OEM Automatic Headlight Install

Asmara,

It seems you have gained some valuable experience with this mod so I will ask you something. I have been posting in a thread about doing this same mod on a 5th gen, but so far not that many people have shown interest in figuring this out so I have been brought here.

Do you think I could basically do what you did on your 4th gen on my 5th gen to get this working. I have the sensor sourced here, but that is all I have thus far- AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM (CONLIGHT). Fits: TOYOTA | Village Toyota Parts

and I think all I would need is a new wiring harness, but I'm not sure how that will play with the ECU? I have both wiring diagrams for the Auto Light Limiteds and the non-Auto Light 4Runners, but right now, the diagrams are kind of looking like greek to me.

Any advice on where to start?
 
Asmara,

It seems you have gained some valuable experience with this mod so I will ask you something. I have been posting in a thread about doing this same mod on a 5th gen, but so far not that many people have shown interest in figuring this out so I have been brought here.

Do you think I could basically do what you did on your 4th gen on my 5th gen to get this working. I have the sensor sourced here, but that is all I have thus far- AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM (CONLIGHT). Fits: TOYOTA | Village Toyota Parts

and I think all I would need is a new wiring harness, but I'm not sure how that will play with the ECU? I have both wiring diagrams for the Auto Light Limiteds and the non-Auto Light 4Runners, but right now, the diagrams are kind of looking like greek to me.

Any advice on where to start?

I wouldn't worry about the ECU if you're sticking in factory parts. Just like on the 4th Gens, the ECU is probably already programmed to work if it gets the proper inputs. The thing with manufacturing cars is that they want everything to be as identical as possible; unless it will save them money. Since the ECU is the ECU, they would just program them all the same because it would cost more to maintain separate parts. Leaving out a wire harness, however, saves them money.

My recommendation is that you follow the same procedures as on the 4th Gen and see what turns up.

I saw your thread on using the DRL setting on the light dimmer. When you look at the wiring diagrams, do these have identical output? It is possible that they used the same mechanical parts and just have something different screen printed on the dimmers but if that is the case, then the ECUs would have to be different (well not necessarily true but most likely). I also noticed that there are three different light dimmers at different prices so, there are probably different ones with different outputs.

In short buy the sensor, wire harness adapter, and new auto headlight dimmer. Plug them all in and see what happens. I'll send you a PM with some other thoughts that I don't want to paste here. Good Luck.
 
Thanks man. I think I will give it a go when I can cough up that dough. I'll PM you some info on the wiring diagrams and see what we come up with. They had some differences so I would like your opinion since you have checked the 4th gen ones out.

This will be my first mod so excuse my lack of knowledge.
 
Does anyone know if this harness from ebay will work? The senors look the same but im not sure since its for a is300 if the wiring is different. Its seems that the part of the part number that I can see matches the one listed for the 4runner, not sure about the last half. I guess if anything it would be cheaper to just buy this harness for the one sensor I need. I also need to double check and see if I have the dual zone climate control. Is this the controls in the back? If do have that there will be no splicing correct? If I don't have the dual zone I can just use part#82142-35020 and not due any splicing to like the one listed at the top?

I also just saw post 11 that says the harness wont work.
 
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Does anyone know if this harness from ebay will work? The senors look the same but im not sure since its for a is300 if the wiring is different. Its seems that the part of the part number that I can see matches the one listed for the 4runner, not sure about the last half.
The light sensor will work but the other part number doesn't match and from the photo it looks like it is a two wire system so it is most likely not compatible. Doesn't matter since you already have the correct part in by default. You just need the light sensor.

I guess if anything it would be cheaper to just buy this harness for the one sensor I need.
Yes, they typically run around $100.

I also need to double check and see if I have the dual zone climate control. Is this the controls in the back? If do have that there will be no splicing correct?
You would probably know if you had dual zone climate control. There is a big button in the middle of the middle set of climate control buttons that says "dual" and left and right temperature controls. It looks like this.

