Auto high beam delayed activation

[JoshT_85]

Not sure if this should go hear or the issues section. Posting here because it may be a design feature and not al operation, is some simple cause I'm overlooking because I'm not familiar with the truck.

Got a 21 F-150 XL with the halogen headlamps (I'll be fixing that eventually, but can't right now). I live out away from town with out much traffic, housing, or street lamps for the first half of my drive, few miles through town then back in rural area again. Definitely like using the high beams.

Have decided that I kind of like using the auto high beam when out side of town, and just flip to manual when in town to keep it from constantly switching. Problem is for most of the first 15 miles of my commute, the auto high beams don't work. They start working about the time I get into town and don't need them any more.

Were talking about driving at 5am with the moon out of sight. No oncoming oreading traffic, only vehicle in sight. No street lights or lighting from houses. Nothing that I can notice that would keep them from working. Pull up to a stop sign on the edge of town and they decide to start working.

Is there anything simple that I should/can check before going to the dealer to ask? Also is it possible to make truck default to manual headlights, then I can switch to auto when desired?

Have Forscan and cable from messing with other vehicles, but I haven't hooked it up to the F-150 yet since it is still well within warranty. Only 18k miles and Dad bought the extended warranty with the truck.

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[Henfield]

Only time I had a "problem" with auto high beam was after an update or two which "reset" the system. Shutting lights on and off ie rebooting the auto mode was the solution. Also check the head unit setting. Seen that "adjusted" by OTA updates.

 

[SilverPigeon]

...Is there anything simple that I should/can check before going to the dealer to ask?...

You could check your light sensor (the black blob behind the centre tray on the dash) for obstruction or cleaning.

...Also is it possible to make truck default to manual headlights, then I can switch to auto when desired?...

Yes, set headlamp switch to "last known instead of "auto" makes it remember the choice on ignition off and come back with the same at ignition on. Use easy mode and in the BCM, look for:
"Headlamps Position At Ignition On" or similar.

 

[Kanuck]

I was under the impression that the black bulb on the dash was to turn the lights on. The auto high beam was controlled by the camera behind the rear view mirror.

I find mine turn back on to fast after turning off for a car passing and another approaching. I would like a 4 to 5 second delay before they change back to high beam.

If you manually turn on then off the brights, the auto high beam will shut off till next key cycle or you flash your lights manually.

 

[SilverPigeon]

I was under the impression that the black bulb on the dash was to turn the lights on. The auto high beam was controlled by the camera behind the rear view mirror...

You're right Don; I shouldn't post comments after midnight

 

[jhelrey]

I wish they turned on before 33MPH.

 

[Gator9329]

I wasn't aware there was a speed limit involved with their operation.

Mine seen to auto bright very rarely.
I find I want them to come on way more often then they do.
Is there a sensitivity setting for them?

 

[SilverPigeon]

...Is there a sensitivity setting for them?

Not that I've found.

 

[JoshT_85]

Only time I had a "problem" with auto high beam was after an update or two which "reset" the system. Shutting lights on and off ie rebooting the auto mode was the solution. Also check the head unit setting. Seen that "adjusted" by OTA updates.

I'll try turning them off and back on int he morning and see if that makes any difference.

You could check your light sensor (the black blob behind the centre tray on the dash) for obstruction or cleaning. Yes, set headlamp switch to "last known instead of "auto" makes it remember the choice on ignition off and come back with the same at ignition on. Use easy mode and in the BCM, look for:
"Headlamps Position At Ignition On" or similar.

I have no black blob on the center tray behind (or in front of) the tray. I've seen it in some pictures, but this truck does not have it.

I've seen the setting. After thinking about it for a bit, I guess the only defaut position that makes sense is auto. On auto it'll select the right mode for light conditions when I start the truck. If I set it to last known and leave the lights on when I climb out in the morning (do that some times in my car) then I'll be driving around with them on all afternoon without thinking about it. Ok, I wouldn't really, I'd notice the lights on when I keyed on the ignition and switch them off right quick. Still auto seem like the more intuitive setting to leave them in. I'll probably just leave auto as default and keep switching to manual when driving through town.

I did turn off DRLs so atleast I'm not running around with those whining all day. DRLs are not required here and I've never cared for it styling wise. The implementation on the LED head lights isn;t terrible, but on these halogens it isn't the most astethic IMO.

I was under the impression that the black bulb on the dash was to turn the lights on. The auto high beam was controlled by the camera behind the rear view mirror.

I don't think that the black blob turns the lights on. My truck definitely has the auto headlights. They so auto turn on and off with light, even if the auto high beam doesn't always seem to work right. Best I can tell I do not have the "black blob" on the dash. Maybe all the auto headlight stuff is uses that upper camera. I'll check that area and make sure it's properly cleaned and if that makes a difference.

 

[JoshT_85]

I have no black blob on the center tray behind (or in front of) the tray. I've seen it in some pictures, but this truck does not have it.

I was wrong about that. Found the blob this morning. Was looking closer to the windshield, where some.pictures seemed to show it, but it's tucked right into the front of the tray.

 

[cujet]

The useless auto highbeams annoy me so much in my neighborhood, I simply move the headlight switch to manual and control them the old way, like God intended.

The auto system cycles high-low-high-low-high-low non stop, as I'm driving home at 3AM with nobody else in sight. Absolutely Infuriating.

When in auto, I often can't get the high beams to come on no matter how many times I move the stalk. I can hold it 'aft' and the highs come on, but can't navigate the rural roads that way.

 

[SilverPigeon]

...When in auto, I often can't get the high beams to come on no matter how many times I move the stalk. I can hold it 'aft' and the highs come on, but can't navigate the rural roads that way.

I'd say then that there's something wrong with the stalk; mine has never played up when in auto and manually pushing the stalk away to go to high beam

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