[mille1j]

We have noticed several times when driving the the instrument panel will dim to levels where you can't really even read the spedometer anymore. It seems to only occur during daylight, and might be related to changing lighting conditions (coming out from tunnel or bridge or something). So, i think its related to the automatic headlights.

My question is, how can i turn the **** thing off or make it so that it quits dimming the dash lights?

 

[bigtallvandy]

Not sure if there's a way to defeat it via settings/preferences.

Sticking tape over the sensor is going to fool the system into thinking it's night and will turn the full headlight package on again and set the Instrument Panel lighting onto 'full on' mode. This will solve your issue with being able to see the Instrument Panel, but the downside is that you'll (a) burn up lightbulb life in your headlights, etc., and (B) suck more gas in the process.

On my Outlook, there is something in the owners manual called "Parade Dimming" whereby the IPC is illuminated fully during daylight and you can't dim the displays when the headlights are on during the day. Not sure if this is a feature on the Traverse or if this system is what's causing the issue.

Maybe try turning on your headlights while you're driving, see if that forces "Parade Dimming"?

 

[bobg1951chevy]

We have noticed several times when driving the the instrument panel will dim to levels where you can't really even read the spedometer anymore. It seems to only occur during daylight, and might be related to changing lighting conditions (coming out from tunnel or bridge or something). So, i think its related to the automatic headlights.

My question is, how can i turn the **** thing off or make it so that it quits dimming the dash lights?

IP lights are brighter during daylight, but when headlams come on... due to bridge, overcast, etc, dash lamps dim to night time mode.

Bob

 

[quantum]

Nothing you can do about. It is just the way it is, you will have to live with it. Unless someone knows how to to "hotwire" it. Taping over the daylight sensor will only cause the IP to be dim all the time because it thinks it is dark outside.

 

[rbarrios]

if youre pretty sure that the dash is dimming because the sensor thinks its dark outside- and dims the cluster... (and turns on headlights)...
then you can do something about it....
But 1st....
on mine-- it has to be a long tunnel for example- for the dash to dim. (ive seen some BMW's I think whose headlights come on almost as soon as it enters the tunnel) on mine it takes some seconds...

but if you really want them to stay bright all the time during the day--- then youre going to want to change out the light sensing resistor thats under that little dome on the dash.
You will have to pull it-- and measure the resistance across it when theres full sunlight--- and when theres full darkness...
You will then want to buy a resistor with a value close to what the photo resistor showed when it was getting full light..
then you replace the photo resistor with the new resistor...this way the system thinks its always bright outside and keeps the dash nice and bright- all the time...
the only drawback--- is that when it gets dark outside-- you will have to manually turn on your headlights as the resistor will make the system believe that at night-- you still have full sunlight.

heres an image of someone measuring the resistance from a light sensitive resistor... and its output

 

[AA/78U-Blue Gold]

nice explanation rbarrios :thumb:

 

[bobg1951chevy]

nice explanation rbarrios :thumb:

Easier to watch the dash lights dim.

Bob

 

[rbarrios]

this 'MOD' was done quite a bit by some other GM owners.
I think by the Camaro owners-
This was for those that didnt want DRL's or something like that.... put in a resistor- and the DRL's never came on. I believe thats what they wanted...

 

[andylibby]

I haven't actually looked, but is it possible to turn off the automatic headlamps where they don't come on in low light conditions? I know I've had other GM vehicles wfere it was possible.

 

[AA/78U-Blue Gold]

I haven't actually looked, but is it possible to turn off the automatic headlamps where they don't come on in low light conditions? I know I've had other GM vehicles wfere it was possible.

If you rotate the light knob to the left; it will spring back to auto and it will disable automatic headlights; it should also display a message on the DIC to verify

 

[GXPWeasel]

If you rotate the light knob to the left; it will spring back to auto and it will disable automatic headlights; it should also display a message on the DIC to verify

Yep, that's correct. I use the feature all of the time, as I don't necessarilly like the DRL feature.

 

[zepcom]

Yep, that's correct. I use the feature all of the time, as I don't necessarilly like the DRL feature.

