Automatic Headlights - On During Daytime Driving Instead of Off

[HBeric]

I have a 2007 Z4MR which has an automatic setting on its headlight switch. I’ve recently noticed that when the switch is in the automatic position, the headlight icon is illuminated in the instrument cluster when driving during the daytime (even on sunny days). So I assume this means the headlights are on, or in night mode (guess I could get out and look - duh), which I don’t think is how automatic is supposed to function. I’m pretty sure the automatic setting worked correctly before with lights off during the day, and lights on at night, and in dark tunnels.

Has anyone experienced this issue before and/or know what is the cause?

If it’s an easy fix, I’ll go ahead and perform it, but if not, I’ll just go old school with manual on/off, which still works as it should.

[Phatty]

my auto headlights dont have a light icon on the dash, if its a blue light icon, you have your brights on.

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by HBeric

I have a 2007 Z4MR which has an automatic setting on its headlight switch. I’ve recently noticed that when the switch is in the automatic position, the headlight icon is illuminated in the instrument cluster when driving during the daytime (even on sunny days). So I assume this means the headlights are on, or in night mode (guess I could get out and look - duh), which I don’t think is how automatic is supposed to function. I’m pretty sure the automatic setting worked correctly before with lights off during the day, and lights on at night, and in dark tunnels.

Has anyone experienced this issue before and/or know what is the cause?

If it’s an easy fix, I’ll go ahead and perform it, but if not, I’ll just go old school with manual on/off, which still works as it should.

First thing I'll check is if your car have the daytime running light feature turned ON and set to headlight. Most have their DRL set to turn on the "angel eyes", but there's an option to turn on the headlight as well. If DRL is off, then the light sensor in the windshield could be at fault.

Originally Posted by Phatty

my auto headlights dont have a light icon on the dash, if its a blue light icon, you have your brights on.

I believed OP is referring to the "light" icon on the dash when the headlights are ON. If your headlights are turned on, this green "light" icon will illuminate in the dash regardless if your light switch position is ON or Auto.

[HBeric]

XMetal yes, I was referring to the green headlight icon in the instrument display.

Will check to see if I have just DRLs on, or everything on when in the automatic setting during the daytime.

My first thought was a sensor too. If it turns out to be a bad sensor, hopefully it’s an easy swap out.

[HBeric]

I did some research and found other posts suggesting the auto headlights sensor is not very sensitive to light, so unless it's a bright, sunny day, they will be on.

I went out for a drive today in bright, sunny weather and sure enough, when the selector was in the Auto position, my headlights were off. Problem solved.

Must have been the gloomy winter weather I was driving in prior that caused my confusion.