Auto Headlights option not working correctly

[J Koelker]

Hello, I have a 2013 Ram 1500 Express. I'm having issues using the Auto feature for my headlights. They simply will not turn on automatically when they should.

A few examples, I have the headlights on Auto, it's completely dark outside and they will not turn on. I attempt driving down the street with them on Auto and they still never come on. However, I have them on Auto during the day and I pull into my garage and finally as I reach the back of the garage, they turn on. How bizarre is that. They auto headlights also work when I turn my wipers on.

Currently I just turn them off and on when I need to but I'd like to use Auto. Does anyone have anything I can check? I know there is a little sensor on the dash by the windshield, could something be wrong with that? Is that replaceable?

Thanks in advance everyone, I do appreciate it.

 

[Ricks Ram]

Hello, I have a 2013 Ram 1500 Express. I'm having issues using the Auto feature for my headlights. They simply will not turn on automatically when they should.

A few examples, I have the headlights on Auto, it's completely dark outside and they will not turn on. I attempt driving down the street with them on Auto and they still never come on. However, I have them on Auto during the day and I pull into my garage and finally as I reach the back of the garage, they turn on. How bizarre is that. They auto headlights also work when I turn my wipers on.

Currently I just turn them off and on when I need to but I'd like to use Auto. Does anyone have anything I can check? I know there is a little sensor on the dash by the windshield, could something be wrong with that? Is that replaceable?

Thanks in advance everyone, I do appreciate it.

Yes that is the sensor for your auto headlights and you can replace it. The little grill looking piece its mounted in just pops out and then you can remove the sensor. I'm not sure if that is your problem since it seems to work in your garage but it's not expensive to change. The only time I have seen people have problems with the auto headlights is in some cases when they install certain radios.

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[patchelect]

Try covering the sensor and see what happens? Did you change your grille or anything else in front that may be reflecting back at the sensor?

I've had auto headlights on many vehicles in the past and they either go on and off when passing under a bridge or don't go on until it's too dark for my liking. I've given up and just use manual.

 

[J Koelker]

Thanks for the information Ricks Ram. I'll definitely see if I can find a part #/name for that sensor.

I haven't changed the radio or anything. I'm the second owner and it's been like this since I bought it. Not a necessity to have it working but definitely would like to see it work. They built it into the truck so there isn't a reason it shouldn't work.

Another test I tried was covering it with something, don't recall what as I tried that a while ago. I may need to actually put something thick over it to not let any light in at all.

I'll see if I can find any YouTube videos with anyone else replacing it. Thanks all.

 

[Ricks Ram]

Thanks for the information Ricks Ram. I'll definitely see if I can find a part #/name for that sensor.

I haven't changed the radio or anything. I'm the second owner and it's been like this since I bought it. Not a necessity to have it working but definitely would like to see it work. They built it into the truck so there isn't a reason it shouldn't work.

Another test I tried was covering it with something, don't recall what as I tried that a while ago. I may need to actually put something thick over it to not let any light in at all.

I'll see if I can find any YouTube videos with anyone else replacing it. Thanks all.

Definitely try covering the sensor with a towel and see if it works. The sensor itself is not expensive and it's easy to change. This is a picture of the one that came in my 14 Express. It should be the same part number as yours. Part# 68230115AA. I changed it because I added the automatic temperature control and they take a different suns sensor. If you change it just gently start prying up on the grill with something that is not going to scratch your dash and it will pop right off so you can get to the actual sensor.

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[J Koelker]

That is fantastic. Thanks so much for providing all of that information and pictures. I'll get that part ordered and after testing it, I'll let you guys know the results. Thanks again.

 

[J Koelker]

Well, I ordered the $28.00 part at my local dodge dealer and replaced it this afternoon. Lights are working as expected now with the Auto function. It took all of a couple minutes to replace it. Thanks again for providing the part number and help.

 

[HEINEKEN]

Hi the problem with u headlights turn on when you used the wipers can be turn off on the cluster settings

 

[Daw14]

Hi the problem with u headlights turn on when you used the wipers can be turn off on the cluster settings

What are you trying to say? Your head lights come on with the wipers? If so it may be your tipm has corrosion issues. Or ask again in a more understandable way.

 

[Ricks Ram]

You can turn the headlights with wiper feature on and off in the settings menu. Not sure if that was the question or not.

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