Headlights - US vs Canadian. Gen 9.

[Guido]

If I'm not mistaken, all US models have automatic headlights that turn on at dusk.
It's an option in Canada.

Any idea what needs to be done to install this feature?

Maybe the wiring is already there so all that's requires is installing a sensor (there is a location on the dash) and somehow activating the feature?

[epsylum]

My US 05 XRS has DRLs. The light sensor just dims the dash and turns on the interior "control" lights since the outside ones are always on.

So in a way, yes and no.

[Raddman]

Originally Posted by Guido

If I'm not mistaken, all US models have automatic headlights that turn on at dusk.
It's an option in Canada.

Any idea what needs to be done to install this feature?

Maybe the wiring is already there so all that's requires is installing a sensor (there is a location on the dash) and somehow activating the feature?

You don't have a sensor?..its a nice feature. I think this is the first time here that I have seen the question ask :How to install DRL's"...I believe that the sensor on the dash maybe just turns your lights on automatically at dusk, I have not turned my lights on manual since I got my car maybe just to check a bulb...it might be connected though because I don't think the DRL's runs at full brightness in the daytime and the sensor intensifies them at dusk....Their have been many posts here on how to stop your DRL's from running and it doesn't look that hard to do, someone here will help you I'm sure or you could ask your Toyota counter parts man and let him show you the parts you need to install it and get some input on installing them....How much does the option cost at purchase? ...Good Luck...~Radd Guy~

If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.
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[rolla-XRS]

epsylum, are you sure that your reduced power headlights (DRL) don't turn on to full 100% power when it get's dark...in addition to turning the dash lights on?

That would be weird - what's the point of the sensor just to turn on the dashlights?

I know Celica has that sensor feature so you virtually never have to worry about turning on your headlights.

[epsylum]

Originally Posted by rolla-XRS

epsylum, are you sure that your reduced power headlights (DRL) don't turn on to full 100% power when it get's dark...in addition to turning the dash lights on?

That would be weird - what's the point of the sensor just to turn on the dashlights?

I know Celica has that sensor feature so you virtually never have to worry about turning on your headlights.

I guess it's possible but I don't notice. Where I park my car at work has streetlights, so when I come out to go home and start my car the sensor thinks it's day out. I have to switch them on manullay to see my CD player controls and when I do, I don't see much if any change in the brightness of my headlights.

[Guido]

I do have DRL. They seem to run at 90% of the regular low beams. But when it gets dark I must manually turn the low beams on. There is a plastic "plug" where the sensor should be. I didn't touch a headlight switch in the last 10 years with my Lincoln, so it's very easy to forget with the Corolla.

I was just wondering how to "activate" this feature. Best case scenario I plug a sensor into the existing wiring, and the computer automatically recognizes it and activates this feature. Plug and play?
Worst case scenario I need to install a sensor, plus wiring, plus somehow re-flash the computer. Plug and pay? In which case I wouldn't bother.

To be honest I'm not sure how much that option would cost, or if it's even available in Canada. I bought the car used and have not seen a single Corolla with it.

[seymour44]

I have an 05 xrs and it has DRL and the sensor that turns my lights on when it gets dark. The only lights i have to manually turn on are the fog lights.

[epsylum]

Okay I tested it this morning. Yeah the DRLs are just slightly dimmer than the low beams, but still plenty bright to see.

[Raddman]

Originally Posted by epsylum

Okay I tested it this morning. Yeah the DRLs are just slightly dimmer than the low beams, but still plenty bright to see.

Aren't the DRL's your low beams just automatically turned on ...~Radd Guy~

[epsylum]

Originally Posted by Raddman

Aren't the DRL's your low beams just automatically turned on ...~Radd Guy~

That's what I thought (read higher up in the thread), but as I found out, no. They are slightly dimmer than the low beam, but still plenty bright to see at night. I just wouldn't get on th highway like that.

[adsaba1969]

drl's aren't really what this thread is about. The auto-on/off feature turns on dash/radio/clock nighttime, parking, and low (and fogs, if the switch is left on). If your car is already wired for this feature it's just the sensor you need. Somehow though, I can't believe this would be an "option" if all it was is a missing sensor.

[OmarR]

Remove your instrument cluster, and look for the proper wiring plug near the bottom of the hole. (The hole where the sensor would be)

If the wiring is there, you should probably only need the sensor to make it work. If you want, I can take a picture of the plug. Let me know.

[Guido]

I know for some cars it's easier/cheaper to make one wiring harness with all the options then later install the features if the customer wants them.
But it also would be strange that this feature wouldn't be standard when all that is missing is a $1 sensor. Maybe there's more to it.

OmaR: Thanks for the offer, but don't go through the hassle of taking a picture yet, I'll try to ask a tech at Toyota first. But I would be surprised if they would know.