Thank you automatic headlights for getting me pulled over!

[iainb]

Originally Posted by upflying

Seems as if the auto headlight feature doesn't know if it's raining or if the wipers are on..

The headlight sensor is activated by light, not rain, so why would rain have any effect on them activating...?

[mpnret]

Originally Posted by iainb

The headlight sensor is activated by light, not rain, so why would rain have any effect on them activating...?

Read his whole post and not just one line and you should understand. Some cars activate the headlights when wipers are on.

Originally Posted by upflying

Wait until you get pulled over for not having your headlights on.
In Ca, the headlights must be on if your wipers are on. Seems as if the auto headlight feature doesn't know if it's raining or if the wipers are on..
How hard would it be for auto mfg's to patch the wipers with turning on your headlights?

[4wheeldog]

When I pass a speed trap (Multiple sheriff's deputy cars and a separate radar set up) I flash my lights at anybody coming the other way to warn them. Others do it for me, though I seldom speed anymore. I am retired, so I would have no problem going to court on whatever they write people up for, when they do this. So far, I have talked to a couple of people that got pulled over, but the cops worked on the principle of intimidation, and didn't actually write them up. I fail to see how this could be considered illegal, in a court of law.

[Euchre]

In regards to the discussion of having the lights come on when the wipers come on: that wouldn't be hard, as it could just be triggered when the wiper switch is moved to the always on positions. You wouldn't sense when the wiper motor was energized, you'd either add mechanism to the switch or sense when certain connections in the switch were energized. Wired correctly it would only really take one relay to achieve. Wouldn't work too well with automatic wipers, but then maybe you'd be spending the kind of money to make that part of a system like Eyesight, which is already expensive of an option.

[iainb]

Originally Posted by mpnret

Read his whole post and not just one line and you should understand. Some cars activate the headlights when wipers are on.

And you're accusing me of not reading his post? You didn't comprehend a single sentence of it.

Where does he mention anything about other cars having this feature? He specifically asks why manufacturers don't do it...

[scoobydoo2]

Originally Posted by El Guapo

Cops were out in force this past Wednesday. As I was passing under a series of three overpasses, my auto headlights came on and off as I passed under each of them. This isn't unusual as even the briefest period of blocked light turns the headlights on. A cop that was on the side of the road a little further up pulled me over for "flashing" my lights I informed him of the automated feature and he gave me a "yeah, whatever" look He let me off with a warning that flashing my headlights to warn of speed traps is illegal. Guess I won't be using my lovely automatic headlights anymore.

...lol...cops...don't want to hear logic or that they could have pulled you over for the wrong reason. Look at the bright side...with your auto feature turned off, your bulbs will last longer. The more lights cycle on and off, the shorter their life span...so...there is an upside to it.

[Novablue]

I got so tired of the auto lights i just switched them "on" so now they are always on.

[adgjqetuo]

My 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee had this feature - I will definitely miss it.

There was an on-board menu that allowed you to turn it (and a few other handy options) on or off.

Basically if you turned your wipers ON or to the intermittent setting for more than 10 seconds it turned your headlights on. If you just used the washer fluid it wouldn't turn them on.

[mpnret]

Originally Posted by iainb

Where does he mention anything about other cars having this feature? He specifically asks why manufacturers don't do it...

Exactly! I never said he did. I added that for clarification being you we're questioning his intent. I understood him but perhaps my clarification attempt wasn't the best. Hopefully the OP will post back and clear it up for you.

[hallux]

Originally Posted by upflying

Wait until you get pulled over for not having your headlights on.
In Ca, the headlights must be on if your wipers are on. Seems as if the auto headlight feature doesn't know if it's raining or if the wipers are on..
How hard would it be for auto mfg's to patch the wipers with turning on your headlights?

NY requires headlights with wipers. I think NJ does also.

One auto manufacturer has already linked the auto headlights to the wipers, GM. No kidding, my last vehicle was a GM (a MY 2006 if it matters) and there was ZERO thought needed for the headlights. You could even defeat the auto lights AND the DRLs, just flick the switch back and it turns off the auto lights and DRLs until you turn them on manually, flip the switch back again or turn off and restart the vehicle.

The factory remote start even left the car running when a door was opened...