Djbuttolph

Hey guys I've got an 01 Z28 that the headlights seem to be playing games with my head...I'll start the car and the lights are off most times, sometimes however they're on with the switch flipped off. I can turn the switch on and they'll stay on, but won't turn off unless the switch is flipped and key removed. I'm wondering if a previous owner messed with the wiring or something...The weird thing is the lights aren't on 100% of the time, it's hit or miss with the switch off. Any ideas?

_JB_

iTrader: (33)

Sounds like the car has automatic headlights.

Djbuttolph

I thought that too, but it doesn't seem to have correlation with whether it's dark or light out.

Djbuttolph

After looking into the auto head lights I think your are right. I wasn't aware that my car had them, granted I've only had it for a few months...Still learning things about it!

Thanks!

WhiteBird00

iTrader: (4)

All 98-02 Camaros and Canadian Firebirds have automatic headlights. US Firebirds have them bypassed from the factory. If the parking brake is set when the car is started they won't come on until the parking brake is released otherwise they come on right away (assuming it's dark enough).

Djbuttolph

Do you know where the light sensor is?

WhiteBird00

iTrader: (4)

Yes, it is mounted to the underside of the dash panel to the right of the defroster vent (next to the red alarm LED if you have the factory alarm).

high n dry

iTrader: (18)

wasnt their a way to stick a resister in the socket the prevent lights form coming on automatic???

WhiteBird00

iTrader: (4)

No resistor is necessary. Automatic headlights are disabled from the factory on Firebirds by replacing the sensor with a simple piece of wire. The system is designed so that the resistance from the sensor decreases with more light. A piece of wire with zero resistance makes the system think it's daylight all the time so the lights never go on automatically.

The simplest way to disable automatic headlights is to crimp a ScotchLock connector across the two sensor wires, shorting them together. If you ever want to go back to automatic, simply remove the connector.