Disconnect auto head light feature...
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Disconnect auto head light feature... Just wondering if anyone knew the simplest way of demobilizing the auto
feature...
I've heard there is a sensor in the dash that triggers your head lights to turn on at dusk... But I find that they turn on way to soon. I would like to control this manually.
Any suggestions?
2000 TA
feature...
I've heard there is a sensor in the dash that triggers your head lights to turn on at dusk... But I find that they turn on way to soon. I would like to control this manually.
Any suggestions?
2000 TA
Last edited by RamAir2000; Mar 14, 2011 at 07:13 PM.
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
You have a Trans Am with auto headlights? That must've been a car spec'ed for sale in Canada. The US spec'ed T/As didn't get auto headlights, only Camaros did.
All of them received DRLs (daytime running lamps, via the blinkers) though.
All of them received DRLs (daytime running lamps, via the blinkers) though.
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From: rosemount,mn/windsor locks,ct
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
No, some people will tell you to disable auto headlights by unplugging one of the connectors at the DRL module behind the radio. Unfortunately, that connector also has other functions such as the parking brake light. Manual transmission cars (both Camaro and Firebird) won't activate the inside hatch release unless the parking brake is engaged so unplugging the DRL module also disables the hatch release. Shorting the sensor wires together merely makes the system think it's daylight all the time so it disables the auto headlights with no side effects.
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Verdad Gallardo No, some people will tell you to disable auto headlights by unplugging one of the connectors at the DRL module behind the radio. Unfortunately, that connector also has other functions such as the parking brake light. Manual transmission cars (both Camaro and Firebird) won't activate the inside hatch release unless the parking brake is engaged so unplugging the DRL module also disables the hatch release. Shorting the sensor wires together merely makes the system think it's daylight all the time so it disables the auto headlights with no side effects.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
Likes: 345
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Actually, it's much easier than that. There is no reason to take apart the sensor or even solder connections. Simply short the two sensor wires using a ScotchLock connector like the one shown in post #5 above. That way you can go back to stock (if you ever want to) by simply removing the ScotchLock.
If you do it this way (or even if you go to the trouble of soldering) there will be no side effects. Everything will work exactly as it did before except that your headlights won't turn on unless you turn them on with the switch.
If you do it this way (or even if you go to the trouble of soldering) there will be no side effects. Everything will work exactly as it did before except that your headlights won't turn on unless you turn them on with the switch.
Last edited by WhiteBird00; Mar 20, 2011 at 04:18 PM.
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
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From: Eastern MA
Check out this sticky: https://ls1tech.com/forums/7096661-post8.html
There is also a picture there that shows exactly what to do.
There is also a picture there that shows exactly what to do.
I used this method, and everything works as normal. I did it because I have a 97, and don't have that sensor under the dash. I just wanted to disable DRL's, which it did.
Damn, this would have been useful when I had my SS, the auto headlights bugged me, I would have rather had the control. But I don't have to worry about it on my WS6 
Hell I didn't even know they came with auto headlights, until reading the part about the Canadian Spec T/A's.
Hell I didn't even know they came with auto headlights, until reading the part about the Canadian Spec T/A's. 
On The Tree
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 117
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From: NW OR.
Try this site
http://xse.com/leres/ss/drl.html
I used the first procedure using a rocker switch to turn the auto lights on or off. When this switch is on the auto feature and the running lights are off and now the headlight switch works as manually. If you use an LED switch you're going to need a relay because of 2 different voltages
Jumping across the sensor wires doesn't give an on or off option.
Wiring a switch across the sensor wire give you the option but there's
a 20 sec. delay when the sensor is turned on and a 34 sec. delay before the lights go off
This is what my switch looks like. The other button is for my garage door opener
This is a pic of my low beams staying on with my brights. I think only Pontiac's had this feature. I can also turn my fogs on or off
http://xse.com/leres/ss/drl.html
I used the first procedure using a rocker switch to turn the auto lights on or off. When this switch is on the auto feature and the running lights are off and now the headlight switch works as manually. If you use an LED switch you're going to need a relay because of 2 different voltages
Jumping across the sensor wires doesn't give an on or off option.
Wiring a switch across the sensor wire give you the option but there's
a 20 sec. delay when the sensor is turned on and a 34 sec. delay before the lights go off
This is what my switch looks like. The other button is for my garage door opener
This is a pic of my low beams staying on with my brights. I think only Pontiac's had this feature. I can also turn my fogs on or off
Try this site
http://xse.com/leres/ss/drl.html
I used the first procedure using a rocker switch to turn the auto lights on or off. When this switch is on the auto feature and the running lights are off and now the headlight switch works as manually. If you use an LED switch you're going to need a relay because of 2 different voltages
Jumping across the sensor wires doesn't give an on or off option.
Wiring a switch across the sensor wire give you the option but there's
a 20 sec. delay when the sensor is turned on and a 34 sec. delay before the lights go off
This is what my switch looks like. The other button is for my garage door opener
This is a pic of my low beams staying on with my brights. I think only Pontiac's had this feature. I can also turn my fogs on or off
http://xse.com/leres/ss/drl.html
I used the first procedure using a rocker switch to turn the auto lights on or off. When this switch is on the auto feature and the running lights are off and now the headlight switch works as manually. If you use an LED switch you're going to need a relay because of 2 different voltages
Jumping across the sensor wires doesn't give an on or off option.
Wiring a switch across the sensor wire give you the option but there's
a 20 sec. delay when the sensor is turned on and a 34 sec. delay before the lights go off
This is what my switch looks like. The other button is for my garage door opener
This is a pic of my low beams staying on with my brights. I think only Pontiac's had this feature. I can also turn my fogs on or off
On The Tree
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: NW OR.
I did this some time back and it wasn't my original idea.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/stereo-el...same-time.html
I used 12 ga. wire as a jumper to match the factory wires and 12 ga. tap ins that I got from Radio Shack. They come 4 yellows in a package.
I needed a Phillips screw driver and a 7mm socket to take off the first cover under the dash. And then there was a second cover held in with 4 push pins at the rear and held on to the front by tabs that went into slots. I think I'm remembering this right.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/stereo-el...same-time.html
I used 12 ga. wire as a jumper to match the factory wires and 12 ga. tap ins that I got from Radio Shack. They come 4 yellows in a package.
I needed a Phillips screw driver and a 7mm socket to take off the first cover under the dash. And then there was a second cover held in with 4 push pins at the rear and held on to the front by tabs that went into slots. I think I'm remembering this right.
I had my auto lights on a rocker as well. Everything worked just beautifully, then I replaced my whole dash due to cracking. Now when left in normal (auto lights) on the lights want to be on at all times regardless if it is day or night. What could possibly be the problem or different?
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
Double-check wiring. Sounds like something went wrong. Make sure the sensor is connected and there isn't a break in the wiring. It is possible that the sensor broke or isn't connected.
It would default to be on at all times then I agree, however, it doesn't kick the headlights on completely. It dims the markers and I can turn the fogs on, dash lights up and stereo dims too, just no headlights.