auto headlights

You are correct, most cars do not turn the tail lights on when the auto feature is activated for the head lights. Thats why you see people driving around with headlights on but not tail lights but the brake lights still work.

Thanks CJ!!!

i'm pretty sure that my Corolla's tail lights come on automatically, and i used to have a Cobalt that did the same thing. there are two types of auto lights, or that i know of anyways. one where the headlights burn all the time, as on my corolla, and when it gets dark the auto feature turns all the lights on. and the other one, like the colbalt had, wouldn't have anything on during the day, but all on at night.

I guess it depends upon what "auto" means. If there is a little light thing on top of the dash , it can read whether it is night or not, and if it is night time, it will turn on the tail lights, as well as the dash board lights.
Some got it, some don't.

My daytime running lights (in the front) come on automatically whenever my car is running. A sensor turns my headlights and taillights on when it's dark enough to need them. Or, I can override the sensor and turn them on manually.

I have four different vehicles from two different companies that work this way.

Most GM cars started the daytime running lights where the vehicle has the headlights on while operating the vehicle. This can be turned off but the procedure varies with the car. Auto headlights refers to a sensor which turns on all lights, head and tail, when the photo cell is triggered with no light and the headlamp switch is placed in a certain position. Some cars, such as my BMW, have this system built into the OBC and you can tell it when to cut on and off. And you can also delay the time for them to shut off after the vehicle is shutdown for illumination so you can get into your home without the boogers getting you.

quote:

Originally posted by kimberleehel:
I just learned something new. (imagine that) I have the setting for my headlights set on AUTO, I didn't know that the tail lights don't come on automatically also. I don't see my tail lights so, who knew? I can't run out to my car at the moment to try it out, so can someone confirm for me?

You might just get the manual out of the glove compartment and read up on it.

quote:

Originally posted by CrustyMac:

quote:

Originally posted by kimberleehel:
I just learned something new. (imagine that) I have the setting for my headlights set on AUTO, I didn't know that the tail lights don't come on automatically also. I don't see my tail lights so, who knew? I can't run out to my car at the moment to try it out, so can someone confirm for me?

You might just get the manual out of the glove compartment and read up on it.

Darn, why couldn't I have figured that out?

quote:

Originally posted by unclegus:

quote:

Originally posted by CrustyMac:

quote:

Originally posted by kimberleehel:
I just learned something new. (imagine that) I have the setting for my headlights set on AUTO, I didn't know that the tail lights don't come on automatically also. I don't see my tail lights so, who knew? I can't run out to my car at the moment to try it out, so can someone confirm for me?

You might just get the manual out of the glove compartment and read up on it.

Darn, why couldn't I have figured that out?

Hey unclegus. Are the fried turkeys ready?

Stop posing, hooverite! I know it's not really you. It's just breaking my heart, too.

quote:

Originally posted by CrustyMac:

quote:

Originally posted by kimberleehel:
I just learned something new. (imagine that) I have the setting for my headlights set on AUTO, I didn't know that the tail lights don't come on automatically also. I don't see my tail lights so, who knew? I can't run out to my car at the moment to try it out, so can someone confirm for me?

You might just get the manual out of the glove compartment and read up on it.

Yes, I suppose I could do that but, as I stated earlier I couldn't go to my car to check it out. My memory is horrible and I was afraid I would forget about it.

Depends on your car, as stated above. Some have auto lights and no sensor. My Camrys lights are on whenever the car is on, then turn off 20 seconds after you get out, without the sensor. You can get an upgrade to the auto lights that turns them off during the day with the sensor, but I have never had the need. I leave them on all the time and the 'auto' part is the auto shut off 20 seconds after you get out.

Some GMS have the sensor. If your headlights are on without the taillights, its not your headlights, its daytime running lights (DRL - will be in your manual). Some you can turn off by applying the parking brake, by putting the car in park or by turning off the switch. Some you cant turn off at all without turning off the car ignition.

Here is a check, though, for most (if not all) cars (and this is assuming your rear bulbs arent shot). If your dash illumination lights (speedometer, etc) are on, then your tail lights are on. If your headlights are on and your dash lights arent (and they are not dimmed), then its actually your DRL's that are on instead.

It never ceases to amaze me the people that drive with just their DRL's (not turn on their headlights). They are actually only about 30% of the full brightness of your actual dims. You would think people would say 'hey, my headlights are awful dim tonight.'

Kirk

Of course, one could just get their manual out of the car, and read up on it.

Yes, thats the other choice. My wife used to laugh, we'd buy a new vehicle and she would drive it around while I sat in the passenger seat and read about all the cool stuff it did.