Help requested on autolamp

[jaw94087]

I.ve got a 2002 Explorer with the autolamp feature that turns on the headlights when it's dark. The problem is that the lights go on way too early, or even if I'm driving down a shady street. Earlier Explorers had an adjustment on the rearview mirror. Unfornuately, that control on the 2002 is no longer present on the mirror. Does any know if there is an adjustment some where else?

Thanks

 

[Alec]

Welcome!

Stupid question: Have you tried the owner's manual?

 

[jaw94087]

The owners manual does not have any useful information on the subject. I've also spoken to a Ford service tech, who couldn't shed some light on the subject. I find it hard to believe that there isn't some adjustment somewhere, particularily since there use to be.

 

[Robert]

I haven't been in a 2002 but have you looked real closely all around the edge of your mirror for a 1/8" hole? On my '97, it is on the lower edge, just left of center.

 

[psychotic]

My 96 has an "adjuster" on the rearview mirror. FYI...its not for when the lights turn on... its to adjust how long your lights stay on after you shut off the car.

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

I think 2002 is the first year that Ford has the autolamp without the electrochromic (auto-dimming) mirror. If that's the case, check at the black thingy that is in front of the mirror, there's probably a button or something you can set.

 

[MONMIX]

I just went through this. It is not in the owners manual but on the bottom side of your mirror is a tiny hole. You'll need an unfolded paper clip to do this. If I recall , you put the slider switch to off , then turn the ignition on put the paper clip in the little hole the head lights will flash , slide the slider , that will adjust the setting.
I think that is what I did. Do a search " Auto-on headlights " you'll see where I asked the same question and got an answer a few lines down.
But it does work.

 

[jaw94087]

Thank you for the reply, unfortunately the ‘02 Explorers no longer have the slider on the mirror, or for that matter a small hole underneath. The new Explorers use a dedicated photo-sensor for the autolamp located laterally on the middle of the dash and about one inch from the windshield. As an aside, my previous ’95 Explorer had the sensor adjustment arrangement as you described, which is why I’d be surprised if there is not some sensitivity adjustment somewhere.

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Well, what's the little black box that is in front of the mirror then?

 

[blichy]

Originally posted by '96explorereddiebauer
Well, what's the little black box that is in front of the mirror then?

He is talking about an '02...

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

That's what I'm talking about. There aren't black boxes in front of the mirror for the 2nd generation Explorers because they're built into the autodimming/autolamp mirror. If you have time, drive by the Ford dealer and look at the XLT models and you'll understand what I'm talking about. The mirror is a standard day/night mirror with a tab at the bottom of the mirror, but if you look very very closely, there's a little black box with a wire that goes right into the ceiling. It is right in front and a little above the mirror. You can't see it if you're sitting in the driver seat, you gotta move your head toward the windshield. Once you get there, you'll know what I'm talking about.

 

[blichy]

Originally posted by '96explorereddiebauer
That's what I'm talking about.

My bad--I hadn't noticed those before this afternoon (or had forgotten about it.

 

[jaw94087]

The little box behind the mirror, I believe, is the electronic compass and not related to the mirror.