Automatic Headlights function

[AlexJet]

Does anyone knows how to disable Auto Headlights function on 5th Gen?
I don't use this function as I like to operate my lights manually. My personal preferences.

 

[blakjack23]

Turn the switch to off.

Or DRL off.

It looks like there are 4 different stalks in the 4runners.

 

[e60ral]

Turn the switch off "AUTO"

 

[AlexJet]

The problem is not turning it to OFF. It's disabling the function.
On the 4th Gen. Toyota did a smart decision positioning the "AUTO" position after the "Headlights ON" position on the left stalk. ("OFF" - "Parking" - "Headlights" - "Auto")
On the 5th Gen. for some unknown reason Toyota positioned "AUTO" functionality right after "OFF". ("OFF" - "Auto" - "Parking" - "Headlights").
This means that if I need to switch PARKING Lights, it was just 1 click on the 4th Gen. On the 5th Gen. it means 2 clicks and going through AUTO function which is inconvenient and making Low Beam flicks cutting on the bulbs life span as they are getting switched ON-OFF multiple times.

 

[e60ral]

what is a low-beam flick? just flick your high beams by pulling the stalk

on the type-A vehicles (normal headlights) the order going up is:
OFF->DRL->Parking lights->low beams

On type-B the order going up is:
Off->Auto->parking lights->low beams


it sounds like what you are asking for is a way to minimize the number of stops, that would require replacing the stalk

 

[AlexJet]

What I refer to is every time I need to switch PARKING Lights only I have to go through AUTO positioning which switches the Low Beam. From outside it looks this way: DRL (High Beam) ON, then I switch to Parking Light and from outside DRL goes OFF, Low Beam switched ON for a second, then Low Beam turns OFF and Parking lights comes ON. I want to go directly from DRL (switch is in "0" position) to Parking without Auto trying to turn on Low Beam in between. Constant ON/OFF badly affects Low Beam bulbs life.
Want to find what pin or wire need to be disconnected, so Auto function stops.
May be the stalk can be taking apart and associated contacts on the turn switch removed...?

 

[meder24]

The problem is not turning it to OFF. It's disabling the function.
On the 4th Gen. Toyota did a smart decision positioning the "AUTO" position after the "Headlights ON" position on the left stalk. ("OFF" - "Parking" - "Headlights" - "Auto")
.

I too agree that this is a poor placement for the auto option. I do not know of a way to work around this, but you can have the sensitivity of the sensor adjusted. You could have this turned all the way down to where it will only activate the low beams in extremely dark situations. The default sensitivity level is 3 so you have a little room to work to turn it down some.

 

[Ducmonsta]

I can see how this can be annoying for some. Even for me, I don't like having my headlights on during start up because of the "surge".

But let's be real...

If I have to replace my bulbs in 4 years vs. 6 years, I'll get over it.

 

[philsey]

You ever use the high beam 'flash-to-pass'? I hope not.

 

[AlexJet]

I can see how this can be annoying for some. Even for me, I don't like having my headlights on during start up because of the "surge".

But let's be real...

If I have to replace my bulbs in 4 years vs. 6 years, I'll get over it.

What if you would need to replace the bulbs every year, especially if you have HIDs which doesn't like momentary ON/OFF

 

[meder24]

What if you would need to replace the bulbs every year, especially if you have HIDs which doesn't like momentary ON/OFF

Another option would be to install a time delay relay in line of your HID's. This could be set to delay a couple of seconds so when you click past the auto function, you won't fire the ballasts/bulbs.

 

[CementTruck]

Bumping this back up. I also prefer to operate my headlights manually and would prefer to have the AUTO switch set to do nothing.

OFF > OFF (auto position) > PARKING LIGHTS > LOW BEAMS