard, and is adjustable, while the Solar Sensor for the AC is on the LH side (DS) of the dash.

Right you are.