2002 Automatic Headlight Help needed

[dndsam]

I just started having issues with my automatic headlights not shutting off automatically when the key is turned off after driving. They turn on as required, but will not shut off unless I flip the manual switch off. I hear a clicking in the rear of the car when it turns off.

Any ideas or knowledge how to get it functioning again?

 

[dndsam]

More information to possibly support the problem and a diagnosis. The automatic headlights work normal while the key is on. When the key is turned to the off position and removed from the column, the headlights stay on while in automatic headlight mode until I manually turn to the off position. The only thing that has changed recently is that I have had a new instrument cluster installed.

 

[Limited02]

And how long do they stay on before you manually turn them off? Do you have the owner's manual because I believe there is a process on how long you can get them to stay on. I can read about it if you want and post my findings.

 

[dndsam]

Please post what you find. I usually end up turning them off after 3+ minutes. I will check my manual, but I do not recall reading anything on it. I would gladly like to read what your manual says. Thanks for your help!

 

[dndsam]

Checked out my manual and it says that "the headlights should shut off approximately 20 seconds after turning the ignition off or at a programmed time".

I timed it tonight, the lights shut off after 3 minutes. I called the Ford Dealership who installed the new instrument cluster to determine if this is correlated. They are supposed to call me back.

I would still like to know what your manual says.

 

[Limited02]

Mine only says for 20 seconds? Nothing about a programmed time though? I'll look into this some more and report my findings!

 

[jp450]

Do you have the message center? There is a setting in there that allows you to change the time that the lights stay on. I have mine set to 1 min which gives me plenty of time to get into the house at night. The procedure is in the manual.

 

[dndsam]

No, mine does not have the optional messege center. Mine is the standard instrument cluster. It got me thinking and fooling around with the tripometer button to push and hold it in to see if I could scroll through different screens. The only thing that happened was I screwed up the compass and had to recalibrate it.

 

[jp450]

Do you happen to have a sliding switch on bottom of the rearview mirror? On the 2nd gen thats where the adjustment was. I simply can not believe that there is no way for you to adjust the time that the auto lamps stay on.

 

[dndsam]

No sliding switch, just an on/off for the electrochromatic mirror. Spoke with the dealer today to determine if the instrument cluster is the cause and they said no, it has to do with something in the automatic headlights system. I spoke with the parts department yesterday fishing for answers asking about relays and they seemed to think the switch is the problem thinking there is a timer built into it.

Can anyone confirm if there is indeed a timer built into the headlight switch? The part at the Ford house is $135.