Question about the auto position of the headlight switch

[Pedalmasher]

I must be missing something or just don't understand the system. I was under the impression that when the headlight switch is in auto, it turns on only when the lighting situation calls for headlights. I just took about a 10 minute trip with bright sunlight and clear skies and the headlights remained on for the whole trip with the switch in the auto position. What am I missing?

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[TimC]

As far as I can tell the only way to invoke headlights during the day is running the wipers.
Oh, the other way.. put your sunglass case on the dashboard covering the light sensor. Don’t ask me how I know.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I had the same problem.............. until I moved my hat and sunglasses I had tossed up onto the dash and covered the sensor up on the dash near the windshield. Once I moved that stuff and uncovered the sensor, my headlights went off.
If I go out under normal conditions and start my truck, it's dark enough in the garage that my lights come on- until about 1 second after I pull out of the garage into the light then they go off.

In short - check that you haven't covered the sensor or put anything on your dash that might block the light.

I have noticed that around here where we have a lot of trees - they may trigger when I get into deep shade certain times of day)

 

[Pedalmasher]

As far as I can tell the only way to invoke headlights during the day is running the wipers.
Oh, the other way.. put your sunglass case on the dashboard covering the light sensor. Don’t ask me how I know.

See my answer to the next respondent.

 

[Pedalmasher]

I had the same problem.............. until I moved my hat and sunglasses I had tossed up onto the dash and covered the sensor up on the dash near the windshield. Once I moved that stuff and uncovered the sensor, my headlights went off.
If I go out under normal conditions and start my truck, it's dark enough in the garage that my lights come on- until about 1 second after I pull out of the garage into the light then they go off.

In short - check that you haven't covered the sensor or put anything on your dash that might block the light.

I have noticed that around here where we have a lot of trees - they may trigger when I get into deep shade certain times of day)

The windshield wipers are off, nothing is on the dashboard except the cell phone holder which is off to the left. I have no idea where the sensor is - I can't find it, but this is the first time it has done this in my first week of ownership. See placement of cell phone holder in attached photo.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Nice interior.
Doesn't look like the cell phone holder could do anything to interfere. Well out of the way (and in a much better spot than my own)
I guess if the wipers are off and not in "mist" or delay setting, and there's nothing on the dash, which seems to be confirmed by the photo, the only other thing I could think of would be something in the settings (in the radio menu for lights, etc.) but off the top of my head I don't recall anything there.

 

[Pedalmasher]

Nice interior.
Doesn't look like the cell phone holder could do anything to interfere. Well out of the way (and in a much better spot than my own)
I guess if the wipers are off and not in "mist" or delay setting, and there's nothing on the dash, which seems to be confirmed by the photo, the only other thing I could think of would be something in the settings (in the radio menu for lights, etc.) but off the top of my head I don't recall anything there.

I probably should have search prior to posting this in that I found a couple of others that did not solve their problem and neither did their dealer. Oh well, I guess I'll just run it in manual - that solves the problem!

 

[Hootbro]

I have no idea where the sensor is - I can't find it,.............

Should be on top of the dash just to the left of the cubby.

 

[Hootbro]

I probably should have search prior to posting this in that I found a couple of others that did not solve their problem and neither did their dealer. Oh well, I guess I'll just run it in manual - that solves the problem!

Do not ask me to explain it, but the "Sun Load" sensor also plays into the Auto HVAC system.

 

[Pedalmasher]

Should be on top of the dash just to the left of the cubby.

Thanks, I did see that, and was not sure what it was - It seemed to be solid and I didn't notice anything in the front that would have made it look like a sensor.

 

[Pedalmasher]

Should be on top of the dash just to the left of the cubby.

BINGO!!! You solved my problem! If you look at the photo of the cockpit that I posted above, that is exactly where I had my cell photo holder which I must have moved over. I assumed (always a bad idea) that the sensor would be somewhere in the middle! Thanks!

 

[Hootbro]

Attached is the wiring diagram for the HVAC that shows the Sun Load sensor and the auto lamp signal circuit coming off it and runs through the HVAC module before it goes onto the CAN BUS and onto the Body Control Module (BCM) that controls the headlamps directly . I think most Chrysler products us a photoelectric sensor for the sun load sensor.

If your AUTO A/C does not function, then I would suspect something towards the Sun Load Sensor. I could go into the weeds on some other suggestions but that involves things you really should be having the dealer check out regardless under warranty.

It could be something as simple as resetting the HVAC and BCM modules but that would probably mean a battery (both main and aux) disconnect for like 20 minutes and reconnect and see if the modules reboot. If you have a JScan app and an appropriate dongle and bypass cable for the security gateway, you could reset the modules through the Jscan app rather than disconnect the battery.

For most, the dealership will probably still be the best bet to resolve it.

 

[Hootbro]

BINGO!!! You solved my problem! If you look at the photo of the cockpit that I posted above, that is exactly where I had my cell photo holder which I must have moved over. I assumed (always a bad idea) that the sensor would be somewhere in the middle! Thanks!

Cool!

Disregard my last post then. Was typing it up when you were posting your findings.

 

[Pedalmasher]

Cool!

Disregard my last post then. Was typing it up when you were posting your findings.

Thanks!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

BINGO!!! You solved my problem! If you look at the photo of the cockpit that I posted above, that is exactly where I had my cell photo holder which I must have moved over. I assumed (always a bad idea) that the sensor would be somewhere in the middle! Thanks!

Didn't realize that holder went that far forward! (couldn't tell from pic) but glad the image of the sensor led you to the solution!
Crazy how something so simple can take so much time.

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