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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 08:37 AM
  #1  
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Telly
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From: Davis, IL
Automatic Headlights

Is there any way to get the automatic headlights to turn on earlier (when it's less dark)? I notice that driving at dusk, there are a lot of times when I'd have already turned on the lights, but the automatic setting hasn't yet.

I know that there are ways to "reset" the controls for some things on this truck, just wondering if anybody has found one for this.

I've got an '05 FX4 5.4L

Thanks,
Telly
 
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 09:07 AM
  #2  
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You can limit the amount of light hitting the sensor in the middle of the dash by putting something over it. Thats what that little dark bump on the dash is for.
 
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 03:40 PM
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On a related note, is there any way to make the headlights turn on when your windshield wipers are on? I find that in many rainy situations my headlights do not come on. I would think Ford would have designed it this way from the factory as to be safe I would think you would always want them on in the rain.
 
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 04:00 PM
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As far as I know the Crown Victoria is the only Ford with headlights on with wiper option. It is a feature controlled by the lighting control module, which your F150 would not have. You dont want one either, because it controls all the vehicle lighting, and even if just the turn signals stop working, you are looking at about a 600.00 repair. Thats a pretty expensive flasher unit.
 
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 04:49 PM
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Bummer, I was hoping there would be some type of easy mod to make them come on with the windshield wipers. I guess I will just have to go back to the dark ages and actually turn on my wipers by hand.
 
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 05:17 PM
  #6  
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One would think Ford would go ahead and make daytime running lamps standard like GM did over a decade ago. They've been proven to save lives, you never have to worry about whether your lights are on, and it would only cost them a couple bucks per vehicle.
Seems like a no-brainer to me...
 
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 05:52 PM
  #7  
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auto

A simple fix is to take a black Sharpie and color over the sensor. It will tint it just enough to let it turn on bit earlier. It will fade in the sunlight and will have to be re-applied.
 
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 05:56 PM
  #8  
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Originally Posted by Catdave
One would think Ford would go ahead and make daytime running lamps standard like GM did over a decade ago. They've been proven to save lives, you never have to worry about whether your lights are on, and it would only cost them a couple bucks per vehicle.
Seems like a no-brainer to me...
Some of our Canadian FTE brothers have been looking for a way to disable the day time running lights...

To each his own.
 
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 06:06 PM
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Most of the GM trucks I see only have one working DRL... dont know why.
 
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 06:21 PM
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DRL's

I owned a 1998 Chevy S-10 that I disabled the DRL's by pulling the fuse. The system usually has a dedicated fuse or relay that you can pull. It is a simple test.

I used the Sharpie on the sensor so that the automatic headlamps would turn on at dusk. This took a couple coats of marker to get the correct timing.
 
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 06:26 PM
  #11  
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From: buckley WA
One would think Ford would go ahead and make daytime running lamps standard like GM did over a decade ago. They've been proven to save lives, you never have to worry about whether your lights are on, and it would only cost them a couple bucks per vehicle.
______________


Sorry but the canadians have had dtrl for years and the accident rate has not changed. It is a farce to think so. I don't want dtrl as I want to be in control of my vehicle. If you want dtrl's, then get the proper relay from a parts house and install it in the electrical box in the engine compartment in the right slot. Look in your owners manual and it will tell you where it goes. it is about a $20 relay. As far as GM (Gods mistake) lights burning out so fast, I think they have some cut rate bulb vender and the bulbs burn out quickly... anything to save a buck.
 
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 08:15 PM
  #12  
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Holy cow- I didn't realize having DRL's was so traumatic an event for some. Feeling out of control because the vehicle is equipped with daytime running lamps? Makes me wonder how some managed the transition to computerized fuel injection, GPS navigation, electronic transmissions, anti-lock brakes, and air bags...

As mentioned- to each his own...
 
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 08:31 PM
  #13  
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I can only see it as pure laziness. You'll turn a switch for the wipers, but not another one for the headlights? Better yet, the real dummies are the ones that don't turn on their headlights when its raining. Anyhow, I wouldn't want the lights to come on with the wipers.
 
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 08:34 PM
  #14  
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In my state, New Jersey , the law states when you wipers are on your lights must be on. I've noticed the lights would have to be manually turned on during fairly dark storms. My simple fix was a piece of tape, that lets in little light, overtop of the sensor.
 
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 10:27 PM
  #15  
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Woah, I didn't start this to get people bashing each other. It isn't just laziness. With automatic headlights I get used to not having to think about them and was just looking for a way to make it a little safer when it rains. For those of you that actually posted something constructive, thank you.
 
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