Everything Electrical & Electronic Have an electrical problem? Lighting, Alternators, gauges, DIC, HUD, etc? Post it here. Please post Audio problems in the Audio forum, and Engine control problems in the appropriate Mechanical forum for your year.

Auto Headlights

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-26-2005, 09:47 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Posts like a Supercharger
Thread Starter
 
MadSam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Western New York
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
MadSam is on a distinguished road
Default Auto Headlights

On my 1996 SSEi, it seems my daytime running lights work, but the twilight sentinel doesn't. Also, and more importantly, my headlights go on by themselves at night, but less than a couple minutes later, they go off. Almost seems like the auto headlight feature is working off the twilight sentinel or something.

If anyone has a clue as to what the problem is, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you..
Old 04-26-2005, 12:57 PM
  #2  
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS

Expert Gearhead
 
BillBoost37's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Enfield, CT
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
BillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of light
Default

Try pulling the headlight switch to the on position then pull the twilight sentinel forward. The **** should pull off the plastic shaft. If the shaft comes with the ****, your shaft is broken and that'* the twilight problem. They seem to be common.

On the automatic lights at night it sounds like there is a problem in the circuit. The sensor is telling the system it is dark out but then turning the lights back off.

Odd... This is a JR/Bill type of question.
Old 04-26-2005, 08:23 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
Posts like a Supercharger
Thread Starter
 
MadSam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Western New York
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
MadSam is on a distinguished road
Default

Originally Posted by BillBost37
Try pulling the headlight switch to the on position then pull the twilight sentinel forward. The **** should pull off the plastic shaft. If the shaft comes with the ****, your shaft is broken and that'* the twilight problem. They seem to be common.
O.K. , I checked it, and it seems to be fine. I'm thinking maybe the switch is bad, internally, because it seems to be looser than my brother'*, and my older Bonnies .

I'll wait for more input from the pros on the forums before I make any moves.

Thanks, Sam.............
Old 04-26-2005, 10:08 PM
  #4  
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS

Expert Gearhead
 
BillBoost37's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Enfield, CT
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
BillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of light
Default

Sam... I've mastered the switch and connector lately. Mine was melted. Yeah.. both switch and connector. Had a wire that had gotten pulled and corroded, caused a bad connection..heated up and cooked.

I picked up two nearly complete at the local yard. Took mine apart to replace the twilight dimmer snout broken on one of them and replaced the screw tab on the other. Had them apart in every way. Not very tricky or fancy.

If your twilight shaft wasn't broken then I'd suspect either a wire or the potentiometer of the twilight dried out and isn't making contact. Still not sure on your automatic headlights though.

BTW if you need a switch, take yours out and match it at the parts store. Advance got two of them in for me because the first didn't fit the sentinel...neither did the second...thats why I went to junkyard for them.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
siirblazealot
Oldsmobile
7
01-05-2015 11:10 AM
Geforce
1992-1999
3
06-02-2009 02:54 PM
BBrown
Everything Electrical & Electronic
3
04-23-2008 08:09 AM
CMNTMXR57
Bonneville GXP/ Northstar Powered Cars
9
04-30-2007 12:24 AM



Quick Reply: Auto Headlights



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:57 PM.