Automatic headlights

[Bimmer-Bob]

Studies have shown that people who take selfies of themselves driving a BMW are Psychopathic nuts. Lol

That would have to be one helluva long selfie-stick, no? And I can't be expected to drive, operate my headlights, and take a selfie all at once! (Who am I kidding, the BMW has auto headlights...)

Seriously, though, I apologize to all involved about my role in getting this thread out of control. Not sure why this is such a touchy issue? But in any case, I let myself get too spun up about it.

 

[Bimmer-Bob]

The sensor is roughly $112, didn't realize you needed a stalk too that's another $110, about the computer, that seems silly/stupid that they would have a different one for just for that option. Maybe there is a larger option set that come with a different ECU who knows these days. Only digging and tinkering will reveal the answers you seek young Jedi.

/speculative mode = on/
Not always, often it seems the harnesses are run if it is a port or dealer installed option, are they not? I imagine this may also a regional thing, being something you would ship standard in the furthest latitudes from the equator.
/speculative mode = off/

You can drop a few bucks and get time limited access to TIS where you can mole through the $1600 worth of paper manuals online to your hearts content. There used to be a 2010 version pdf'd kicking around somewhere.

Thanks for the info. I may just have to pull part of the dash to see if they ran the wiring for this up to the windshield. I forget what's up there in an SR5 - is it like a dummy panel where the light sensor should be? Surely the dash itself is the same.

Anyway, regarding the coding - I'm not suggesting that Toyota used a different ECU or whatever for different trim levels, but sometimes there are options that need can be turned on or off. On BMW's at least. For example, if I were to delete my foglights on my car, I would have to do some coding to tell the car they were gone, otherwise I would get a dash light. Or when I upgraded my speakers (to an approved set) they had to do some coding so that the head unit sent info to the subwoofer channel (there was no subwofer before) and did not digitally process the signal to all channels in the same way. Could just be German over-engineering, and not applicable to Toyotas.

But, in this case I think coding might be necessary in order to give you the menu to adjust the sensor's sensitivity (or is that something only the dealer can do anyway?). Or maybe even just so the truck "knows" the sensor is there and accepts data from it.

Anyway, I won't have eyes on my truck again until Summer, but I just might do some tinkering then.

 

[Biggcrisp]

That would have to be one helluva long selfie-stick, no? And I can't be expected to drive, operate my headlights, and take a selfie all at once! (Who am I kidding, the BMW has auto headlights...)

Seriously, though, I apologize to all involved about my role in getting this thread out of control. Not sure why this is such a touchy issue? But in any case, I let myself get too spun up about it.

The only thing being taken seriously here is how much we all appreciate you protecting our FREEDOMS.

The rest is purely for entertainment purposes.

I did a tour in Germany. No way those guys are going to sit in a self driving car. Yet they're leaders of the technology. Go figure...

 

[jrandom]

Thanks for the info. I may just have to pull part of the dash to see if they ran the wiring for this up to the windshield. I forget what's up there in an SR5 - is it like a dummy panel where the light sensor should be? Surely the dash itself is the same.

Anyway, regarding the coding - I'm not suggesting that Toyota used a different ECU or whatever for different trim levels, but sometimes there are options that need can be turned on or off. On BMW's at least. For example, if I were to delete my foglights on my car, I would have to do some coding to tell the car they were gone, otherwise I would get a dash light. Or when I upgraded my speakers (to an approved set) they had to do some coding so that the head unit sent info to the subwoofer channel (there was no subwofer before) and did not digitally process the signal to all channels in the same way. Could just be German over-engineering, and not applicable to Toyotas.

But, in this case I think coding might be necessary in order to give you the menu to adjust the sensor's sensitivity (or is that something only the dealer can do anyway?). Or maybe even just so the truck "knows" the sensor is there and accepts data from it.

Anyway, I won't have eyes on my truck again until Summer, but I just might do some tinkering then.

If you do I would be interested to know the outcome for sure.

There are a few guys around here that have messed around with the Techstream interface, which does as you speak, throws switches in the ECU. Myself have not dabbled in that black art... yet.

 

[JB.]

Every vehicle on the planet should have auto headlights with no other option.

...except mine.

 

[Rdfish1]

I picked up my new limited at 2pm today and damn if they didnt have the lights set to off, i turned them to auto right away...

