auto dimming lights

Topic: auto dimming lights (Read 1414 times) previous topic - next topic

auto dimming lights

June 23, 2009, 07:41:14 PM

ok, so I got my 79 f150 running right, finaly. as soon as I can get a fuel tank for it, (current one leaks above 1/4 tank.) I plan on starting back in on the bird. I have been tinkering with it though.
Is there a way of troubleshooting the auto lights? I dont think mine are working at all and was wondering where would be a good place to start. On another note, would it be possible to take auto dimming lights out of another bird and install them into my truck? is it built into a computer, or is it just a basic wiring harness that could be installed into something else with a little work?

I just thought it'd be a cool thing to have that you dont see in other builds.

auto dimming lights

Reply #1 – June 23, 2009, 09:26:08 PM

are you talking about the headlight auto dimming? ( from high to low beam when cars come closer)
or the courtesy lights that shut off after you turn the key off?

They both work off sensors and they're own timer/relays.
I do have a trouble shooting guide for them in the tech manual. If I get time I can scan it and post them

auto dimming lights

Reply #2 – June 23, 2009, 11:25:05 PM

well, lol I wasnt aware that it had both, havent had time to mess with the car much.

I was talking about the auto dimming headlights, but now I want both. lol I'll have to mess with it some more. lol If one doesnt work, would it cancel out the other too? also, if I'm able to go through with putting it in my truck, I'd love to do both.

sorry about the questions about the truck, but since theyre gonna be Tbird parts, you see. also thanks for the help getting them figured out in my bird.

auto dimming lights

Reply #3 – June 24, 2009, 03:51:23 PM

Ok, I checked, the headlights tun on when you flip the switch, but thats it. I rolled the switches all the way up to max. I shined a trouble light on the light sensor on the dash and it didnt change anything. I covered up the light sensor on the mirror and they didnt flip to high either. or should I say, they wouldnt flip to high, even with me trying to operate them manualy. lol

auto dimming lights

Reply #4 – June 24, 2009, 04:53:26 PM

on the other hand, with the autodim off, I could turn my high beams on and off.

auto dimming lights

Reply #5 – June 24, 2009, 05:32:36 PM

Quote from: shameless;279540

Ok, I checked, the headlights tun on when you flip the switch, but thats it.

Is this the main headlight switch?

Quote

I rolled the switches all the way up to max. I shined a trouble light on the light sensor on the dash and it didnt change anything.

With the main headlight switch off, the autolamp switch on, the ignition switch in run and no light on the light sensor the lights should turn on.
The thumb wheel for autolamp sets the turn off delay.

Quote

I covered up the light sensor on the mirror and they didnt flip to high either. or should I say, they wouldnt flip to high, even with me trying to operate them manualy. lol

The ignition switch must be in run for auto dimmer to work.
The auto dimmer switch must be off for the manual dimmer to work.

auto dimming lights

Reply #6 – June 24, 2009, 07:38:51 PM

For auto dimmer to work the brights must be on. If they are not the auto dimmer will not function.

auto dimming lights

Reply #7 – June 24, 2009, 11:55:41 PM

so to make it work, make sure its in the high beam position, turn off the main switch, turn the wheel up all the way to max, turn the key on? Covering the sensor on the dash should turn on the lights, and then covering the sensor on the mirror should switch it from low beam to high beam?

auto dimming lights

Reply #8 – June 25, 2009, 12:42:37 PM

Yep. Turn the headlights on with the switch. Turn the brights on. Turn off the headlights with the switch. Cover the sensor on the dash and turn on the auto lamps. Your brights should be on. Turn on auto dim. Shine a light into the sensor on the rear view mirror. Your brights should go off. Remove light and the brights should go back on.

auto dimming lights

Reply #9 – June 25, 2009, 01:55:51 PM

ok, tried it, and nothing happened, should I suspect a relay or maybe a fuse? like I said I can turn on the lights manualy, but the auto doesnt work.

Do the electric eyes have a history of going bad, and if so, can they be replaced without a lot of hardship or money involved?

Thanks guys, I know its kind of a trivial thing at this point in my project, but to me thats one of the coolest options that came with these cars.

auto dimming lights

Reply #10 – June 25, 2009, 02:28:56 PM

Check the fuse and the wiring behind the headlight switch. Do you have a fuse diagram? There should be one on the inside of the glove box door. If not let me know and I can scan the one from the owner's manual.

auto dimming lights

Reply #11 – June 25, 2009, 03:19:06 PM

If it is a fuse problem it will be fuse 18.

auto dimming lights

Reply #12 – June 25, 2009, 08:19:34 PM

well, I need to go through and check every fuse, didnt someone say there were also relays in these cars for this, I'm sure the fuse would be the first guess but I'm just curious.