Autolamp sensitivity

[MDCSoft]

I have a question about the Autolamp feature on my Mountaineer. It is not quite sensitive enough for my tastes. I would like it to turn the headlights on just a bit sooner than it does. My imagined solution is to cover the light sensor with a strip of tinted tape. The problem is that I can't figure out where its light sensor is.

There is a light sensor on the back (front?) of the rear view mirror, but that seems to control just the auto-dimming feature of the mirror.

Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[Robert]

The sensor for the autolamp is incorporated into the mirror mount. It points away from the mirror and is in the mount. There is an easier way though than covering it with tint. You can adjust the sensitivity of your mirror. I don't have the procedure in front of me but it is something like this: There is a small hole (I think in the bottom) that you can stick a paperclip into. Then it goes something like slide the switch over until the lights come on and then go a little more for sooner, or back it off for the lights to come on a little later. I haven't tried this on my '97 since I like where mine come on, but it was posted by someone else with a '97. The '96 and earlier mirrors could be changed as well. Instead of using a paperclip in the hole, they have a button you can press. The procedure probably isn't exactly like I posted it. I think I have it in my glove box outside. If I think of it, I'll post the actual instructions if I come across them. Alternateively, try doing a search on one of the boards here, you might find them.