Light sensor
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Joined: Jul 2008
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Light sensor
So this isn't an important issue or anything, but I am curious.
Until recently, I've never used the auto headlight function in my car. I've always preferred to control them manually. But anyway, since leaving them in auto I've noticed that it doesn't seem like it is simply a light sensor in control. For example:
Some mornings are very bright and as I go eastbound to work I am often in blinding sunlight, but the auto lights stay on. On the other hand, some evenings when I leave there is no sunlight at all and it will be much darker than the morning, but the lights do not come on until it is a bit darker out. There is also a section of back roads that I am on for 5-6 minutes that is completely shaded enough to fool both Lexus and BMW auto lights into coming on, but not the Benz.
I like the way they behave (especially that they turn on with the rain-sensing wipers after a certain number of swipes), but I don't understand the logic.
Until recently, I've never used the auto headlight function in my car. I've always preferred to control them manually. But anyway, since leaving them in auto I've noticed that it doesn't seem like it is simply a light sensor in control. For example:
Some mornings are very bright and as I go eastbound to work I am often in blinding sunlight, but the auto lights stay on. On the other hand, some evenings when I leave there is no sunlight at all and it will be much darker than the morning, but the lights do not come on until it is a bit darker out. There is also a section of back roads that I am on for 5-6 minutes that is completely shaded enough to fool both Lexus and BMW auto lights into coming on, but not the Benz.
I like the way they behave (especially that they turn on with the rain-sensing wipers after a certain number of swipes), but I don't understand the logic.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: chicago
2005 c230 kompressor 2003 s500 94 wrangler
i too just started using the auto for lights...looks good at night
my lights work tho when its day they stay off and when i go under a bridge they turn on
then they go off after clearing the bridge
my lights work tho when its day they stay off and when i go under a bridge they turn on
then they go off after clearing the bridge
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
What looks good at night? Whether on auto or controlled manually it looks the same to me. Although with manual control I can use the fogs, which I like. They're useless on the W203 except for looks anyway.
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From: Northeast PA-Poconos
2014 E350, 2006 C350 Sport(made it to 280k, loved it!), 1990 300E
I mostly keep it on auto since I bought it new. Never a problem. Always turn on when going in the garage. Same thing as Sammy said. Going under bridges it turns off and turns on when I clear the overpass or tunnel.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Is there a "Constant On" setting with the facelift? I have that on my car, and even if the light sensor does not switch to full lighting at dusk, I still have headlights. It's also nice to not have the light switch constantly at an angle like you do with the "Auto" at the switch - that always irritates me.
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
There is a Headlights = constant setting but I refuse to use it because Mercedes is stupid with it. DRL should be reduced intensity high-beams. The low beams at reduced intensity or the full intensity Bi-Xenons is absurd!
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
However, the constant-on is the best solution to me, given the "special" options we have. Does Mercedes make a short bus?
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
I agree, foot operated e-brakes are the work of satan himself. It is borderline deal-breaker right there with column-mounted gearshifter.
No cassette player in my car. My car does not force wipe when switched to auto or when left in auto and at start at all so that is not an issue.
No cassette player in my car. My car does not force wipe when switched to auto or when left in auto and at start at all so that is not an issue.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
You're lucky. Though the one wipe thing is only a minor annoyance, it sucks to have to be reminded in the morning that I forgot to turn the auto wipers off the previous evening. It's like a slap in the face. 
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Overall, I'd agree, from the standpoint of reliability. I'm not a big fan of the interior still or the engine choices- I like my engines rough and unrefined but with potential, just like me.