I wish there was a way to convert the DRL feature to the front facing turnsignal bulbs like the corvettes, 4th-gen-camaros, some cobalts, 2004 Grand Prix's, and oldsmobiles of years past. I don't care for the 'headlight DRL' feature myself either, since I believe it gives motorcycles a disadvantage on highways, as compared to the old days (pre-DRL) and motorcycles were nearly the only 'headlights' and actually were noticable.

Something that would not interfere with the electronics or blinker modules (blinkers would still function properly, as they did with those listed above), yet have the bright amber filiment lit up when automobile is in gear. That would be my ideal. I wish I was better in electronics. hmmmph ???

 

[AA/78U-Blue Gold]

Yep, that's correct. I use the feature all of the time, as I don't necessarilly like the DRL feature.

I switch off the DRL's because it's a PITA to change the bulb; which BTW the driver's side DRL on my Acadia blew last week and come to find out the connector and wiring were melted :banghead:. Dealer swapped it out under extended warranty

 

[zepcom]

I switch off the DRL's because it's a PITA to change the bulb; which BTW the driver's side DRL on my Acadia blew last week and come to find out the connector and wiring were melted :banghead:. Dealer swapped it out under extended warranty

Not trying to accuse, but did you have silverstars or other aftermarket bulbs in the headlights?

I had the same thing happen to my 2002 trailblazer before I learned that ebay "blue" bulbs from china were crap.

--zepcom

 

[AA/78U-Blue Gold]

Not trying to accuse, but did you have silverstars or other aftermarket bulbs in the headlights?

I had the same thing happen to my 2002 trailblazer before I learned that ebay "blue" bulbs from china were crap.

--zepcom

Factory bulbs

 

[ls973800]

come to find out the connector and wiring were melted

Yes, that is a well known documented concern with GM and many owner's have had the connectors replaced under warranty. There might have even been a recall on them, but I'm not sure.

 

[zepcom]

Factory bulbs

Good! Glad you didn't make the same mistake I did way back when!

 

[AA/78U-Blue Gold]

come to find out the connector and wiring were melted

Yes, that is a well known documented concern with GM and many owner's have had the connectors replaced under warranty. There might have even been a recall on them, but I'm not sure.

No known recalls have been put out for this issue, but there was a current TSB released concerning this issue:

#10-08-42-001A: Low Beam Headlamp Bulb Diagnosis/Replacement (Inspect Bulb and Connector) - (Aug 6, 2010)
Subject: Low Beam Headlamp Bulb Diagnosis/Replacement (Inspect Bulb and Connector)

Models: 2008-2011 Buick Enclave
2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
2008-2011 Cadillac CTS, CTS-V
2010-2011 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, SRX
2007-2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
2008-2011 Chevrolet Malibu
2009-2011 Chevrolet Traverse
2010-2011 Chevrolet Equinox
2007-2011 GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Yukon Denali XL
2010-2011 GMC Terrain
2006-2010 Pontiac G6
2007-2010 Saturn AURA, OUTLOOK


Attention: This bulletin DOES NOT apply to vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps.



This bulletin is being revised to include the 2011 model year and add models. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 10-08-42-001 (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).
Condition

Some customers may comment that the low beam headlamp is inoperative.
Correction

DO NOT replace the entire headlamp assembly for this condition.

Replace the bulb and inspect the connector following the procedure below.
Remove the headlamp bulb. Refer to Headlamp Bulb Replacement procedure in SI.
Inspect the connector. • If the connector is NOT discolored or damaged, replace the bulb only. For bulb part numbers, see Headlamp Bulb (Low Beam) in Group 02.727 of the appropriate Parts Catalog.
• If the connector is discolored at the bulb interface, replace the connector (service pigtail listed below) and bulb.

Important: Use only Duraseal splice sleeves (salmon, P/N 12089189). Other splice sleeves may not protect the splice from moisture or provide a good electrical connection. Refer to Splicing Copper Wire Using Splice Sleeves in SI for splicing procedures.

