I am looking at purchasing a 1999-2003 super duty and want to install auto headlamps. This appears to have been an option for those years so I am wondering if it only involves purchasing the switch and sensor. Has anyone done this, and if so what is need to do it?

Thanks for the replies,


Mike

 

if it is anything like the gm vehicles the auto headlight might run through a body control module not the pcm.
so you could possibly need a new body control module if the one in the truck does not have the provisions to run the auto head lights, then the sensor all the wiring that will wire the sensor to the bcm and the switch panel for auto head lights

 

I should have been more precise. I am not looking to run daytime headlamps. I want to install the headlamp switch which turns the lights on when it get dark automatically. On my 2007 F-150 the switch has a setting to the left of off that allows this. Can this be installed in the 1999-2003 super duties without a lot of hassle.

 

You would need a VSM (vehicle security module) which can only be programmed using the old VSM. I have not seen a successfull programming without the old module. You will need the photocell (determines darnkess) that goes in the middle of the front dash piece, in addition to the light switch with auto mode. I do not know if there is also a wiring difference as well.


OR, you can buy an Arduino controller, photocell, buck step down converter (12V to 5V or 3V), optocoupler and with some programming make your own auto headlight controller that is MUCH cheaper and easier to fix... (VSMs are known to go bad frequently)

 

FWIW, I always prefer manually controlling things. It is weird stopping under a bridge and having lights turn on, then turn off once out from under the shade.
I also don't want lights on at night while waiting for glowplugs before starting, and while warming up.

 

I hate mine turning on when I pull into the garage in broad daylight. That being said, I usually leave them in the auto mode.