Another Look at Disabling The Auto-Headlight Feature
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From: Just This Side of Damnation
Another Look at Disabling The Auto-Headlight Feature..W/New Pics I disabled my auto-headlights feature last night in about five minutes from door open to door closed.
I searched for prior threads and there weren't very many. They were useful, though, and I proceeded to the task. I thought I would jumper the wires and be done with it.
It was amazing how easy it was to lift the dash pad, and the light sensor came out with an easy twist. But, when the little light sensor itself wouldn't give up as easily as I'd hoped, another idea popped into my head.
I went into the garage and came out with one of those piggy-back wire clamps like the one in the attached photo. It worked like a champ and I didn't cut anything or remove an parts/pieces.
Easy as opening a beer...almost...
I searched for prior threads and there weren't very many. They were useful, though, and I proceeded to the task. I thought I would jumper the wires and be done with it.
It was amazing how easy it was to lift the dash pad, and the light sensor came out with an easy twist. But, when the little light sensor itself wouldn't give up as easily as I'd hoped, another idea popped into my head.
I went into the garage and came out with one of those piggy-back wire clamps like the one in the attached photo. It worked like a champ and I didn't cut anything or remove an parts/pieces.
Easy as opening a beer...almost...
Last edited by Mr Incredible; Apr 20, 2006 at 12:41 PM.
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From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
That's great! It's one of those "why didn't I think of that?" moments. The ScotchLock connector provides the shorting between the two sensor wires without requiring any cutting and splicing. I'll have to add that to my bag of tricks.
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From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Originally Posted by Guy2626c
any adverse effects??
BTW, the picture is of the type of connector but not of the actual location you need to put it in order to disable automatic headlights.
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From: Just This Side of Damnation
WhiteBird00, you are correct. That photo was an example only of the type of connector, and I have no idea what was being connected.
I haven't had any adverse effects up to now. It was a simple installation. It took longer to find the correct pliers than it did to do it.
The only pucker-moment was when the snap clicked. It sounded like every piece of cold plastic I ever broke. I quickly realized it was only the connector snapping into place.
I kind of miss the automatic feature, but I enjoy being able to have normal control for when I don't want lights on...Like when I sit in the parking lot at work finishing my cigar before I go in.
I haven't had any adverse effects up to now. It was a simple installation. It took longer to find the correct pliers than it did to do it.
The only pucker-moment was when the snap clicked. It sounded like every piece of cold plastic I ever broke. I quickly realized it was only the connector snapping into place.
I kind of miss the automatic feature, but I enjoy being able to have normal control for when I don't want lights on...Like when I sit in the parking lot at work finishing my cigar before I go in.
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Verdad Gallardo Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Originally Posted by 2002_Z28_Six_Speed
I would like to see people with a switch. One pole is the sensor hooked up like factory, the other is a resistor. I would be like the blackout mode on military vehicles.
Just hook up a switch so that the original circuit is complete when the switch is off and the two wires to the sensor are shorted together when the switch is turned on. That way the headlights will work normally with your switch off and the automatic function will be disabled with the switch on.
Last edited by WhiteBird00; Feb 7, 2006 at 02:42 PM.
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From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Originally Posted by Guy2626c
by doing it this way, do you have to pull the top dash pad off?? or can you just do it by removing the trim and radio??
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From: Just This Side of Damnation
Originally Posted by HiTechGent
I'm curious: Why would you want to disable that feature. I love having the headlights come on by themselves.
Another thing I like about it is that it doesn't drain my battery or make my alternator work as hard. It's not that huge of a deal, I just like the idea that my volt meter is not as far over to the right so often now.
It's so simple to do and there's no need to fool with the radio or panel cover. Just lift up the dash pad enough to have free access to the two wires(you won't believe how easy it is, just remember to lift up about a foot on either side as well), clip on the connecter, snap it shut with pliers, and re-snap the pad. If I want to remove it, it'll take just a moment. I'm not much of a buttons & switches kind of guy so a switch to turn the feature off and on doesn't appeal to me.
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Originally Posted by HiTechGent
I'm curious: Why would you want to disable that feature. I love having the headlights come on by themselves.
I love this feature, wish my DD Cavalier had it, my 98 s-10 did and I never want to be without it, maybe I'm just not cool...lol. 
how did you guys pull the dash pad off? Mine has a nasty crack in it and i have been looking all over for a write up on how to get it out. Please let me know how you guys did this. thanks!
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From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Originally Posted by 97camarozguy
how did you guys pull the dash pad off? Mine has a nasty crack in it and i have been looking all over for a write up on how to get it out. Please let me know how you guys did this. thanks!
Removing the padded portion of the dash is a lengthy procedure that involves removing the instrument cluster, headlight switch, radio, and glovebox door. I can post step-by-step instructions if you need it.
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From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Originally Posted by 97camarozguy
No all i need to do is get the dash pad with the defroster vent off. How do i go about getting the a-pillar covers off? are the screwed on or do i just pry?
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From: Just This Side of Damnation
I took a couple of photos of how I did the mod and posted them in another thread. I'll post them here, too.
There wasn't a need to remove it completely -- Just enough to get the clip on the wires and get a pair of pliers in there to snap it shut.
There wasn't a need to remove it completely -- Just enough to get the clip on the wires and get a pair of pliers in there to snap it shut.