1. Cut the wires of the connector approximately 45 mm (1¾ in) from the connector and splice in the service pigtail connector. Ensure that the splices are not above the connector when re-installing.
2. Replace the bulb.

Verify that the headlamp is fully functional.
Parts Information
Usage
Part Number
Description

CTS, SRX, Malibu, AURA, G6, Full-Size Trucks, Acadia, Enclave, Traverse, OUTLOOK
20939657
Cable (Connector) Assembly, Headlamp (Service Pigtail)

Equinox/Terrain
20938905
Connector Assembly, Headlamp Wiring Harness

OUTLOOK
20858015
Harness Assembly, Headlamp Wiring

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Model
Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

CTS
N9526*
Wiring Harness, Headlamp - Replace (One Side)
1.5 hrs

Add
To Replace Other Side
0.4 hr

SRX
N9526*
Wiring Harness, Headlamp - Replace (One Side)
0.5 hr

Add
To Replace Other Side
0.4 hr

Malibu/AURA
N9526*
Wiring Harness, Headlamp - Replace (One Side)
0.8 hr

Add
To Replace Other Side
0.8 hr

G6
N9526*
Wiring Harness, Headlamp - Replace (One Side)
0.5 hr

Add
To Replace Other Side
0.5 hr

C/K Pickup
N9526*
Wiring Harness, Headlamp - Replace (One Side)
0.5 hr

Add
To Replace Other Side
0.4 hr

C/K Utility

(Chev/GMC)
N9526*
Wiring Harness, Headlamp - Replace (One Side)
0.8 hr

Add
To Replace Other Side
0.8 hr

C/K Utility

(Cadillac)
N9526*
Wiring Harness, Headlamp - Replace (One Side)
1.0 hr

Add
To Replace Other Side
1.0 hr

Acadia/Enclave/Traverse/OUTLOOK
N9526*
Wiring Harness, Headlamp - Replace (One Side)
0.8 hr

Add
To Replace Other Side
0.8 hr

Equinox/Terrain
N9526*
Wiring Harness, Headlamp - Replace (One Side)
0.5 hr

Add
To Replace Other Side
0.5 hr

*This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

Note: If only bulbs are replaced, use labor operation N0440 or N0441.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

 

[ThaTraverseMan]

I see this thread has been idle for a while, but I am hoping someone can shed some light (no pun intended) on the situation. My traverse has been annoying me with the auto headlight feature. Is there any rhyme or reason to when the auto lights deem it necessary to goto "night" or "day" mode? Too many times recently my IP will dim as if it is night time, but it will be sunny out. It is so bright out that the IP is almost impossible to see because it is still in night mode, and is dimmed. Turned the "auto lights" off, does not bring the IP back to day mode. What gives? I dont mind having the automatic features of things, but when you are not given the ability to defeat one of these features should you so choose, thats just bad design. GM does NOT know what is best for us at all times!

 

[zepcom]

Traverseman,

You may want to play with some electrical tape on the little round bubble near the defroster at the base of your windshield.

I had a 2001 Grand Prix, and to disable the auto-headlights, I disconnected one of the wires from that light sensor within that little bulb. You may need to remove the defroster vent to get to that, it's tight near the front of the windshield like that.

Not sure how to seperate functionality from "having interior lights on at the same intensity all the time" verses "disable auto headlights" but I suspect that they both get input from that sensor.

In theory the electrical tape will make your headlights go on all the time and the dash lights be medium brightness all the time. That test I asked you to do is just a proof of concept, I don't know definitively if it will work. Do at your own risk.

But the flipside to this test is that if it does work, probably the inverse is true. As in, if you were to disconnect or put a resister in the wire lead going to the light sensor, it would be "bright all the time" and effectively disable auto headlights (beware, still have DRLs but no tail lights so would need to manually enable lights via headlight switch at dusk) and keep the dash lights constant.

I don't know. Worth a try if you're willing to try it.

I agree. Something like this (interior dash lights brightness auto-adjustment) is when GM think's it's smarter than you, when in reality it isn't.