Looking for some assistance...AutoLamp Feature

[Brendan Schuler]

I have a 2002 Pioneer Edit. Trac. I am looking for the Autolamp sensor? I was toying with the idea of covering up the sensor with something (removable of course) so that they will always be on (I have a real bad habit of forgetting to turn off the lights!) Just wondering if anyone knew where such a sensor is located and if its hard to get to, as well as if this would be a worthy modification? Thank You!

 

[mookie]

I think the auto lamp sensor is where the inside rearview mirror mounts to the windshield.



I'd like to put a piece of light tint film over it to trick the lights to come on sooner.

In California we now have a law to use headlights if you are using your windshield wipers.

 

[Brendan Schuler]

I think it is also....anyone know if that's really it and how to remove it so i can do some modification??

 

[Dan Long]

The sensor is at the bottom of the mirror where it mounts to the windshield. There is a way to change the sensitivity of the sensor, I believe its a small hole on the bottom of the mirror that has a button inside, you depress it, then move the slider switch to adjust the sensitivity. I know I read about this on Explorerforum.com awhile back, so this is mostly from memory.



On a side note, I just got done installing one of the autodim/autolamp mirrors into my truck and was able to add the autolamp feature using the mirror and two relays. Much cheaper and nicer way to add it than using the Ford kit, and also doesn't turn the lights into DRL's (which I hate).

 

[Richard L]

All of the above locations are wrong.



There are two sensors, on the face of the mirror and the other on the back of the mirror that faces the windshield. The two work in conjuction to turn the headlights on and off and to dim the electonic mirror.



The sensor that controls the turning on and off of the headlights is controlled by the sensor on the back of the mirror. it is on the drivers side of the mirror and is located behind a small hole.



There is also a small round spot on the surface of the mirror (non-silver spot) that is the sensor to dim the mirror when someone come up behind you with their brights on.



I felt that mine headlight sensor was letting it get much to dark before the lights came on so I taped a piece of window tint film over the sensor in the back of the mirror. That makes the sensor think it's darker than it realy is, and turns the headlights on about 30 minutes earlier at sunset. This was perfect for me.



I also tried two layers of the dark window tint film and found that it made the mirror go dark during the day?? It seems that the sensor in the mirror to dim the lights actually compares the difference between the front and rear light readings. The contrast between the darkened front sensor and the bright light detected by the rear sensor made it think it was dark out (front sensor) and the amount of bright light coming in through the rear window duplicated a vehicle with brights on.



To use your Auto-Headlights, just turn the switch on the mirror on. Moving the slide switch further to the right only controls the headlight shut off delay. The shortest time is about 5 seconds and the longes is about 2-3 minutes (I think) but I have only used the shortest delay.



...Rich

 

[mookie]

I think the auto lamp sensor is where the inside rearview mirror mounts to the windshield.

...on the back of the mirror that faces the windshield...The sensor that controls the turning on and off of the headlights is controlled by the sensor on the back of the mirror.

Isn't this the same thing?



Rich, how dark a tint did you use?

 

[Richard L]

Mookie,

Where the mirror mounts and the back of the mirror are not the same. One implies that the sensor is part of the mirror mount, which it is not.



I used the darkest tint, called "Limosine tint". Just a single layer worked perfectly. I cut a tiny piece about 1/2" square and just used scotch tape to hold it in place. 4 years later and it is still on and still working.



...Rich

 

[EddieS'04]

If you have an '04 and up the auto lamp sensor is, a small dome on top of the dash. Left side towards the windsheild. Also there is no slider on the mirror. Fixed 20sec time delay. There is a rear sensor on the auto dimming mirror. I covered it. The back window is dark enough.

 

[Brendan Schuler]

Thanks for the responses folks, I was referring to the base of the mount on the mirror, sorry i wasnt specific enough.



Another question, anyone got a way to make the rear window anything but a 3 position window?



Also, what are the easiest add-ons for a stock ST that will be the best bang for the buck? Thanks!!

 

[mookie]

Rich,



My mistake! Thanks for the clarification and the tint shade!