Automatic headlights at night : possible mod?

update on mod

Just want to send out an update for those following this mod.

As of today, I finally have all the parts to start the project. (sensor, connectors, terminals and wiring). I have already taken apart the dash several times (researching and another mod to hold me over while I waited for the parts) so it should be a relatively quick install now that I know what I need to remove and what pins I need to tap into. Also, I want to mention, in this mod, there is no need to cut any wires at all! So it will be a very factory-like installation.

I am going to put together a very thorough write up with pictures like Antman always does so that this will be possible for others. In an ideal world, I could potentially do this on Sunday, but if not, look forward to seeing it sometime next week.

See you on the otherside :)

Cheers, Nick
 
In all my past cars with auto-on, I've never used it. The main reason for this is that I don't want to shorten the lifespan of the bulbs/filaments/ballasts.
 
Yeah, I have everything wired up and ready to go. Sensor is in (has been for weeks) and wiring is to the ECU. I hit a road block though and have been trying to resolve. I cannot source the correct terminals for the ECU. I have the internal Tyco part numbers but they are nearly impossible to get.

Currently I am looking into other ways to connect the wires to the right pins without getting the terminals. But if anyone has a crazy source of getting terminals let me know. I called Tyco Electronics, Toyota, DigiKey, Mouser and everyone you can think of.

But I will have a crappy work around just to show the concept works this week. I'll post a little video later on.
 
ndlaham said:
Second thing I noticed. I have a 2012 Trail with Entune, so obviously no Auto lights like the Limited (which is why I'm here writing this), but I did realize the Entune screen changes from Day to Night mode (yellow background to blue background). There must be a photocell and relay in the wiring for this to be happening. I wonder if I could tap into that relay instead to accomplish the same thing that Nite-Lite System does.
Click to expand...

This is more than likely changed by the time of day in the radio (ie CLOCK) rather than by a photocell (light or dark outside). My Garmin does this based on time of day.
 
Dan Knowlton said:
Not EVERY time - I had the lights stay on and drain the battery even though I double-beeped the remote. I like AAA! They had someone there in 20 minutes.

Dan K.
Click to expand...

There are also a few other reasons to have the feature. I personally don't think it is neccesary to keep main lights on all day, it will ruin the life of them and I think it looks weird to have them on during the day. I think just the DRLs on during the day look really cool.

Also, it actually says in the manual it can improve fuel efficiency, by how much I'm not sure. It would be cool to test this. I'm too lazy, maybe Mythbusters will do it.

headlights.png
 
ndlaham said:
Second thing I noticed. I have a 2012 Trail with Entune, so obviously no Auto lights like the Limited (which is why I'm here writing this), but I did realize the Entune screen changes from Day to Night mode (yellow background to blue background). There must be a photocell and relay in the wiring for this to be happening. I wonder if I could tap into that relay instead to accomplish the same thing that Nite-Lite System does.
Click to expand...

WhiskeyCop said:
This is more than likely changed by the time of day in the radio (ie CLOCK) rather than by a photocell (light or dark outside). My Garmin does this based on time of day.
Click to expand...

I actually found out how this was happning. It is direclty link to the headlights switch which makes sense. When I was on DRL, it was showing the day mode. When I switch to full headlights, it will switch to a darker screen for night mode. This is so obvious in retrospect.

This is actually another good reason to have auto-headlights, is that when the lights switch from DRL to headlights, it will also adjust your dash dimmer and nav screen mode.
 
bad news

So the mod isn't working right now. It could be due to a couple things but it's going to take me awhile to figure it out.

I'm pretty sure the wiring theory is fine. It could be that the stalk switch may not be connected to the ECU for auto (I have to check the junction box). If it isn't I'll have to wire it in.

Also, could be my workaround since I don't have the correct terminals. I may have a bad connection somewhere in the ECU. I also, I may have pinched a wire as I accidentally slammed the door on the wires, but it was shrink wrapped so I can't tell. I'll keep working on it and redo the wires, but as of now, not looking great. May be several weeks before I have time to find the fix.

Sorry guys, I won't give up though.

Nick
 
Yee hoo

Good news! The mod is working, I'll post a video tomorrow showing the sensor working. I actually made a really stupid mistake a few weeks ago and I figured it out today by accident. I almost gave up but Hallelujah it works perfect.

