Auto headlights
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New User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Auto headlights
Hello, I have a 2003F250 with an auto position on the headlight switch. problem is the lights are on whether it is dark or not if the switch is on auto. all other positions work fine. Do I need a switch or an ambient light sensor? How do I check it?
More Turbo
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 717
Likes: 9
If your automatic headlights don’t respond to changing lighting conditions, then the ambient light sensor may be the source of the problem. The sensor can stop working or become faulty if moisture gets into it or fluid is spilled on it. The wiring to the sensor can also wear out. Often, sensor failure results in the headlights remaining on all the time, even in broad daylight.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 914
Likes: 4
Simple solution:
Do what millions of drivers have done for over a hundred years...... Since you indicate that the normal on/off functions are working correctly, Turn your own damn headlights on and off as needed. Seriously, "auto" headlights have got to be one of the dumbest automotive "features" ever invented. Just one more thing to go wrong, in exchange for being relieved of the incredibly taxing
task of deciding when to turn on/off ones headlights, and then executing that "complicated" decision by turning an easily accessible ****......
Do what millions of drivers have done for over a hundred years...... Since you indicate that the normal on/off functions are working correctly, Turn your own damn headlights on and off as needed. Seriously, "auto" headlights have got to be one of the dumbest automotive "features" ever invented. Just one more thing to go wrong, in exchange for being relieved of the incredibly taxing
task of deciding when to turn on/off ones headlights, and then executing that "complicated" decision by turning an easily accessible ****......
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Simple solution: Do what millions of drivers have done for over a hundred years...... Since you indicate that the normal on/off functions are working correctly, Turn your own damn headlights on and off as needed. Seriously, "auto" headlights have got to be one of the dumbest automotive "features" ever invented. Just one more thing to go wrong, in exchange for being relieved of the incredibly taxing task of deciding when to turn on/off ones headlights, and then executing that "complicated" decision by turning an easily accessible ****......
task of deciding when to turn on/off ones headlights, and then executing that "complicated" decision by turning an easily accessible ****...... 
I agree with you, but it's also true he paid for this jiggery-pokery, and he wants it to work as advertised. I can understand that. It's also a challenge, and that's kinda fun too. After a while it becomes ... personal.
It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,795
Likes: 1,326
From: Elk Grove, CA
Sensor on my truck failed too. Bugs me since it's the only defective thing on the truck. Never did figure out the correct part # for the sensor so for the last year I've switched it manually.
And now I shall gripe; on the older auto headlight systems (my 93 Aerostar) the headlights go on and off depending on ambient light. On the 2002 F350 the lights go on, but not off. So when at a stop light under a bridge they turn on, but when the light turns green and I'm again under a cascade of golden CA sunbolts the stupid lights stay on. Wassup wid dat?
And now I shall gripe; on the older auto headlight systems (my 93 Aerostar) the headlights go on and off depending on ambient light. On the 2002 F350 the lights go on, but not off. So when at a stop light under a bridge they turn on, but when the light turns green and I'm again under a cascade of golden CA sunbolts the stupid lights stay on. Wassup wid dat?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,744
Likes: 5
From: Earth
Simple solution:
Do what millions of drivers have done for over a hundred years...... Since you indicate that the normal on/off functions are working correctly, Turn your own damn headlights on and off as needed. Seriously, "auto" headlights have got to be one of the dumbest automotive "features" ever invented. Just one more thing to go wrong, in exchange for being relieved of the incredibly taxing task of deciding when to turn on/off ones headlights, and then executing that "complicated" decision by turning an easily accessible ****......
Do what millions of drivers have done for over a hundred years...... Since you indicate that the normal on/off functions are working correctly, Turn your own damn headlights on and off as needed. Seriously, "auto" headlights have got to be one of the dumbest automotive "features" ever invented. Just one more thing to go wrong, in exchange for being relieved of the incredibly taxing
task of deciding when to turn on/off ones headlights, and then executing that "complicated" decision by turning an easily accessible ****......
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 87
From: North Carolina, Raleigh
I put a piece of tape over my light sensor. Since ford did not make Daytime running lights (DRL) a standard item, unlike GM, I like the fact I can turn my lights on and when I get done and just turn off the key they will turn themselves off automatically.
