Modifying/Desensitizing Auto Headlight Sensor

[Fast Eddie]

There has been a lot of discussion about the Automatic Headlights being too sensitive and coming on sunny days because it is in the shadow of the A pillar, or during bright hazy days.My ideal was to put a 'skylight' in the dome of the photoelectric sensor to decrease its sensitivity.A fairly simple task.1) Gently pry the sensor module out of the dashboard, being careful not to scratch the plastic. Unclip the sensor, but don't forget to tie the wiring clip off so it doesn't fall into the dashboard hole.2) Pry the shaded sensor dome off the photoelectric module.3) Drill a hole using a large drill bit or screw countersink. My hole was about the size of a 1" nail head.4) Cut a circular piece of clear plastic from a soda bottle or whatever and glue over your drill hole.5) Snap it all back together and replace and VIOLA, your done.So far I feel the sensitivity has decreased and I'm much happier with it. It goes on in obvious darkness and stays off in the shade of bright sunlight.

[wicked1981]

Good work. Looks good.

[ragingfish]

Looks kinda like a big black contact lens! Nice trick...wish I didn't lose the sensor when I disabled the DRLs...

[Jahntassa]

ARGH. Always SOMETHING with you, Mike. Anyone know what the output of the light sensor is? Maybe we can create our own auto headlight circuit for those of us who don't want the DRLs

[ragingfish]

LOL!What can I say, I'm hard to please.

[bagwell]

old thread i know but just just did this and it works great -- simple and no wires cut or hunt for!!!!