Blinking red light

[Dad0220]

What is associated with the blinking red light on the dashboard? Besides being part of the anti-theft function does it have anything to do with automatic headlights? I was told that there was a sensor that turned the headlights on automatically if the dashboard switch was in the auto on position. The headlights on my 2004 Explorer work fine but not in the automatic mode even after I changed the head light switch. I was also wondering what the switch was called because if I can get one out of the dashboard at the bone yard I might have to go to the dealer depending on what the part costs.
I was also told that the automatic headlight sensor was incorporated in my rear view mirror somehow but to be honest, I'm rather skeptical.
All input/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Like I said all the lights work manually but I'd like to be able to use the automatic feature since that option is available.

 

[dvdswan]

I have an 02 Explorer XLT with auto headlamps, I'll take a look but don't recall a red blinking light on the dashboard.

 

[dvdswan]

I don't have a red blinking light on the dashboard. The only sensor I have is the little dome on the dashboard that is just at the base of the windshield centered on the dashboard. It's about a 1/2" in diameter. No sensor on my rearview mirror since I don't have an auto dimmer rearview mirror.

 

[Dad0220]

I don't have a red blinking light on the dashboard. The only sensor I have is the little dome on the dashboard that is just at the base of the windshield centered on the dashboard. It's about a 1/2" in diameter. No sensor on my rearview mirror since I don't have an auto dimmer rearview mirror.

I have the little dome with the blinking red light too and read that the headlight sensor was incorporated into that somehow. I have a sensor on my rear view mirror but that’s for the auto dimmer function that works when I press the button on the mirror itself and the green light goes on.
Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

 

[J_C]

Edit: This info might be wrong: No, the blinking dash light has nothing to do with headlights, just the PATS security system.

The sensor is either at the front edge of your dash, or it seems possibly for your model year, in a recess in the rearview mirror, on the back of it (frontward facing away from the driver). Shine a flashlight through the windshield from the outside to have a look. A sensor facing the front, is not for auto-dimming, because that function works even when it is someone behind you with bright headlights, which it could not sense if facing forward.

Are you new to this vehicle? Is there a button(s) or slider on the rearview mirror, which if in the wrong position, will disable auto-headlights? I would check the owner's manual.

 

[Dad0220]

No, the blinking dash light has nothing to do with headlights, just the PATS security system.

The sensor is either at the front edge of your dash, or it seems possibly for your model year, in a recess in the rearview mirror, on the back of it (frontward facing away from the driver). Shine a flashlight through the windshield from the outside to have a look. A sensor facing the front, is not for auto-dimming, because that function works even when it is someone behind you with bright headlights, which it could not sense if facing forward.

Are you new to this vehicle? Is there a button(s) or slider on the rearview mirror, which if in the wrong position, will disable auto-headlights? I would check the owner's manual.

Good morning,
Thanks for the information. Yes, I just got the vehicle back in October and there is no slider on the rear view mirror. Just a button that turns on a little green light to let you know the dimming mirror is operating.
Maybe I need to get a new mirror from the junkyard and try that. But I’ve heard it’s a pain in the neck to remove them from the windshield without a special tool.
Either way, I’ll give it a shot.
Thanks again.

 

[J_C]

I'd still look in the owner's manual but to remove the mirror you probably only need a hex or torx driver to loosen the set screw that holds it firm against the puck thing that's glued to the windshield, then it slides up and off that, and the electrical connector just has a little tab that gets pushed in, if your fingers are too large to get it done then a small screwdriver or pick or needle nose pliers might work.

 

[Dad0220]

I'd still look in the owner's manual but to remove the mirror you probably only need a hex or torx driver to loosen the set screw that holds it firm against the puck thing that's glued to the windshield, then it slides up and off that, and the electrical connector just has a little tab that gets pushed in, if your fingers are too large to get it done then a small screwdriver or pick or needle nose pliers might work.

I went to the bone yard earlier today and got two mirrors.
I put black tape over the sensor on each of them, plugged them in one at a time, put my headlight switch on auto mode and nothing happened.
Based on what I’ve read and the other issues I’m having it appears as if I have either a bad ground or broken/ corroded wire.
That’s my next project.
Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it.

 

[J_C]

No, the blinking dash light has nothing to do with headlights, just the PATS security system.

I might be wrong about this. I overlooked that you wrote that the red blinking light is in the dome. I was referring to a red blinking light on the dash, near the speedometer and other gauges.

 

[Dad0220]

I might be wrong about this. I overlooked that you wrote that the red blinking light is in the dome. I was referring to a red blinking light on the dash, near the speedometer and other gauges.

I think I have a wiring issue. The interior lights don’t go on when you open the door, the radio stays on when you turn off the key, and the auto lights don’t work. I traced wires in the driver’s side from the dashboard to the third row seating looking for a break but didn’t find anything. I’m going to put it all back together and check the passenger side.
If I don’t find a break I’m going to check the door latches starting in the driver’s side. I’ve read that that could be the problem too.
I live in Willow Springs, a suburb of Chicago and I don’t have a garage so I’m working outside. It bothers me and I want to make it right but unfortunately the weather isn’t in my favor.

 

[J_C]

Agreed, a door latch or a frayed wire in the door hinge boot seems likely for the lights and radio, though I can't recall anyone having an auto-lights issue related to this... but that doesn't mean it can't happen.