Automatic headlights are way too sensitive
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 365
Likes: 8
From: San Diego, CA
08 E63 Arctic White/Black
Automatic headlights are way too sensitive
Sorry if this has been covered before in another forum, but I can't seem to find an answer.
Can the auto headlight sensor be turned down a bit? I find that it's really way too sensitive on the GL. Didn't seem to have this problem on the 2008 E63 we traded. Is there a way to turn it down, or can someone tell me where is the sensor and maybe I can check to see if it's dirty or something ...
For instance, it's been SUPER SUNNY the past few days in So Cal, like blinding sunny by 8am when I'm taking my son to school. The lights stay on until about 9:15 I would say. Same thing with the afternoon. I find that they start coming on around 4:30pm, even though there's not a cloud in the sky and it's very sunny. No other car around me has their headlights on. On rare occasion I see a newer model Benz driving around w/ their lights on as well, so I don't think it's an isolated problem, but there has to be a way to tone it down?
Sometimes I think it's time-related also. Like lights HAVE to be on before 9:30am and after 4:30pm, even if it's really bright and sunny out.
I know that's nuts, but I just don't get it. 
BTW, this is for a 2011 GL450.
Can the auto headlight sensor be turned down a bit? I find that it's really way too sensitive on the GL. Didn't seem to have this problem on the 2008 E63 we traded. Is there a way to turn it down, or can someone tell me where is the sensor and maybe I can check to see if it's dirty or something ...
For instance, it's been SUPER SUNNY the past few days in So Cal, like blinding sunny by 8am when I'm taking my son to school. The lights stay on until about 9:15 I would say. Same thing with the afternoon. I find that they start coming on around 4:30pm, even though there's not a cloud in the sky and it's very sunny. No other car around me has their headlights on. On rare occasion I see a newer model Benz driving around w/ their lights on as well, so I don't think it's an isolated problem, but there has to be a way to tone it down?
Sometimes I think it's time-related also. Like lights HAVE to be on before 9:30am and after 4:30pm, even if it's really bright and sunny out.
I know that's nuts, but I just don't get it. BTW, this is for a 2011 GL450.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 814
Likes: 9
15 GL550
They do the exact same thing on my 09. I've concluded that it is purposeful so that your vehicle can be seen in morning and late evening glare. I'm in Ohio and the lights will not come on on a cloudy day (we have a lot of those) at the same time late in the morning or early evening as they would in bright sun. A couple of months ago I started noticing it. Every time there was a lot of glare I would check to see if they were on and sure enough, they were. That's just my guess.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 365
Likes: 8
From: San Diego, CA
08 E63 Arctic White/Black
i think you are on to something re: the glare. b/c if i am driving away from the sunset in the afternoon, even though it's sunny out, the lights come on. i suppose from a safety standpoint, the person in front of me looking in their rearview mirror during sunset would not see me as well if i didn't have headlights on ...
it's odd that the car can measure that -- i thought it was pretty straightforward, meaning sunlight present = no headlights, but i guess the system is more complicated than that ...
it's odd that the car can measure that -- i thought it was pretty straightforward, meaning sunlight present = no headlights, but i guess the system is more complicated than that ...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,522
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From: CT
Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, Tesla
You can't forget that these cars have dusk sensors. That could be why it feels like the need to turn the lights on when the sun is out, however not on a cloudy day.
I've noticed slightly similar behavior as you both.
I've noticed slightly similar behavior as you both.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: San Diego, CA
08 E63 Arctic White/Black
also, i cannot just turn my knob to "0" because if you have the DRL feature activated (which i do for the LED DRLs), when you turn the knob to "0" it does nothing. it still stays on auto and the headlights remain on. i googled this strange occurrence and apparently it's normal.
you must deactivate the DRLs in order to be able to manually shut off the headlights...
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 365
Likes: 8
From: San Diego, CA
08 E63 Arctic White/Black
here are some pics taken around 9:00am this morning. it is very sunny today, no clouds. it's so bright that the iphone can't handle it and you can't even see the headlights on in the pictures, but they ARE on along w/ the DRLs.
so this is "normal"?
so this is "normal"?
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 23
From: B.C.
GL 320cdi, Chevrolet Avalanchero, GLE 350 (on order)
You must be the only guy in the whole world whom can see his own headlamps whist driving. I personally drive around with all my lights on, all the time. Can't hurt being seen, right?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 972
Likes: 28
From: DFW
BMW M850i Gran Coupe
Sorry if this has been covered before in another forum, but I can't seem to find an answer.
