Where are the light sensors for the headlights?

[warhead]

For some reason this bright and sunny afternoon (about 6-7pm, sun still very bright), my car decided to turn the headlights on.

I always leave the switch in the auto position and have never had a problem until today.

I'm wondering the sensor malfunctioned or a leaf fell in the way, but I don't know where it is so I can't check.

[mrx]

Same place as the rain sensor, where the rear view mirror joins the windscreen. Dirty windscreen can sometimes upset it.

[briseos]

Light sensor absolute

The likely explanation is that although there is relatively bright sunshine in your face from your eyes' point of view, the light sensor sees things differently as it looks at the level of ambient light rather than direct light - otherwise it would turn off with headlights shining on it! Consequently, there are situations where the ambient light may be low but the sun is shining fairly horizontally giving your eyes and brain the impression that there is plenty of light because our eyes and brain adjust amazingly well, so the headlight sensor turns the lights on....

Besides, if it is 7pm and coming on to dusk, is there a problem with having your lights on?.... and the sensor (incorporating rain-sensor as well) is well over $1k so don't play with it if you don't have to!

[warhead]

Well I checked there and no bird has dropped its payload directly on it so it should be working fine.

I switched the setting back to auto this morning and the headlights didn't come on.

It's strange though, I drive home roughly at that time every day and it's the first time that the headlights have come on when the sky is still very bright. I feel stupid driving around with my lights on when no one else is :p

[JP-009]

Lights are on...

As a habit from motorcycling, I always drive with my lights on (bike, car, truck).

Active light is always easier to see than passive (reflective) light. This is especially noticable when driving through alternating sunny and shady areas (eg, a row of trees on the side of the road). This also makes it easier for colour-blind people to see you.

There is NO excuse for not 'seeing' a car with it's headlights on. If you didn't see it - you weren't looking.

It doesn't cost you anything to drive with you lights on (oh, sorry, maybe 50 cents for the year in extra fuel consumption). And you have everything to gain in terms of visibility and safety.

Lights are not just for you to see the road - other drivers need to see you as well.

Sorry, just my 2c

[SoVeReIgN]

Yeah I generally always drive around with my headlights on.

You'll find alot of company car / fleet cars have them hardwired on too. (For safety)

[Chardy]

my Bi Zenons stay on permanantly.

there are plenty of pros and no cons I can think of.

[Logzy]

my Bi Zenons stay on permanantly.

there are plenty of pros and no cons I can think of.

This is strange, no offence intended however recently my father has started doing this and my sister commented on it.
She said "He's a bit funny now that he's older, like he now drives with his headlights on during the day."

I found it quite funny.
I wonder if it is an age thing.

[Mr X]

probably more European.

I tend to do it a lot now after experiencing it numerous times over in France and Denmark

Murray

[Mr X]

oh, and btw I think I am classed as 'old'

Murray

[richardnau]

The likely explanation is that although there is relatively bright sunshine in your face from your eyes' point of view, the light sensor sees things differently as it looks at the level of ambient light rather than direct light

I reckon that's true, but I also think the sensor is calibrated to be a bit too sensitive. There are plenty of times recently when my lights have been on in 'broad daylight' (about an hour or so before sunset).

Frankly, I wouldn't trust the dealer to try to adjust the sensitivity so unless I buy a VagCom, I guess I'll just live with it.

[Thomas]

I agree with all those people who drive with their lights on during the day....I don't do it always around the city but when on motorway lights are always on during the day.

[acdcfan]

If my head lights come on becasue light sensor has decided so, so be it .
I don't have a problem to drive with my head light on during the day. It doesn't cost anything...... maybe new halogen in 3 years.
I read, in owners manual, that if head lights come on during the day and you are driving your car over 60km/h it will stay on, but if you keep your speed at 60km/h for few KM (not sure if how many or timewise) they will switch off