Adding automatic headlighs on

[ioldsnut]

Has anyone tried to add automatic headlights to a 2011SE model? How hard a job is it? What kind of kit did you use? Where do you get it?

 

Thanks guys...

[cjd3]

There are 2 ways of doing it. One get your dealer to turn on the DRL option next time you are in for service. It will require am upload so it will take some time.

You can also put electrical tape over the sensor that is front and center of the dashboard. However, your dashboard will always be dimmed, which makes it hard to read in the day, especially in the sunlight, and especially if you are wearing sunglasses.

 

Or you can do what I do and turn the knob every time i get into the vehicle.

[onewaps]

or you can try DEI545T AUTO HEADLIGHT SYSTEM just added it to my 2010 edge and it works perfect here the link http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CJ24YY/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00 bought it for $30 and paid $100 to get it installed

[candurin]

Usually (more often than not), all the "guts" of the system is installed, you only need to change the headlight selection knob to one with the auto headlight option included (or mod the switch to turn clockwise one additional step).

 

Looks like this might be it (check with your local dealer for part number):

 

http://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts/ford-switch-asy-headlam_sw-6805.html

 

or you can buy on the bay:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOTORCRAFT-SW-6805-Switch-Headlight-/180890669719?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a1dec9297&vxp=mtr

 

I don't gurantee it will work, but if you look at other ford forums (taurus, escape), people added auto headlight function just by changing the switch (I did it on my 04 taurus and it worked just fine).

Edited June 29, 2012 by candurin

[onewaps]

even with the switch you would still need the sensor to detect when its dark,best thing to do is use the DEI545T it can even be programed to turn on anytime your wipers come on

[ioldsnut]

Interesting ideas guys... I called a stereo shop this week and they quoted 150 bucks parts and labor for the DEI system. I just dont like the switch or external sensor they offer. I would rather have the factory switch and sensor if that would work as a plug and play. Has anybody tried to install the factory stuff on an 2011?

 

Thanks again...

[Waldo]

The headlamp switch feeds into the Smart Junction Box. So you would likely have to reprogram that to turn the autolamp feature on. It's also quite likely that you don't have the extra wire in the circuit for the autolamp position on the switch. But if you want to check, the connector going into the back of the headlight switch needs 9 wires for autolamps. If you only have 8, you'll have to run another one.

Edited July 9, 2012 by Waldo

[ioldsnut]

Thanks Waldo,,, How difficult is it to take the switch out to see?... This is my first Ford and I've never worked on em before.

[Waldo]

Thanks Waldo,,, How difficult is it to take the switch out to see?... This is my first Ford and I've never worked on em before.

 

Just pop the side panel off the IP. You can probably see the wires from there, but if not, the switch just has a couple plastic tabs that you can squeeze and it will pop out.