Pweb

Hi guys,

I'm a bit confused here - when I unlock my car with the remote, it flashes (as always) but the headlamps won't light up... same thing when locking the car. Where do I change these settings so that it lights up for 30-45 seconds? I've tried changing it under "Settings" but it didn't work for me.

Matt230K

First keep in mind that this only works when it is dark out.

When you unlock and the lights come on, that is "Locator Lighting" and is in the Settings menu. It is a simple on or off.

When locking, this is the headlamp delay feature in which you can set the number of seconds they stay on. And this only comes on if you had the headlights on while you were driving, just before shutting off the car. Or if the lights are on auto and you shut the car off with the lights on. I think it still works if you turn the lights to off instead of auto, but I'm not sure because I always use auto.

mctwin2kman

First you must turn on Locator Lighting in the Convenience Menu on the MFD. Then set your lights to Auto via the light switch. This only works at night and on my 2003 C230K SC it only works in Auto mode. The instructions are also in the owner's manual. This is a big book but the answers to most of your questions will be found in the book.

Pweb

Thanks guys. Didn't work in my car

Will try again today and if not will go to the dealer.

MarkL

Just a couple of follow-up points. The headlamp delay off is not connected to the locking function. They come on as soon as you shut off the ignition, if it's dark outside. Actually, they're the parking and fog lamps, not the headlights (at least on my Xenon-equipped C240). Also, if the option is set, these lights will come on regardless of the headlight switch setting -- even "off".

mctwin2kman

MarkL on my 2003 C230K SC the locator lighting does not work in any mode except Auto. If I turn the lights to off and lock and unlock the car in the pitch black the lights do not come on. I must have them in the AUTO position for the locator to work. Maybe that was a change made between 2002 and 2003 or maybe mine is broke. I just leave my lights in Auto anyway, I just wish you could turn the fogs on in AUTO mode.

MarkL

That's interesting about the locator lighting and "auto"-- I wonder what it says in the 2003 user manual. Anyway, my thread was mainly talking about the delay off when you shut off the car in response to Matt. But, does your delay off work like I described?

mctwin2kman

My delay works how long the lights stay on after unlocking the vehicle and locking it turns them off right away. When I first got the car I had the locator stuff all set but my light switch in the OFF postion and it never worked, as soon as I put the switch in AUTO and unlocked the car the locator lighting worked for me. If I turn my lights all the way to OFF again the locator lighting stops working.

MarkL

That's weird about locking the car shuts off the delay lighting -- they must have changed something else for 2003, although it doesn't make sense. I have 2 separate functions via the MFD. First is locator lighting. This is for when you unlock. If I get to my car and open the driver door before the locator delay runs out, they go off. The 2nd setting is delay off with various time settings, or none (0). This function has nothing to do with the locator lighting. When I turn off my car, regardless of headlight control position, my fogs/parks come on. I then get out and lock the car. The lights stay on for the designated time -- they don't shut off when I lock. If I re-open a door within 10 minutes, the delay cycle starts again. I think the purpose of the delay off is to light your path when you walk away from the car, that's why it doesn't seem to make sense that they would have the lights shut off when you lock up...

mctwin2kman

Sorry mine do not turn off when locked they remain on until the timer runs out. I park in my garage so I do not lock it when I get out and the lights are always on afterward. I thought when I locked it they turned off but they do not. Sorry I am an idiot, this is what happens when you only get your car one day a week and on weekends. My wife has it to drive during the week, s I only see the car in the morning before I leave.