Anyway, wanted to let you guys know this is not only possible, but I think most people can do it. There is no wire cutting or drilling. No permanent change at all so definitely worth a shot if you need auto lights.

You need to be comfortable taking some dash pieces apart though. I'll post a write up later on this month when I get some time to do it.

Cheers,
Nick
 
That's good action!...Let us know when you have the writeup done. I'll be patiently waiting to finish this mod when this VH tour ends.
 
Great news!!!

I was just about to order the sensor and try and figure it out with you!

Can't wait for your write up!!
 
ndlaham said:
Good news! The mod is working, I'll post a video tomorrow showing the sensor working. I actually made a really stupid mistake a few weeks ago and I figured it out today by accident. I almost gave up but Hallelujah it works perfect.

Anyway, wanted to let you guys know this is not only possible, but I think most people can do it. There is no wire cutting or drilling. No permanent change at all so definitely worth a shot if you need auto lights.

You need to be comfortable taking some dash pieces apart though. I'll post a write up later on this month when I get some time to do it.

Cheers,
Nick
Click to expand...

Bump for update! I was a little shocked when the 2009 Corolla I borrowed had Auto Lights, but then my shiny new '13 T4R didn't (cost 2x as much as the Corolla, too!). Sounds like an easy mod as long as you have the factory sensor?

I really like the benefits of auto-lights over leaving them on 24/7 (for the aforementioned reasons - mainly for "proper" dash illumination response while still retaining auto-headlights at night w/o manually turning them off/on).

:cool:
 
Sorry it's taken so long for me to post an update. I have been in the process of moving and haven't been able to work on my car at all. In fact, I have been extremely busy with some changes in my job and all.

Anyway, when I said it worked, it does but I do have one more thing to correct it and make everything perfect. The sensor dims all the dashboard lights as it should when it senses a light change, but the head lights aren't changing right now. I know why too. I believe I need a new headlight stalk, the one with the auto switch, or I might be able to rewire the one that comes stock on the SR5 and Trail and mod it to work correctly. This is a pricy part, but I am 98% sure this will solve the issue.

This is going to be a big project for me and is still a couple months out before I have time to make this happen.

Sorry for the long delay and I do want to finish this and make this mod possible for everyone. When I get back on here and have some time, I will post here for everyone.

Thanks,
Nick
 
I thought cars in Canada had the headlights on all the time and have had for years. I've rented cars there that didn't even have a headlight on/off switch. Are they not still doing that?
 
resurrecting this thread

Hi all,

I decided I'm going to buy the stalk I need to finish this mod once and for all. The part I need is described by Toyota as the "Headlamp Dimmer Switch" or sometimes I see Headlight Switch or Column Switch.

There are two part numbers that could work on my car but here is what I know and would like to share-

We already know that I need the stalk with the auto function (only on the Limited edition) and that part number is either:

84140-35170 (2010-2011 version)
84140-35171 (2012-2013 version)

They are almost the same number execept the 2010 and 2011 models use the part that ends in a "0", and the 2012, 2013 models end in a "1". What the difference is I have no idea, but I would like to know.

Well, I have a 2012 Trail edition, so in theory I will need the second number I have listed, "84140-35171".

Also just as a note of reference, the non-auto dimming switch is "8414035181" (2012-2013 verision), and the "8414035180" (2010-2011 version). So I will be removing the 84140-35181 from my car.

The one thing I would like to know before I do this, is what actually is the difference of the last digit, 35170 vs 35171 (and 35180 vs 35181). According to my research, they are simply for different years but is there actually a physical difference in the stalk? I'm hoping not, because I found a 84140-35170 from a 2010 Lexus HS250H which is the exact same as the stalk on the 2010 and 2011 4Runner Limited. But since I have a 2012, I am a little worried about buying it as that single last digit might mean it's not going to fit or something. I might just buy it because it's much much cheaper than retail prices since it came off a crashed Lexus.

But, if anyone does know the difference between the two part numbers, please tell me. They are almost identical. If someone can confirm there isn't a physical difference and perhaps it's just a different number for year model reasons or maybe for distribution reasons, I will buy it today to try this mod out once and for all. It will literally only take me the time to replace the stalk now that my sensor is installed. The sensor does work by the way, it dims the dash and my Entune system when I go into low light.

Or maybe someone can just help me find the right stalk somewhere cheap. Anyone have any junkyards nearby?

Anyone, I hope to make full progress on this in the next week.

Thanks,
Nick
 
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