If I don't have the dual zone I can just use part#82142-35020 and not due any splicing to like the one listed at the top? I also just saw post 11 that says the harness wont work.
If you have standard climate control you need: 82142-35020
If you have dual climate control you need 82142-35030

No splicing required if you buy the correct wiring harness for you vehicle.
 
The light sensor will work but the other part number doesn't match and from the photo it looks like it is a two wire system so it is most likely not compatible. Doesn't matter since you already have the correct part in by default. You just need the light sensor.


Yes, they typically run around $100.


You would probably know if you had dual zone climate control. There is a big button in the middle of the middle set of climate control buttons that says "dual" and left and right temperature controls. It looks like this.


If you have standard climate control you need: 82142-35020
If you have dual climate control you need 82142-35030

No splicing required if you buy the correct wiring harness for you vehicle.

Thanks for the info Asmara! I bought it for my wife a couple weeks ago and I really don't ride in it enough to remember what the controls look like. Her only complaint about the vehicle was about it not having auto lights. I will check it when I get off of work tomorrow and maybe take a few pics to make a formal introduction around here. Thanks again
 
It looks like the light sensor is the same on these vehicles. You should be able to pick one up at a junkyard for a few bucks,

Toyota
2008+ RAV4
1997+ corola
2002+ Matrix
2000+ Highlander
1998+ Camry
1998+ Solara
1999+ Celica
2000+ Sequoia
2003+ 4Runner
2003+ Prius
Lexus
2000+ IS300
1998+ RX300
1997+ GS300
1997+ GS400
1997+ GS430
 
Congratulations

congratulations , the modification works perfect. I did follow your instructions. is very easy and it takes around 30 minutes. thanks
 
Asmara,

I just did this on my 04 following your instructions and it worked perfectly. I got all the parts new with shipping for $256.00, but I do have 1 question. When you turn the vehicle off, are the lights suppose to go off right away or are they suppose to stay on until the default time (mine is 30 seconds)?
 
Just completed this mod! I was lucky enough to find a used light sensor on ebay for $33 shipped, and then I just ended up buying both the headlight switch and wiring harness from ToyotaPartsZone.com for another $130 shipped. Many thanks for the great write-up, which made things go smoothly.
 
You rock, OP!

I've been wanting auto headlights for some time now, but then when I realized that I got both the auto function and a new turn stalk I knew this was for me. My '04 SR5 V8 has almost 100k miles on it and when I use my blinker it doesn't always register due to wear, but the new one is perfect!

Also, the HVAC and light sensor were a total pain to install. That part definitely took the longest and tried my patience the worst, but in the end it's totally worth it.

For others thinking about doing this, you may also want to replace the odometer screen at the same time since that thing ends up scratching so easily over time. I replaced mine about a year ago, but may do it again soon due to all the scratches.
 
What a great write-up. I am really interested in seeing if anyone has done this on a 5th gen? That is the only thing I miss from my Sequoia and as well spec'd as the '14 SR5 is I am kind of surprised it doesn't have it from the factory.
 
It's a great write-up. I am really interested in seeing if anyone has done this on a 5 th gen. 4runner trail 2014

This might not be the answer you are looking for, but I have just decided to leave my lights on all the time. If you haven't tried they do turn themselves off after you turn the engine off.
 
Great write-up

I did this mod yesterday on my Sport Edition. The only real trouble I had was in removing the existing solar sensor (for the climate control). I used the suggestion from a other member and purchased the limited harness which replaces the existing harness. This gives you a factory look without the need for splicing any wires. I got the harness for around $9.00 and a used auto headlamp sensor for $75. The most expensive part is the headlamp dimmer which was about $100. It seems like a lot of money but I am very pleased with the results. I love mods where everything just plugs in. Now if only there was a write up on upgrading from the stock sound system to the JBL. A friend of mine has the JBL in her '05 Limited and it sounds pretty darn good compared to mine.
 

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