Auto Headlights MS3 GT

[HAVOC]

Anyone know where the sensor is. When I first got the car, the lights would turn off shortly after sunrise. Now they stay on for my entire commute, 1 hour commute. Want to make sure that nothing is blocking or dirty. Thanks.

 

[Sacrilicious]

it's right in the middle of the dash waaaay up by the windshield.

 

[lelola]

it's right in the middle of the dash waaaay up by the windshield.

I don't think that's right...
The "boob" on the dash by the windshield is the sensor for the automatic climate control.

The sensor for the auto headlights is behind the rearview mirror. Take a look from the outside of the car at this location and you'll be able to see the sensor...

 

[HAVOC]

cool thanks lelola, I tried to cover the round thing in the center of the dash and the lights did not come on. I will check out the mirror. Thanks

 

[Rivman]

it's right in the middle of the dash waaaay up by the windshield.

? ? ? ? ?
According to the '08 M3 manual, there are two sensors for Auto AC. One is located in the centre of the dash (sunlight) and the other (interior temperature) is just by the ignition switch.
(p.6-13 '08 owners manual).
The headlight sensor is located in the upper centre of the windshield - it also doubles as the rain sensor for auto-wiper control (p. 5-51 '08 owners manual).
The timing for turning on the headlights, other exterior lights, and dashboard illumination
can be delayed by adjusting the sensitivity of the light sensor,
. . . but Mr. Mazda is the only one authorized to play with it ! (attn)

 

[xcoldr1cex]

anyone know what wire to tap if you wanted to add lights that would turn on with the interior illumination?

 

[icspots]

anyone know what wire to tap if you wanted to add lights that would turn on with the interior illumination?

Dome light wire or maplight wire.

 

[xcoldr1cex]

i meant with the auto lights when it gets dark out - the dome light doesn't come on when it gets dark out.

 

[staples187]

i meant with the auto lights when it gets dark out - the dome light doesn't come on when it gets dark out.

No, but you could make that way if you want too... (rockon)

 

[icspots]

i meant with the auto lights when it gets dark out - the dome light doesn't come on when it gets dark out.

Well in my defense "Interior Illumination" could be the dome light. Tap it off of the lit ring around the cigarette lighter..... or if it's something with a high power draw then use a relay and have the ring be the signal source.

 

[Oxymoron]

Anyone know where the sensor is. When I first got the car, the lights would turn off shortly after sunrise. Now they stay on for my entire commute, 1 hour commute. Want to make sure that nothing is blocking or dirty. Thanks.

Mine is doing the same thing. Took it to the dealership twice and they couldnt recreate the problem. Hopefully there is a fix out there.

 

[HAVOC]

No fix yet, the light was still on at 8:40am this morning with sunny day, yet last week when it rained and grey and cloudy out it would not come on.

 

[Oxymoron]

Recall!!!!!!!!! Lol

 

[Oxymoron]

I finally took my car to the mazda dealer during the day with the lights still on. They just called and said the Mazda tech line had never heard of this problem. They recommended changing the rain sensor and some junction box (I think). I'll report back if that fixed it.

 

[2ManyCars]

Mine started doing this this morning. It seems related to the amount of time the lights have been on. I say that because if I start the car and then cover/uncover the sensor it does the right thing. But if the lights are on for very long they seem to just stay on even after it gets sunny...