Lol

 

[Antman]

Best thread in a while, even though it's fn stupid. LOL

 

[jrandom]

Best thread in a while, even though it's fn stupid. LOL

Just cus yours already auto-dim when you hit the brakes you just think your soo much better than the rest of us :wow:

 

[prodirtraker]

Just bought a 2016 SR5 Premium yesterday. Never even thought to check for this feature, figured this standard for any vehicle over 30K. Found out this AM that is not the case, I am beyond disappointed at this point... Also surprised that driver side memory seat settings are not included.

May be trading this thing in before too long.

 

[TheRoadNotTaken]

Just bought a 2016 SR5 Premium yesterday. Never even thought to check for this feature, figured this standard for any vehicle over 30K. Found out this AM that is not the case, I am beyond disappointed at this point... Also surprised that driver side memory seat settings are not included.

May be trading this thing in before too long.

:cry2::crybaby::crybaby::crybaby::gun5:

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

 

[Rmack]

This thread is entertaining.... FWIW, our T4R limited is my wife's. She wanted one a couple years ago (2013?) but I refused to buy a 40K vehicle without memory seats, and now it is standard on the limited. The auto headlights are right up there on the list also. Not a problem at all flipping a switch, but when all of your other vehicles, including an 01 Yukon have auto headlights it is just something you get used to. I am older and a creature of habit.

 

[daanbc05]

Exactlly my thought too! I purchased my 2016 SR5 4 weeks ago. I really don't understand why they don't have the auto headlights! Also the memory seating is a must for me. I'm 6'1 my wife is 5'3 I have to move the seat before even getting in, because she has the seat so high and close to the wheel! These two options I really miss.

Just bought a 2016 SR5 Premium yesterday. Never even thought to check for this feature, figured this standard for any vehicle over 30K. Found out this AM that is not the case, I am beyond disappointed at this point... Also surprised that driver side memory seat settings are not included.

May be trading this thing in before too long.

 

[prodirtraker]

Exactlly my thought too! I purchased my 2016 SR5 4 weeks ago. I really don't understand why they don't have the auto headlights! Also the memory seating is a must for me. I'm 6'1 my wife is 5'3 I have to move the seat before even getting in, because she has the seat so high and close to the wheel! These two options I really miss.

It just surprised me, enough that I didn't even check for them and I consider myself to be an educated and thorough shopper. I also cannot figure out why the remote start shuts off the vehicle when you press the unlock button??? WTF is that about. I thought it was just a wrong button push at the dealership, got home and googled it, just SMH....

I did get a good deal on it, was a trade in with only 6K miles on it, got for 36K with a full payoff of my 2015 F150.

 

[Todd308]

It is kind of interesting it's not offered, as it seems almost like a safety feature, certainly not a deal killer, but even my 1998 s10 blazer had daytime running lights and on/off automatic headlights. It just goes to show many times we just assume in 10 years all cars will have certain optional features at the time but it's not really the case. I suppose all the features are carrots to get buyers into one trim or another. The TRD not having a moonroof option for example is annoying to me, but most don't care.

Now a feature that I wish more cars offered, heated steering wheels, sounds silly but if you live in a cold climate they are worth their weight in gold. When I was up in AK for work and we rented a suburban it was the one and maybe only thing everyone absolutely loved about it. I'd trade heated seats for a heated steering wheel any day.

That remote start shutting off when you unlock the doors is interesting as well, not a huge deal but also seems less than convenient. These days it's unlikely could drive away without the key/fob anyway, so it's hardly a theft deterrent.

 

[Brandonium]

For that matter my Grandfathers '76 Cadillac Sedan Deville had auto headlights (called sentinel).

 

[Swarty]

Climate control is bigger for me.

Some of you may recall, i ordered a LE and pick it up next week from the dealership but in the meantime, ive been digging around this site, searching and reading. Ive realized how exceptionally popular the trail is, something i could easily ibtain here in florida and at a lesser price than the LE. Out of curiousity, i started comparing the two and while there are a few features on the trail i would like to have, like locking rear and part time wwd vs full time, on avg, even with the premium pkg, there are enough features missing that the LE was the right choice in my case. One of the things that really surprised me was the lack of auto on-headlights on all models incl premiums. This is very strange to me. I havent manually turned lights on or off in 20 yrs. i rent cars too, never had one without this feature. Maybe not a big deal to most of you but i found it very strange and cant i agine why it wouldnt be std on all models but certainly the premiums.

Love my trail but if the new versions came with auto climate control where I just set the temp and it adjusts I'd trade up.