Can the auto headlight sensor be turned down a bit? I find that it's really way too sensitive on the GL. Didn't seem to have this problem on the 2008 E63 we traded. Is there a way to turn it down, or can someone tell me where is the sensor and maybe I can check to see if it's dirty or something ...
For instance, it's been SUPER SUNNY the past few days in So Cal, like blinding sunny by 8am when I'm taking my son to school. The lights stay on until about 9:15 I would say. Same thing with the afternoon. I find that they start coming on around 4:30pm, even though there's not a cloud in the sky and it's very sunny. No other car around me has their headlights on. On rare occasion I see a newer model Benz driving around w/ their lights on as well, so I don't think it's an isolated problem, but there has to be a way to tone it down?
Sometimes I think it's time-related also. Like lights HAVE to be on before 9:30am and after 4:30pm, even if it's really bright and sunny out. I know that's nuts, but I just don't get it.
BTW, this is for a 2011 GL450.
Can the auto headlight sensor be turned down a bit? I find that it's really way too sensitive on the GL. Didn't seem to have this problem on the 2008 E63 we traded. Is there a way to turn it down, or can someone tell me where is the sensor and maybe I can check to see if it's dirty or something ...
For instance, it's been SUPER SUNNY the past few days in So Cal, like blinding sunny by 8am when I'm taking my son to school. The lights stay on until about 9:15 I would say. Same thing with the afternoon. I find that they start coming on around 4:30pm, even though there's not a cloud in the sky and it's very sunny. No other car around me has their headlights on. On rare occasion I see a newer model Benz driving around w/ their lights on as well, so I don't think it's an isolated problem, but there has to be a way to tone it down?
Sometimes I think it's time-related also. Like lights HAVE to be on before 9:30am and after 4:30pm, even if it's really bright and sunny out.
I know that's nuts, but I just don't get it. BTW, this is for a 2011 GL450.
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Florida
2011 GL450 P2, Appearance Pkg, Leather. 2012 C250, P1, Sport, AMG Wheels, Panorama Sunroof.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 365
Likes: 8
From: San Diego, CA
08 E63 Arctic White/Black
I just took delivery on a 2011 GL550 and one of the first things I noticed was the lack of sensitivity sophistication on the GL headlights compared the the 2008 CL. The GL drives through a shadow and the headlights come on. The CL is almost mystical in how it determines when to go on and off, making me think that Mercedes has at least two different systems in place.
i was driving back from the doctors office at 3pm today and it is 87 degrees and 100% sunshine today and the lights were on the whole way (20 miles). i wasn't parked in a garage and didn't go thru any tunnels, etc.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 365
Likes: 8
From: San Diego, CA
08 E63 Arctic White/Black
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 23
From: B.C.
GL 320cdi, Chevrolet Avalanchero, GLE 350 (on order)
My car is not with me right now, but I recall it being in a little red tinted window on the windscreen above the rear view mirror. It could be on the dash, but I don't think so on the GL. pretty sure it is above the mirror with the rain sensors. Are they working? If you have the car with you, have a look.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Hey guys..... Do a search for thread entitled "Headlights on Auto?". Go to about the next to the last post and you will get the best explanation as to what is happening......... Not the best engineering in my opinion BUT does explain WHY it happens.
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 13
From: Louisville, KY
2014 Black SLK 55 AMG, Black 2015 GL 550, 2011 Blue GLK 350
Who cares? I cant tell when mine come on unless I get behind a pickup and can see the reflection in the tailgate. That is why you put your lights in the mode that your lower lights come on during the daytime. Ever seen a Volvo or a GM? They have the daytime headlights on 24/7. For visibility. Oncoming traffic can see you better. Motorcycle? Again 24/7. Come on manufacturers have had these sensors for decades. Drive in a shaded area and the lights will come on (lots of trees). Drive in a tunnel? Lights come on. Does your car drive and function properly? If so, great. If not go to the stealership and have it checked under warranty. Life is short, enjoy it without worrying about your headlights.
Peace
Peace
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 146
Likes: 26
From: NYC
W212 E400
Anyone find a solution to this? My W211's headlights are on and off every time I'm under an overpass. I like to keep my headlights on auto and turn down the sensitivity, but I can't find it in a W211.
