daylight sensor: how to make it more sensitive?

[Timthom62]

Originally Posted by *Ed8r*

My question is, how does the sensor work? Does it detect angle of rays or overall brightness or what?

The light sensor, mounted on the center of the dash facing forward, works off overall brightness. The Body Control Module sends a 5 volt signal to the light sensor and the sensor provides a variable ground resistance to that signal based on ambient light level, with less resistance to ground at lighter ambient conditions.

Short of getting into the wiring in the dash and adding a resistor in the ground side of the circuit, about all you can do is try to 'spoof' the sensor into thinking it's darker than it is. The most innovative solution I've seen so far was the Titanium I saw a few months ago where they had placed a lens from a pair of (broken) sunglasses over the sensor.

It would be great if we were able to vary the sensitivity of the light sensor in the message center, as not everyone wants the same settings.

[*Ed8r*]

Great idea about the sunglasses lens! And I just happen to have a pair that are scratched and ready to be disposed of, so I'll try it and report back . . .

Thanks!


* Oh, and many thanks also for giving me a basic idea of how it functions. I was thinking that knowing the principle might help me think of a way to "spoof" it, but you provided that thought as well!

[*Ed8r*]

Originally Posted by vluc

Where is the sensor located?

It's a slightly domed square shape in the very center between sections of the vent openings, virtually up against the windshield.

[bawxcar]

Mine come in when it's just getting dark. Then again I didn't see the point in having my headlights on before yet I could see.. But people would high beam on account that I didn't have them on. Iuno, perhaps my eyes function better then others? Lol

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[Timthom62]

Originally Posted by *Ed8r*

Great idea about the sunglasses lens! And I just happen to have a pair that are scratched and ready to be disposed of, so I'll try it and report back . . .

Thanks!


* Oh, and many thanks also for giving me a basic idea of how it functions. I was thinking that knowing the principle might help me think of a way to "spoof" it, but you provided that thought as well!

You're welcome.

I just wish I'd taken a picture of the car that I saw with the lens on it or had looked a little harder to try to figure out how they kept it from sliding around in a turn. There was nothing obvious, so maybe they used double-backed tape or something.

Please let us know how it works out for you.

EDIT: It should be noted that on vehicles equipped with the Dual Automatic Temperature Control (DATC) system, the light sensor also serves as a 'sunload' sensor for the airconditioning system and supplies information to the HVAC module proportional to the intensity of the sun on the vehicle.

If you're 'spoofing' the light sensor, it may also result in the cabin temp being a bit warmer (or at least slower to cool to set temp) on sunny days.

[bawxcar]

Wow... That's different. I'd have never expected that.

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[BetaDnB]

Originally Posted by bawxcar

Mine come in when it's just getting dark. Then again I didn't see the point in having my headlights on before yet I could see.. But people would high beam on account that I didn't have them on. Iuno, perhaps my eyes function better then others? Lol

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You do know that headlights aren't just so you can see, but also so people can see you, right? If not, [insert your God here] save us all!

I agree I'd like to see them come on sooner. I might try the tint thing, but that's a tight area to work in.

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[bawxcar]

Originally Posted by BetaDnB

You do know that headlights aren't just so you can see, but also so people can see you, right? If not, [insert your God here] save us all!

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If you can't see, you shouldn't be driving..

However, I do see your point against me not having my lights on at the appropriate time. But the times I'm talking about are where it's mostly daylight out still and they "flash" me. I drove with my halos on all the time anyways.

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[BetaDnB]

Originally Posted by bawxcar

If you can't see, you shouldn't be driving..

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You're kidding right? Maybe you've never noticed how some colors are hard(er) to see at different times of the day. Maybe you've never noticed how motorcycles are required to always have the headlight on...so they can be seen easier. Maybe you just got your license and/or weren't taught well?

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[bawxcar]

I've never been in an accident.. Why get upset about someone else's views?.. I see black cars just the same as red and yellow. Easily. They all have reflectors here in Canada. ;-)

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