 

[Slider303]

I’m a first time “almost” Toyota owner & 4runner owner and a new member to this forum, wanted to learn the Pros and Cons of the 4runner so I joined this forum to learn about the product, last week I ordered a Red 2016 TEP with the KDD? Anyway I put 2K down on it and it should be in Colorado in 3-4 weeks. but I just learned about this issue and I’m so disappointed that the 4runner does not have auto head lights that I’m really considering backing out of the deal, I just cannot believe something so simple is not a standard feature on such a great vehicle that has so many years of great reviews and does not have this! And especially on a vehicle with a 41K MSRP, I’m trying to find any 2016 vehicle that has a MSRP over 41K that does Not have it! I can overlook no power lift gate, no memory seat position, a very mediocre and dated audio system that looks like it’s from 2010, but I can’t get over this one issue, the auto head lights were so handy to have! You go into a parking garage or a tunnel they come on and turn themselves off when you come out! Simple! 5 days ago I couldn’t wait to get my 4runner now I’m dreading the phone call that its arrived! My best friend is the GM at the Dealer and sold me the 4runner for $37,875 he says that’s a great deal and maybe it is but I don’t want it now to be honest all because of that one simple item, I think I will look at other vehicles this week now. I asked the Dealer if the 2017’s would have it or not and no one really knows for sure. i sure looking for reasons to go through with the sale.

 

[cbreze]

Not something that would make or break it for me, but a lot of people seem to like this feature. So you seriously wouldn't get it just for that reason? You'd be missing out on an awesome, reliable vehicle. Personally I'd rather have a 4runner without that than a ford or chevy or anything else with it. JMO

 

[c350z]

I’m a first time “almost” Toyota owner & 4runner owner and a new member to this forum, wanted to learn the Pros and Cons of the 4runner so I joined this forum to learn about the product, last week I ordered a Red 2016 TEP with the KDD? Anyway I put 2K down on it and it should be in Colorado in 3-4 weeks. but I just learned about this issue and I’m so disappointed that the 4runner does not have auto head lights that I’m really considering backing out of the deal, I just cannot believe something so simple is not a standard feature on such a great vehicle that has so many years of great reviews and does not have this! And especially on a vehicle with a 41K MSRP, I’m trying to find any 2016 vehicle that has a MSRP over 41K that does Not have it! I can overlook no power lift gate, no memory seat position, a very mediocre and dated audio system that looks like it’s from 2010, but I can’t get over this one issue, the auto head lights were so handy to have! You go into a parking garage or a tunnel they come on and turn themselves off when you come out! Simple! 5 days ago I couldn’t wait to get my 4runner now I’m dreading the phone call that its arrived! My best friend is the GM at the Dealer and sold me the 4runner for $37,875 he says that’s a great deal and maybe it is but I don’t want it now to be honest all because of that one simple item, I think I will look at other vehicles this week now. I asked the Dealer if the 2017’s would have it or not and no one really knows for sure. i sure looking for reasons to go through with the sale.

If your buddy is the GM, tell him you want a TRD Pro, they have auto headlights, he should be able to get you one

 

[adaml]

I’m a first time “almost” Toyota owner & 4runner owner and a new member to this forum, wanted to learn the Pros and Cons of the 4runner so I joined this forum to learn about the product, last week I ordered a Red 2016 TEP with the KDD? Anyway I put 2K down on it and it should be in Colorado in 3-4 weeks. but I just learned about this issue and I’m so disappointed that the 4runner does not have auto head lights that I’m really considering backing out of the deal, I just cannot believe something so simple is not a standard feature on such a great vehicle that has so many years of great reviews and does not have this! And especially on a vehicle with a 41K MSRP, I’m trying to find any 2016 vehicle that has a MSRP over 41K that does Not have it! I can overlook no power lift gate, no memory seat position, a very mediocre and dated audio system that looks like it’s from 2010, but I can’t get over this one issue, the auto head lights were so handy to have! You go into a parking garage or a tunnel they come on and turn themselves off when you come out! Simple! 5 days ago I couldn’t wait to get my 4runner now I’m dreading the phone call that its arrived! My best friend is the GM at the Dealer and sold me the 4runner for $37,875 he says that’s a great deal and maybe it is but I don’t want it now to be honest all because of that one simple item, I think I will look at other vehicles this week now. I asked the Dealer if the 2017’s would have it or not and no one really knows for sure. i sure looking for reasons to go through with the sale.

If your buddy is the GM, tell him you want a TRD Pro, they have auto headlights, he should be able to get you one

I have a TRD Pro and it has auto headlights but I always use it manually. The handful of times I let it be in auto, it would switch on and off through some trees and I thought it was a annoying. The only thing I wish the TRD Pro had that I'm missing is dual-zone climate control. Ah well.