'05 Avalon auto lights always on at startup even in direct sunlight

[islandboy57]

Recently my aunt's '05 Avalon started exhibiting an odd problem with the headlights. In the auto position, they always turn on when you start the car and then turn off 15 seconds later since they're on auto and sense the light - but they shouldn't be on to begin with especially in direct sunlight.

Anybody have a similar problem? The car is under an extended warranty and I need to take it in for the steering intermediate shaft anyway, but I'm curious if anyone else has seen this.

[inov8]

The HID headlights on our '05 Limited have acted that way since new. They also do not turn off reliably after turning off the engine and exiting the car, sometimes staying on until the battery is completely discharged. For those reasons, I have not used the "Auto" position for several years. We just turn them on and off when needed, like most other cars.

[jmdiocares]

Have you checked the "auto lights" sensor? There should be a sensor somewhere in the vehicle. It could be that it's obstructed by something or just dirty. It sounds simple but may remedy the problem.

[Riick]

Originally Posted by jmdiocares

Have you checked the "auto lights" sensor? There should be a sensor somewhere in the vehicle. It could be that it's obstructed by something or just dirty. It sounds simple but may remedy the problem.

It will be on the dashboard, usually near the center, and toward the glass.

[islandboy57]

Originally Posted by inov8

The HID headlights on our '05 Limited have acted that way since new. They also do not turn off reliably after turning off the engine and exiting the car, sometimes staying on until the battery is completely discharged. For those reasons, I have not used the "Auto" position for several years. We just turn them on and off when needed, like most other cars.

Interesting. I wonder what the deal is? I leave my own Camry on the "auto" position because I want my DRLs on.

And it's not the sensor that's obstructed. That's the first thing I checked, in case a small parking ticket or voucher had fallen over there and covered it up. No dash cover either.. My aunt's LS, and my friend's Corolla and Camry all have dash covers which block the auto light sensor so the lights are always on if you let the car control the lights.

Well.. I'll keep an eye on it. I haven't driven the car or taken a ride in it for a few weeks. It's due for an oil change anyway so I'll check it out. The maint req'd light was flashing two weeks ago, I'm sure by now it's just steady-on. Time to grab some oil!

Thanks everyone