On my 3 hyundai elantra, 2001,05,06 when you turn the key off the light will turn off as well. Since my kids drive these cars I tell them to just turn the headlight on and leave them on all the time cause when they turn the car off and get out all the lights. That makes for a safer car, safer kids etc.
I wish all manf would make DRL standard on all cars. I know on my 1997 astro van, which has DRL yes a 1997, I know for a fact that having my lights on have prevented folks from pulling out in front of me. I have seen it many times.
In canada its been that way for years and they can prove DRL do help prevent wrecks. Too bad US is so behind the times..
On my 3 hyundai elantra, 2001,05,06 when you turn the key off the light will turn off as well. Since my kids drive these cars I tell them to just turn the headlight on and leave them on all the time cause when they turn the car off and get out all the lights. That makes for a safer car, safer kids etc.
I wish all manf would make DRL standard on all cars. I know on my 1997 astro van, which has DRL yes a 1997, I know for a fact that having my lights on have prevented folks from pulling out in front of me. I have seen it many times.
In canada its been that way for years and they can prove DRL do help prevent wrecks. Too bad US is so behind the times..
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,744
Likes: 5
From: Earth
I put a piece of tape over my light sensor. Since ford did not make Daytime running lights (DRL) a standard item, unlike GM, I like the fact I can turn my lights on and when I get done and just turn off the key they will turn themselves off automatically.
On my 3 hyundai elantra, 2001,05,06 when you turn the key off the light will turn off as well. Since my kids drive these cars I tell them to just turn the headlight on and leave them on all the time cause when they turn the car off and get out all the lights. That makes for a safer car, safer kids etc.
I wish all manf would make DRL standard on all cars. I know on my 1997 astro van, which has DRL yes a 1997, I know for a fact that having my lights on have prevented folks from pulling out in front of me. I have seen it many times.
In canada its been that way for years and they can prove DRL do help prevent wrecks. Too bad US is so behind the times..
On my 3 hyundai elantra, 2001,05,06 when you turn the key off the light will turn off as well. Since my kids drive these cars I tell them to just turn the headlight on and leave them on all the time cause when they turn the car off and get out all the lights. That makes for a safer car, safer kids etc.
I wish all manf would make DRL standard on all cars. I know on my 1997 astro van, which has DRL yes a 1997, I know for a fact that having my lights on have prevented folks from pulling out in front of me. I have seen it many times.
In canada its been that way for years and they can prove DRL do help prevent wrecks. Too bad US is so behind the times..
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 1
From: Central Texas
Stroker, my '02 F250 has been doing the same thing for a couple of years now, research said the sensor on the dash probably is the culprit.
So, like others here, I just turn them on/off manually or drive 'lights on for safety' (most of the time) and don't worry about it.
Have a great day !!
So, like others here, I just turn them on/off manually or drive 'lights on for safety' (most of the time) and don't worry about it.
Have a great day !!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 195
Likes: 1
From: FL
I get dinged on my insurance because the truck doesnt have DRL.
Small change compared to having a 17yo male driving at home, not to mention the wife sliding on black ice into a car stuck sideways blocking the road 2 winters ago.
Small change compared to having a 17yo male driving at home, not to mention the wife sliding on black ice into a car stuck sideways blocking the road 2 winters ago.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,303
Likes: 576
From: Amarillo, TEXAS!
Simple solution:
Do what millions of drivers have done for over a hundred years...... Since you indicate that the normal on/off functions are working correctly, Turn your own damn headlights on and off as needed. Seriously, "auto" headlights have got to be one of the dumbest automotive "features" ever invented. Just one more thing to go wrong, in exchange for being relieved of the incredibly taxing task of deciding when to turn on/off ones headlights, and then executing that "complicated" decision by turning an easily accessible ****......
Do what millions of drivers have done for over a hundred years...... Since you indicate that the normal on/off functions are working correctly, Turn your own damn headlights on and off as needed. Seriously, "auto" headlights have got to be one of the dumbest automotive "features" ever invented. Just one more thing to go wrong, in exchange for being relieved of the incredibly taxing
task of deciding when to turn on/off ones headlights, and then executing that "complicated" decision by turning an easily accessible ****......
