Headlight Auto Feature - I am confused

[AD1787]

I am really surprised that while the headlights are in the Auto setting and then turn on by themselves that there isn't an indication somewhere that lets me know they are on.

Yes I realize at night in the Auto setting I can obviously tell they are on but on an overcast day like today I would like to know if other drivers can see me.

Also the manual warns against turning your car off and always leaving it in the Auto setting because it may drain the battery. Huh? I have it set to turn off in 30 seconds how can it drain my battery?

Do I have a light burned out in my info console or is this just something you put up with and do you all leave your lights in Auto and turn off car?

Thanks

[tigerclaws1318]

I usually have my on the auto too but with the fog lights on the on position too. When the fog lights are on it will show you on the speedo indicating its on. I use that as my reference along with my nav screen that changes background colors when the headlights are on.

[zoomie]

You can tell the headlights are on when the soft orange ambient light is on that is located in the overhead console. At night, it shines down near the cup holders but during the day, you can see it lit up. When it is lit up, you know the headlights are on.

[AD1787]

I knew you all would have the answers. Thanks so much

I think a simple indication on the center display would nice. Maybe the 2009 model?

I had daytime running lights for 6 years and it is something I really miss. I sure would like to see that on future models at least as a feature I can turn on/off

[nordy]

Look at your analogue clock in the center console, big giveaway when driving as its bright when the lights come on.

[tytamto]

Look at your analogue clock in the center console, big giveaway when driving as its bright when the lights come on.

Unfortunately only visible at night... therefore not useful during the most enigmatic daylight hours.

I like the amber roof light best, since I hate it when people use fog lights unless in heavy rain or fog. The scattered light that fogs emit really bothers my eyes, especially at night. Never understood why people use them when they are not needed. Other countries have laws against it.

I also would prefer to have an indicator light on the dash to tell me that the headlights are on.

Regardless, I love my M45. Best car I have owned to date.

[AD1787]

Ok, I found about a dozen visual clues the headlights are on. Cigarrette lighter light is easy for me to see. That little light around the sunroof switches I couldn't for the life of me figure out what that was for. LOL. I didn't realize it was shinning down on the cup holders.

I am still wondering what the harm in leaving the lights to "auto" could do. The manual warns against it but w/ my delay set at 30 seconds I can't see how it's a problem

Thanks again

[NightWatch]

I knew you all would have the answers. Thanks so much

I think a simple indication on the center display would nice. Maybe the 2009 model?

I had daytime running lights for 6 years and it is something I really miss. I sure would like to see that on future models at least as a feature I can turn on/off

Actually my 2008 M35 Sport has a headlight indicator on the dash panel just below the spedometer. Its a green light that looks like two headlights. Maybe this was the first year for that...not sure.

[antzrus]

During daylight hours (night time is a dead give away... yes?) I can tell if my lights are on by shifting my eyes about a quarter of an inch inside my scull to the left and down about 40 degrees. There is a stalk sticking conveniently out of the steering column (go ahead, take some time, look for it-you'll see it there...ok?). On it is an indicator that shows whether the lights are on, in auto, fog lights etc.

It may take you some time reading the manual and locating the switch and then attempting to remember what the symbols mean. But do it-you can. Maybe...

[M4T5]

During daylight hours (night time is a dead give away... yes?) I can tell if my lights are on by shifting my eyes about a quarter of an inch inside my scull to the left and down about 40 degrees. There is a stalk sticking conveniently out of the steering column (go ahead, take some time, look for it-you'll see it there...ok?). On it is an indicator that shows whether the lights are on, in auto, fog lights etc.

It may take you some time reading the manual and locating the switch and then attempting to remember what the symbols mean. But do it-you can. Maybe...

I'm glad you said it! Was thinking the same thing! Oh, by the way, just leave the light position in AUTO! They will come on when they are needed and you will have to worry no more! Though, leave the fog lights in the ON position. Then Tytamto will know we all are thinking of him!

J

[tytamto]

I'm glad you said it! Was thinking the same thing! Oh, by the way, just leave the light position in AUTO! They will come on when they are needed and you will have to worry no more! Though, leave the fog lights in the ON position. Then Tytamto will know we all are thinking of him!

J

I feel the love!

[AD1787]

Ok knuckleheads. I was going to leave one jib go but two....

Reread my first post, please

"I am really surprised that while the headlights are in the Auto setting and then turn on by themselves that there isn't an indication somewhere that lets me know they are on."

And then the next post by me, I found about a half dozen indicators that tell me when the ligts turn on in the "auto" feature during the day

Im glad you all got a little chuckle, anywas

[antzrus]

I feel the love!

Yes, feel the lo ve!! If not, we can arrange for some Pro zac..!

Did you find the stalk connected to the steering column?

[AD1787]

ok wiseguys, since my post seems to be back on the top again how about someone answering an original question in my first post

"I am still wondering what the harm in leaving the lights to "auto" could do. The manual warns against it but w/ my delay set at 30 seconds I can't see how it's a problem"

[tkeskic]

AD1787I have left my on auto since Oct 2005, and never had an issue - I read the same warning in the manual and felt it was battery run down they were worried about, I have left the car for weeks at a time, and no issue starting the car;

If there is something to be concerned with, I'm not concerned with it - after 3 + years now - it has never left the auto position...

I can say, its nice to be able to turn on the high beams when in auto (and needed) - I have a MB that I have to switch to "on" from the "auto" position in order to get high beams to work - it was nice of Infiniti to let us use high beams when in auto mode!

tk

[AD1787]

thanks. I'll do the "auto" from now

[candymanfb]

I leave mine strictly in the "on" position with fog lights. They all turn off once I open my door! No issues yet.

[antzrus]

OMG!! I've been so used to just turning the lights on and off manually w/out even thinking-like it's just "automatic" inside my brain w/out a thought that I've apparently been neglecting the "auto" feature already set up in the M. Have I been hurting the machine? What does the manual say?

Am I gonna' be Ok, just doing it myself, or should I now try and remember to set it on "auto" on the stalk and just leave it alone-maybe w/my fog lights on too? Or maybe off because then I might forget and then the battery might drain and then...

[digiboy]

Unfortunately, here in Illinois it is illegal to drive with your lights off and your windshield wipers on. Basically, if it is too wet to have your wipers on - its too wet to have your lights off.

So auto rain-sensing and auto lights could mean getting pulled over.

[jbillion]

I don't have auto rain sensing on the 04, but I just leave my headlights in th ON position at all times. Liek someone already said, they will shut off automatically when you open the door.

[szh]

ok wiseguys, since my post seems to be back on the top again how about someone answering an original question in my first post

"I am still wondering what the harm in leaving the lights to "auto" could do. The manual warns against it but w/ my delay set at 30 seconds I can't see how it's a problem"

I should have posted a response too ... I have been using the AUTO setting on my 2003 M45 since I got my car more than 5 years ago. No problems with that.

Z

[AD1787]

Thanks antzrus. You continue to serve the purpose as the forum clown.

This would just be a boring place w/ people asking questions and getting answers with out you.

You complete me

[antzrus]

Glad to be of service!

But did ya' find the steering column-w/the arms kinda' sticking out..?