Auto dim headlights?
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 729
Likes: 147
From: Butler, OK
Auto dim headlights?
Has anyone wired up a sensor to put auto dim function on one of our trucks? I can find wiring plans, etc. But they are not quite as simple to follow as my brain needs. I know it requires a light sensor, and at least 1 relay. While im waiting on my new headlight housings to arrive... i kinda slid into this rabbit hole.... my upgrade syndrome is firing a bit heavy. In my mind at least, auto dim, if functional is never a bad thing. Helps me not be a jackass to oncoming traffic, anyway..
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 729
Likes: 147
From: Butler, OK
Besides cameras, auto dim headlights are the only, imo, important/practical thing these trucks are missing. Otherwise, you can get basically all the other common bells and whistles in a nice head unit.
im going to try and get something figured out. For both myself. And every vehicle facing me at night.
im going to try and get something figured out. For both myself. And every vehicle facing me at night.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,288
Likes: 269
From: North of Greenville
Awesome effort. I concur with the advantage, and will watch this thread closely.
Perhaps it may work to get a wiring diagram from a vehicle which has the feature to identify all components required for the upgrade, and then compare that diagram with one of ours to identify connection points and real-world feasibility.
Were I electronically inclined, this is something I would try to do, but that just isn't in my wheelhouse. I've thought about this very upgrade over the years, ever since driving a 2014 XC60 which had the auto-dimming feature on a long winter evening drive in the UP.
Perhaps it may work to get a wiring diagram from a vehicle which has the feature to identify all components required for the upgrade, and then compare that diagram with one of ours to identify connection points and real-world feasibility.
Were I electronically inclined, this is something I would try to do, but that just isn't in my wheelhouse. I've thought about this very upgrade over the years, ever since driving a 2014 XC60 which had the auto-dimming feature on a long winter evening drive in the UP.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,112
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
High/Low beams, at least on my 99.5 are mechanically controlled. I can think of no easy way to get a modification like this accomplished without converting it over to a black box control of some kind.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 3,201
Likes: 1,704
Photosensor of some sorts on windshield to trigger relays hard wired to headlights. Bypass the multifunction switch. Could be done fairly easy if you could find a sensor to work.
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Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,288
Likes: 269
From: North of Greenville
The next step would then be a toggle switch on the sensor setup so that the system could be set to operate purely as OEM or as the upgraded "smart" control.
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Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 729
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From: Butler, OK
this
It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,813
Likes: 1,335
From: Elk Grove, CA
Here's a writeup on the 60's Tbird set up, might have some clues for you. Similar options on Lincolns and Cadillacs back to the 50's.
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 729
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From: Butler, OK
Simplest form, is to find a cheap enough sensor for an existing vehicle, wire into that device to a relay, that just kicks high beam power to the low beam. Then when the sensor releases after losing light input, the relay lets power back to high beams. My wifes rogue has a very sensitive sensor, cost 150 bucks. They werent sure how much the module would cost, but im, mostly, certain that no module would be needed. That sensor does a lot for a new car, but we wouldnt even want the headache of all that automation. Im going to casually continue searching for either a more affordable, existing sensor, or a clean diy kit for a sensor.
Butt-Head
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,453
Likes: 2,936
From: Reed Point, MT
Just do unto others as they do unto you.....leave the high beams, LED "fog lights" in the bumper, LED bar in front of the grille, and square LED lights mounted at the lower corners of the windshield on all the time.
THEN hit 'em with the 10,000,000 candlepower spotlight aimed right at the steering wheel as they approach.
Dimmer switches? We don't need no stinkin' dimmer switches.
My demeanor hints to the fact it's hunting season and the highway is inundated with Underarmor-clad out-of-staters who don't GAF. Usually the lighting is accompanyied by 35" tires on 24" wheels sticking 10" outside the fenders and a 8" octagon-shaped exhaust tip.....oh, and wheel arch openings that have been clearanced 6" by only two seasons' worth of road salt in Minnesota.
Just to help you in your endeavor, look for an inside rearview mirror from a vehicle with the electrochromatic (auto darkening) feature. Lots of vehicles had those back in the early 2000s. They employ photoelectric cells that point forward as well as rearward.
THEN hit 'em with the 10,000,000 candlepower spotlight aimed right at the steering wheel as they approach.
Dimmer switches? We don't need no stinkin' dimmer switches.
My demeanor hints to the fact it's hunting season and the highway is inundated with Underarmor-clad out-of-staters who don't GAF. Usually the lighting is accompanyied by 35" tires on 24" wheels sticking 10" outside the fenders and a 8" octagon-shaped exhaust tip.....oh, and wheel arch openings that have been clearanced 6" by only two seasons' worth of road salt in Minnesota.
Just to help you in your endeavor, look for an inside rearview mirror from a vehicle with the electrochromatic (auto darkening) feature. Lots of vehicles had those back in the early 2000s. They employ photoelectric cells that point forward as well as rearward.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,354
Likes: 5,946
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
All of the traveling was on back roads in the country where high beams are suitable and should be used.
I would say 40% of the oncoming traffic did not dim their brights as we approached each other. 50% of those people managed to "remember" to dim their lights as I started flashing them. About 20% had ridiculously pointed LED bulbs and a couple had light bars that were insane to be driving towards.
We try not to drive at night much due to the wildlife and people that don't know how to use their high beam switch.
As for the auto dimming lights being retrofitted to a 7.3L era truck, I commend you for your efforts and ingenuity. I may be able to provide wiring diagrams or schematics if needed and would be glad to help.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,112
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Just do unto others as they do unto you.....leave the high beams, LED "fog lights" in the bumper, LED bar in front of the grille, and square LED lights mounted at the lower corners of the windshield on all the time.
THEN hit 'em with the 10,000,000 candlepower spotlight aimed right at the steering wheel as they approach.
Dimmer switches? We don't need no stinkin' dimmer switches.
My demeanor hints to the fact it's hunting season and the highway is inundated with Underarmor-clad out-of-staters who don't GAF. Usually the lighting is accompanyied by 35" tires on 24" wheels sticking 10" outside the fenders and a 8" octagon-shaped exhaust tip.....oh, and wheel arch openings that have been clearanced 6" by only two seasons' worth of road salt in Minnesota.
Just to help you in your endeavor, look for an inside rearview mirror from a vehicle with the electrochromatic (auto darkening) feature. Lots of vehicles had those back in the early 2000s. They employ photoelectric cells that point forward as well as rearward.
THEN hit 'em with the 10,000,000 candlepower spotlight aimed right at the steering wheel as they approach.
Dimmer switches? We don't need no stinkin' dimmer switches.
My demeanor hints to the fact it's hunting season and the highway is inundated with Underarmor-clad out-of-staters who don't GAF. Usually the lighting is accompanyied by 35" tires on 24" wheels sticking 10" outside the fenders and a 8" octagon-shaped exhaust tip.....oh, and wheel arch openings that have been clearanced 6" by only two seasons' worth of road salt in Minnesota.
Just to help you in your endeavor, look for an inside rearview mirror from a vehicle with the electrochromatic (auto darkening) feature. Lots of vehicles had those back in the early 2000s. They employ photoelectric cells that point forward as well as rearward.
https://www.thegreenhead.com/2007/07...-spotlight.php