Principles of Operation

The autolamp system:

• provides light sensitive on-off control of the lamps normally controlled by the headlamp switch.
• provides increased visibility for occupants when leaving the vehicle by keeping the lamps on for a preselected period of time after the ignition switch is turned OFF.
• uses a preselected time lapse that can be adjusted by the vehicle operator for up to a 3 minute delay.

The system consists of the:

• Headlamp switch
• Light sensor
• Lighting control module (LCM)

For the autolamp system to be operational, the headlamp switch must be in the AUTOLAMPS ON position.

In normal operation:

• The system turns the exterior lamps on when the light available to the light sensor decreases below a predetermined level, such as at sunset.
• The lamps automatically turn off when the level of outside light exceeds a predetermined level, such as during daylight hours.

The light sensor must always be exposed to outside light to function correctly. Do not place any items on the defroster grille panel which may block light to the light sensor and cause erratic operation of the system.

The autolamp time delay control defaults to 20 seconds unless changed by the operator.

Placing the headlamp switch in any other position overrides the autolamps operation. Automatic operation is not possible until the headlamp switch is placed in the AUTOLAMPS ON position.

There is also a feature that turns on the exterior lamps when the windshield wipers are turned on. When the LCM detects a ground signal from the windshield wiper motor (for a predetermined amount of time), the LCM turns the exterior lamps on.