[Z06] Automatic Headlights?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
Automatic Headlights?
Sorry, newb question and it's pretty dumb...
OK, I don't know if I've just missed it or what, but do Z06's have automatic headlights?
My headlights only come up when I turn them on manually. I know it knows when it's dark out because when I get in the car at night, the gauges light up. Is there a menu I haven't seen?
Thanks.
OK, I don't know if I've just missed it or what, but do Z06's have automatic headlights?
My headlights only come up when I turn them on manually. I know it knows when it's dark out because when I get in the car at night, the gauges light up. Is there a menu I haven't seen?
Thanks.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 204
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If I remember correctly the Z06's have the automatic light feature turned off from the factory. Everything is still there but its just programmed not to do it. You would have to have a device to activate it. I believe ive read that somewhere on here.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
Hmmm.. OK. That makes sense then. I was wondering why it didn't show me an option for it, but always knew when it's dark out. LOL I didn't go looking for the light sensor because it was just too obvious, but I'm wondering why we don't get the option of turning it on from the DIC.
Any idea if it's a piece of hardware or if it's in the computer somewhere?
Any idea if it's a piece of hardware or if it's in the computer somewhere?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
To have twilight sentinel in a Z06 it must be turned on with a Tech 2. You first need to check that your car has the light sensor installed in the dash. It's located in the vent grill under the windshield. Not all Z06's have had them pre-installed from the factory. Fortunately it's supposed to be real cheap, like around $12.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
What's a tech 2? I definitely have the sensor. It knows when it's dark out. Anywhere dark, when I open the door to my car, the gauges and controls all light up, but it doesn't when there's light out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
First of all, there is supposed to be a dedicated sensor for the twilight sentinel feature but supposedly not all cars have had it pre-installed. I don't know if it is the same one that turns on the interior lights in dark conditions.
A Tech 2 is the diagnostic tool that plugs into the plug under your dash that the dealer uses for computer diagnosing. They're very expensive and primarily only dealers have them because they are otherwise hard to ontain. It is able to change many functions in the car's computer such as the twilight feature, and also installing tire pressure monitiors in Z06's. Ocassionally they pop up in private hands, but not often.
A Tech 2 is the diagnostic tool that plugs into the plug under your dash that the dealer uses for computer diagnosing. They're very expensive and primarily only dealers have them because they are otherwise hard to ontain. It is able to change many functions in the car's computer such as the twilight feature, and also installing tire pressure monitiors in Z06's. Ocassionally they pop up in private hands, but not often.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
Interesting. I'll have to figure this out then. Not sure where the extra sensor would be. I'd think it's a pretty big waste to have 2 ambient light sensors when they'd really only need 1.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
I don't know for sure if there are two sensors or not. If you have the shop manual it might say or you could remove the defroster grille and see what you find. That's where the twilight sensor is supposed to be, maybe it is the same one for the dash lights. Possibly someone on the forum knows the answer to this. The harder thing is finding someone with a Tech 2 (aside from a dealer) who will be able to turn on the feature in the computer. I doubt most dealers would even know this is possible. Unfortunately you are a little too far from me, I have a Tech 2. I never tried doing this on my own car.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
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From: Los Angeles California
Well, it's not that big of a deal. I'd rather have the car I have than a Vette with auto headlights in the first place. I talked to my friend whom has a 2000 Vert and said he doesn't like his auto headlights and keeps it set on manual.
Manual isn't a big deal. I just got used to having auto headlights in other cars. LOL
Manual isn't a big deal. I just got used to having auto headlights in other cars. LOL
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
My wife's Audi and my pickup both have automatic headlights and on those vehicles I really like that feature. On the Vette I never cared because I don't want the lights popping up when they feel like it. I have the PIAA 1100x driving lights and they work well enough at dusk that you don't need the headlights up until actual darkness, and it looks much cooler like that.
