2020 SD headlights auto dimming issue
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 194
Likes: 12
From: Arizona
2020 SD headlights auto dimming issue
Hey gang, looking to the experts here for a little guidance. The auto dim feature on our truck seems to be a little wonky, and I wonder if anyone has had the same issue. Leaving town, heading home at night, the auto dim / bright feature flashed on and off repeatedly, faster than you can click the brights on and off manually. There was a car coming, it was dark, no lights other than the oncoming car. The auto dim flashed on and off at least three times in rapid succession. It was as if the sensor couldn't figure out where the lights should be, bright or dim. This has happened a couple of times now, and it seems like a reflective road sign causes it also. Are we missing something? A setting we need to change, or something along those lines? We have already contacted the dealer, and of course, the response was "bring it in." But I was wondering if anyone else has experienced the same thing, and what conditions will cause it. Thx!
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2020
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Dumb question: Can you shut off the auto dim, without shutting off the auto lights? Does that make sense? I noticed this same issue in a friend's Expedition and I can tell it will drive me insane if it is constantly auto dimming because of a sign. But, I also don't want to have to worry about forgetting to turn off my lights when I get out of the truck.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 52
Likes: 31
From: Nebraska
PJ2 - The auto dim feature is turned off and on with the turn signal lever. The auto lights is the round light switch.
Chula - As for the dimming issue - the sensor is in the middle of the dash, is there something possibly partially blocking it? Tint?
Chula - As for the dimming issue - the sensor is in the middle of the dash, is there something possibly partially blocking it? Tint?
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 312
Likes: 85
Are you talking about auto dim... meaning the dash dimming at night? That is controlled by a sensor on the dash.
Auto high beams is when the high beams come on automatically when it is dark with no other cars. That's is controlled by the camera at the top of the windshield.
You can turn off auto high beams, but the headlights will still come on if in auto mod. I really wanted it to work well, but it was easier to disable it in the settings, and control my own high beams. There was a few times oncoming cars probably thought I was crazy flashing them.
Auto high beams is when the high beams come on automatically when it is dark with no other cars. That's is controlled by the camera at the top of the windshield.
You can turn off auto high beams, but the headlights will still come on if in auto mod. I really wanted it to work well, but it was easier to disable it in the settings, and control my own high beams. There was a few times oncoming cars probably thought I was crazy flashing them.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 194
Likes: 12
From: Arizona
Are you talking about auto dim... meaning the dash dimming at night? That is controlled by a sensor on the dash.
Auto high beams is when the high beams come on automatically when it is dark with no other cars. That's is controlled by the camera at the top of the windshield.
You can turn off auto high beams, but the headlights will still come on if in auto mod. I really wanted it to work well, but it was easier to disable it in the settings, and control my own high beams. There was a few times oncoming cars probably thought I was crazy flashing them.
Auto high beams is when the high beams come on automatically when it is dark with no other cars. That's is controlled by the camera at the top of the windshield.
You can turn off auto high beams, but the headlights will still come on if in auto mod. I really wanted it to work well, but it was easier to disable it in the settings, and control my own high beams. There was a few times oncoming cars probably thought I was crazy flashing them.
Let me clarify - it was the auto dim / bright on the headlights, not the interior dash lights. We repeatedly flashed the oncoming car, faster than it could be done manually, and it seems a reflective road sign can also trigger it.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2016
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The Auto High Beam feature can be turned ON/OFF with a checkbox in the Settings menu (right most menu). I believe the sensor for it is located in front of the inside rearview mirror just behind the windshield. There is a small housing between the mirror and the windshield. Is the windshield clean in that area?
That feature works impressively well on my truck. In fact, I continue to be amazed at how well it discriminates between headlights/taillights and other non-vehicle lights.
That feature works impressively well on my truck. In fact, I continue to be amazed at how well it discriminates between headlights/taillights and other non-vehicle lights.
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 713
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From: Minneapolis, MN
Auto high beams can be disabled in the vehicle settings menu on the dash. They are horrible in-town, my truck has flashed more cars than I care to admit. I'll turn the auto feature back on for freeway interstate night-time driving, but that's about it.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 12
From: BC Canada
Auto high beam on/off is seperate and yes, running in town, lots of signs, can pose some issues. But highway, freeway, even country roads it is awesome. Sometimes, deselecting auto high beam once in a while for a few start cycles is the best thing to do and it will relearn itself. I have had to do this a few times in my 2017. Whenever batteries are disconnected as well, will/can require resetting. Also how dirty is your windshield, the wipers do clean that area, but salt and road grime pose an issue if dirty. I have even got some warnings, on particularly mucky roads with salt and road grime. Next step, clean the whole windshield and it gets better for a while.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 194
Likes: 12
From: Arizona
We're going to get it looked at, make sure the sensor is functioning properly. We had just had the truck detailed, the windshield was clean, leaving town, so dark in front of us - car coming at us got flashed. There was a road sign on our side, new one and very reflective. Could have caused part of the issue. We will definitely disable it when we need to be in town after dark, but for where we live it should be an awesome feature. Thanks everyone for your responses.
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