Sensor on the dash
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 329
Likes: 101
From: Chiggerbranch, MS
Sensor on the dash
Ok, this is my dumb question of the day. In the middle of the dash just under the windshield is a little dome shaped senor with a red led that flashes periodically. What is this sensor? I thought it was ambient light, but the red led flashing makes me think it has something to do with the anti theft feature. So, what be it?
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
The sensor is for the automatic headlights, so yes ambient light... but it also doubles as the status for the alarm system. If its flashing slow the system is armed, if its flashing quickly a door is open, if solid its getting ready to arm (exit delay).
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 329
Likes: 101
From: Chiggerbranch, MS
Thanks JMII, I strongly suspected it was the ambient light control. I have issues with the lights going out at night with the selector set to auto. I have to set the headlights to ON and not Auto to prevent this. I have an extended warranty but playing around with fixing it myself before I go to the dealer. That sensor looks like a bear to get out. Probably have to remove the windshield to get at it. Or worse.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
Mine seems overly sensitive. If a cloud passes overhead the lights come on. Under an overpass? Yep lights are on instantly. Granted my front windshield tinted but its not that dark (or so I thought). Also my 2014 has this bug where dash stays dimmed even after you manually turn the lights off 
I believe there was a TSB for it but can't find it right now.
I believe there was a TSB for it but can't find it right now.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 329
Likes: 101
From: Chiggerbranch, MS
Thanks again JMII. Mine is a 2014 Stingray 3LT. I don't mind the lights coming on in the daytime but when they go out at night that tends to **** a fellow off. Plus being dangerous. When I am in Auto for the lights at night the dash rheostat does not dim or work at all. Then move up to ON and the rheostat works just fine. I am certainly not going to tear into the dash and will present this to the dealer to solve. I am fortunate to have a very good dealer with a good Corvette mechanic on staff.
