Does anyone know where to find the sensor for the automatic headlights?

I find that the car doesn't turn the headlights on soon enough. Especially in rain or overcast situations. So I would like to cover the sensor with some opaque material to decrease the amount of light hitting it so that it turns on my headlights sooner.

Has anyone done this? I assume there will be some trial and error to find just the right amount of tint needed (I dont want them on ALL the time).

Thanks,
Marc

 

There's a setting for that on the main computer

 

Would I use an OBDI reader? or is there some other method for configuring the main computer?

 

Cant you just turn them on yourself or is that to hard ::P

 

I turned them on when I bought the car and have not touched the switch since. It has the feature so I am going to use it even if I just put some scotch tape over the sensor.

 

the sensor is right in front of the steering wheel next to windshield, dark plastic circle the size of a quater.

 

Do you have the stock nav? Mine has the stock nav and there is a setting on how sensitive I want the auto lights. If not aren't the sensors up next to the bottom inside of the windshield on the right and left (next to the red alarm led)? Thats what I always thought those clear circles where. Good luck.


http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3162516

 

I thought one or both might be the sensor. Figured I would cover them completely to see if the lights came on.

I do not have navigation, just the basic audio. Saw in my owners manual that the nav sys allowed fine tuning this setting but wont help me

Thanks for the info.

 

i dont have the navi, and the info screen lets me configure my auto headlights. If i remember correctly you can set the sensitivity from 0-4, 4 being the most sensitive.

 

Thank you! I was reading down and though "really no one answered his question!"

I opened it up a long time ago and put a p ices of tape on the inside of the plastic cover they turn on sooner but not during full daylight...

 

go through the settings in your little display screen. it will have detailed in instructions in your owners manual...i think i have mine set to like 3 or 4 out of 5.

 

So if I set mine on 5 (assuming that this is the most sensitive) will that make the headlights come on in a dimmer light or stay off until its real dark? Does it mean, more sensitive to light or more sensitive to dark? If that makes sense.

 

I have an 08 which is apparently different than a 05 in the items which can be controlled from the radio screen. My radio screen has only audio options.

My owners manual does say that this can be adjusted with navi. No mention of an alternative.

Thanks for the suggestions

 

back in the day i had a 97 ssei that had the auto lights...i just put a penny over the sensor and they stayed on all the time never had to worry about it

 

More sensitive to darkness e.g. if you go into a tunnel, your lights turn on immediately as opposed to staying like 20 secs b4 switching on. I have mine set to 1 so that they they don't turn on under overpasses or if its really dark etc.

 

08 here too - you have to have the stealer reprogram it. I took mine in for the first free oil change and had the headlight off delay changed (to when door closes), but he couldn't figure out how to disable the entry exit feature (I want to save the steering wheel motor). Pretty stupid move to have to upgrade to a 2K navigation option just to set up your basic preferences. That is the only thing I don't like about this car...

 

Just wondering what is the "Platinum Package"?

 

Tell em buddy, I dont blame Ya , If it is there use it and fine tune it. As much time as people spend in their car it should fit you just like a glove. I have factory Nav. so I can set mine how I wish,but I wish that driver side headlight would just work more often, It flickers out all the time, turn off lights and back on it comes back on, Drving Me crazy! Let us know if Your idea on the light sensor,s worked, as I,m sure other max owner,s have the same question.maxman7

 

From what I understand one of the sensors is for the headlights and one is to help control the auto air feature.I might be wrong but that is what my service tech said.

 

On the 08 it replaced the elite package (no rear console) - pretty much all the goodies: Bluetooth hands-free phone system, rear sonar parking assistance, Xenon HID headlights, heated power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory, driver's seat with 2-position memory, auto entry/exit system and power lumbar support and power folding and auto-dimming exterior mirrors with reverse auto-tilt down and memory.

Who needs a g37?

 

Wow maybe I'm wierd, I have auto-lights and nav but this is one feature I have never used. If I want them on I turn the switch. On my girlfriends 05 I went through the menus and cannot find an option to adjust. Best bet is to do what jsmith said, good old tape.

 

mine is in the settings menu weird.......

 

That is awesome, the stealership couldn't figure out how to make your car work for you, love it. It's funny all the resources that are available to us and we can all figure things out with ease but the dealer doesn't even want to try...
(to most dealers, there are a few good ones left out there!!)