Automatic Headlight Sensor 97 Limited

[melehn]

97 Explorer Limited---My automatic headlights that used to go on when it's dark and go off when it's light, stay on all the time now. Is there some kind of light sensor? If so where is it?
The headlight switch is off.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

P.S. This forum is great was able to fix my headlight problem from info on this site. The garage couldn't even figure it out.

 

[melehn]

97 Explorer Limited---My automatic headlights that used to go on when it's dark and go off when it's light, stay on all the time now. Is there some kind of light sensor? If so where is it?
The headlight switch is off.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

P.S. This forum is great was able to fix my headlight problem from info on this site. The garage couldn't even figure it out.

 

[nssj2]

If memory serves me right, its above the mounting bracket for your rearview mirror, facing out toward the windshield, of course.

 

[section525]

These mirrors seem to become problematic at about 10 years of age. Mine in my old Mountaineer would never shut off. As in, if you want to have the car running, but no headlights on, you couldn't. I'm pretty sure that was an actual problem with the slider part of the switch though.

These mirrors are an all in one unit. I believe you can see the sensor in the backside.

 

[Cobraguy]

Backside sensor should be for auto dim. Front sensor (through windshield) should be for auto lamp.

 

[melehn]

Thanks for the replies, have to take a look.

I know there is a sensor in the mirror for bright headlights behind you, but will look on the windshield side of the mirror for the other sensor. If this is all one unit, then I may have to replace the whole thing to get it working again?? Anyone take these apart and find anything replacable? The sliding switch on the mirror still works. It's just the sensor for daylight and night.

Not that big a deal but the headlights are on when driving in the day. Afraid that if I start using the switch, I'll forget and leave it on since all my cars have auto headlights and run out the batt.

 

[Steve_C]

You are right about the switch going out after ten years. The slide switch on my 98 Explorer XLT is shorting out. The lights will come on when the automatic slide switch is in the off position, sometimes the lights will stay on after the engine is off. I have to wiggle the switch to get the lights to turn off. Does anyone know if I have to replace the whole mirror, or can I take it apart and replace just the switch? Does anyone know where I can get a new one? I never used that slide switch, so I am think it is odd that it is shorting out. I appreciate any help that I can get.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

On mine I just pulled the fuse for the auto lamps. It's located on the left side of the dash. Easy & FREE.