Auto lights

jumpthewire · 01-05-2012, 06:02 PM

Recently I noticed my Auto lights don't turn on & off. They stay on even in the daylight. Is this a sign of the sensor failing? (i have just under 30k)

With that being said, would a OBD scanner read something like this?
(even though i'm not getting a dash warning?)

Thanks in advance!

psygnosis · 01-05-2012, 06:10 PM

Is the switch turned to the left, to the auto position?

Nikki · 01-05-2012, 06:15 PM

Also, can you confirm they are on during the day in bright daylight? I noticed mine are on during the day even when it is slightly overcast or in shadowy areas.

Jmanscotch · 01-05-2012, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psygnosis

Is the switch turned to the left, to the auto position?

Directly after this obvious question comes mine, is it possible something is covering the sensor (sticker, banner, tint, etc), making it think it's dark 24/7?

jumpthewire · 01-05-2012, 08:19 PM

yes its in the auto position.

it started last week, the reason i noticed is when driving in the parking garage to work. the lights usually kick off when i hit the roof.
*i can usually see them turning off in the building reflection.

also notice when i start the car they turn on and stay on (in bright sunlight)

i don't believe anything is covering the sensor, where exactly is it?

thanks!

Jmanscotch · 01-05-2012, 08:35 PM

I presume it's in the housing at the base of the rearview mirror, along with the rain sensor (it was on my E46) as I don't see any obvious signs of it being on the dash or anything.

If nothing is obstructing it and all else meshes out...seems like a faulty sensor/wiring to me. Not sure on the details of how to verify though.

EDIT: interesting read about the issue on new platforms :http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=591275

CFoote · 01-06-2012, 12:00 PM

The sensor should be near the rain sensor on the windshield itself.

No, and OBD II scanner would not detect this, OBD II scanners are only good for emission items. You would need a BMW Diagnostic tool in order to diagnose this unfortunately...

Chris

01-05-2012, 06:02 PM	#1
jumpthewire First Lieutenant 26 Rep 316 Posts Drives: 2007 silver/grey Z4 3.0si Join Date: May 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	Auto lights Recently I noticed my Auto lights don't turn on & off. They stay on even in the daylight. Is this a sign of the sensor failing? (i have just under 30k) With that being said, would a OBD scanner read something like this? (even though i'm not getting a dash warning?) Thanks in advance!
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01-05-2012, 06:10 PM	#2
psygnosis Major 23 Rep 1,034 Posts Drives: '04 Z4 3.0i Sport Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	Is the switch turned to the left, to the auto position? __________________ Straightaways are for fast cars, Corners are for fast drivers.
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01-05-2012, 06:15 PM	#3
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	Also, can you confirm they are on during the day in bright daylight? I noticed mine are on during the day even when it is slightly overcast or in shadowy areas. __________________ Nikki
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01-05-2012, 08:19 PM	#5
jumpthewire First Lieutenant 26 Rep 316 Posts Drives: 2007 silver/grey Z4 3.0si Join Date: May 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	yes its in the auto position. it started last week, the reason i noticed is when driving in the parking garage to work. the lights usually kick off when i hit the roof. *i can usually see them turning off in the building reflection. also notice when i start the car they turn on and stay on (in bright sunlight) i don't believe anything is covering the sensor, where exactly is it? thanks!
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01-05-2012, 08:35 PM	#6
Jmanscotch is a Texan 49 Rep 387 Posts Drives: '09 135i - 6MT SOLD Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Colorado Springs iTrader: (6)	I presume it's in the housing at the base of the rearview mirror, along with the rain sensor (it was on my E46) as I don't see any obvious signs of it being on the dash or anything. If nothing is obstructing it and all else meshes out...seems like a faulty sensor/wiring to me. Not sure on the details of how to verify though. EDIT: interesting read about the issue on new platforms :http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=591275 __________________ *- Jake* Last edited by Jmanscotch; 01-05-2012 at 08:49 PM..
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01-06-2012, 12:00 PM	#7
CFoote Captain 180 Rep 659 Posts Drives: '22 M5CS, '00 M5, '06 Z4M Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Northeast iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 M5CS [0.00] 2001 BMW 740i [0.00] 2006 BMW M Roadster [0.00] 2012 BMW X6 3.5i [0.00] 2006 BMW 325xi [0.00] 2017 BMW 540xi [0.00] 2000 BMW M5 [0.00] 2001 BMW X5 4.4i [0.00]	The sensor should be near the rain sensor on the windshield itself. No, and OBD II scanner would not detect this, OBD II scanners are only good for emission items. You would need a BMW Diagnostic tool in order to diagnose this unfortunately... Chris __________________ '22 M5CS, '06 Z4M, '01 X5 4.4i, '00 M5, '05 Acura RL, '12 X6 3.5, '01 740, 08 335xi, '17 540xi (yes they all are still with me)
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