Auto headlights when starting engine

[nivek]

Hey all,

I'm always parked in a garage at home and at work, so the headlights are always ON before starting the car when left on Auto.

Is there a way to set the Passat so that the lights stay OFF until after the engine starts (with the switch on Auto)?

I just sold a RS Megane which does not light up until after ignition.

[Steve]

I don't know... but surely it's easier to just leave the lights on all the time!

[Rocket36]

Auto means if it's dark (or low light), they'll be on. So I'd hazard a guess and say no. But I would also prefer the lights to pause a few seconds too so they aren't subjected to any undue "load" during ignition. If you're worried, switch to off then start, then back to auto. If you're like me, you'll get over it pretty quick and just leave them set to auto.

[Cro]

I leave mine in the on position all the time. So far been nearly 1.5 years without an issue.

[R36 Dreamer]

Hey all,

I'm always parked in a garage at home and at work, so the headlights are always ON before starting the car when left on Auto.

Is there a way to set the Passat so that the lights stay OFF until after the engine starts (with the switch on Auto)?

I just sold a RS Megane which does not light up until after ignition.

Check the MFD, there is settings for the Coming Home and Leaving Home delays.

Not sure if you can set to 0secs, but that would be the easiest way to see if it can be done, short of leaving the lights set to "off"

[Pana]

the light sensor or the software in the passat doesnt seem to be as sensitive compared to other cars - I suppose its a good and bad thing - because when following some Lexus' (Lexii) or higher specced Toyotas, I notice their auto lights go on when they reach an overpass - then turn off a few seconds later when they are in full daylight again - the Passat just leaves the lights off.

[ope126]

the light sensor or the software in the passat doesnt seem to be as sensitive compared to other cars - I suppose its a good and bad thing - because when following some Lexus' (Lexii) or higher specced Toyotas, I notice their auto lights go on when they reach an overpass - then turn off a few seconds later when they are in full daylight again - the Passat just leaves the lights off.

I am pretty sure that it has something to do with the Xenon Headlights.
As they have to be ignited and dance the jig when they first light up... That would be the reason why they are not as sensitive as say a normal halogen light assembly. You do not want your Xenons turning on / off very quickly. I might be wrong but I think that is the way it goes.

But yes I have seen plenty of cars go through small tunnels and the lights tun on, then after a couple of seconds they are off again as they are now out of the smallish tunnel.

I hope my jargan makes sense!

[Rocket36]

By "danciung the jig" I assume you mean the self levelling test they do when you start the car? On or off, the headlights do the self levelling. They won't do it while driving.

Get someone else to start your car in the daylight and watch the headlights. Even though they're off, they still dance the jig.

[logger]

Check the MFD, there is settings for the Coming Home and Leaving Home delays.

Not sure if you can set to 0secs, but that would be the easiest way to see if it can be done, short of leaving the lights set to "off"

I don't think that will help, as that is not how the Coming/Leaving home logic works. I would expect the lights to still turn on if the IGN was On, Lights in Auto & in a dark area regardless of the Coming/Leaving home settings. Coming/Leaving home is to provide convenient lighting when your keys are out of the IGN as you approach or depart the vehicle.

[Pana]

I am pretty sure that it has something to do with the Xenon Headlights.

No, it would be to do with the programming.

Otherwise in Auto function they wouldn't light up going into a tunnel that is say 500m long, and then turn off again when you are out of it.

I've noticed in my car that if you turn on the car when it is still dark (eg early in the morning), the lights come on and stay on even when daylight increases. I have a 30-45min drive to work every day and in winter when I leave home, its dark enough for the lights to come on. I get to work and they are still on - however, when I turn the car off, take the key out of the ignition, then put it back in and turn the car on, its light enough so the lights DON'T go on.

However, when you've turned the car on and its bright enough for no lights, they will turn on-off as needed - except when going through short underpasses where you see the Jap cars keep turning on and off.

[R36 Dreamer]

I don't think that will help, as that is not how the Coming/Leaving home logic works. I would expect the lights to still turn on if the IGN was On, Lights in Auto & in a dark area regardless of the Coming/Leaving home settings. Coming/Leaving home is to provide convenient lighting when your keys are out of the IGN as you approach or depart the vehicle.

Fair Call, It would be impossible to have the lights on Auto and not come on when the ignition is set to on (given the key reverts to the on position after press starting).

I should learn to comprehend posts better before chucking in my 10c worth!!+

[blutopless2]

easiest way to stop it if it bothers u is to turn them off at the switch before you start the car, then switch to auto.

[ope126]

No, it would be to do with the programming.

Otherwise in Auto function they wouldn't light up going into a tunnel that is say 500m long, and then turn off again when you are out of it.

However, when you've turned the car on and its bright enough for no lights, they will turn on-off as needed - except when going through short underpasses where you see the Jap cars keep turning on and off.

True again, as I tried to explain earlier.

I was going through a small underpass (50m) this afternoon infact and there was a Jetta next to me with normal (non-Xenon) headlamps and his lights turned on, then turned off once out. My lights did not turn on at all.

I think the delay for the "lights on" might be slightly longer on Bi-Xenon equipped vehicles, thus to save the quick on/off and save the igniters un-due wear.

Not that this is a concern, I just thought I would share my experience...

[nivek]

I hate starting the car with lights on, I was hoping the lights would at least momentarily switch off and then switch on again after ignition. But I'm just being picky because my old Renault has this function worked out well.

Other than that, the R36 has been a fantastic drive