Headlight sensor ???

[fredlap]

I have a 99 Suzuki GV . Have had no major issues with vehicle . All of a sudden the headlight / daytime running lights have taken on a new life of their own . When driving at night , they will constantly alternate between headlights & DT lights ( every 10 seconds ) On occasion , the dash lights will start to dim till they are almost out , then something under the dash clicks & headlights and dashlights will return to full power . Vehicle runs good otherwise . Oncoming vehicles keep flashing me , they probably think I'm telling them to dim . My thoughts were either bad ground or faulty sensor . Any ideas on ways to check or where to check . I do not have the option of disconnecting the DT lights as they are mandatory here in in Canada. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated . Fred

[bobms01gv]

Turn your headlights on maunally. I do believe the switch overrides the daylight sensor.

[fredlap]

Originally Posted by bobms01gv

Turn your headlights on maunally. I do believe the switch overrides the daylight sensor.

Thanks Bob , tried that , same results . This is why I'm baffled . No logical explanation . When car is running , during the day , with DT running lights , no blinking ??

[bobms01gv]

Have you tried unplugging the sensor on the dash? IIRC (it's been 18months since we traded ours in so forgive me) the sensor is on the passenger side of the dash.

HAve you tried covering it up at night? I guess it could be possible it's reading oncoming lights as daylight.

Other possibilities would be a bad switch (column switch) or DRL module.

[fredlap]

Originally Posted by bobms01gv

Have you tried unplugging the sensor on the dash? IIRC (it's been 18months since we traded ours in so forgive me) the sensor is on the passenger side of the dash.

HAve you tried covering it up at night? I guess it could be possible it's reading oncoming lights as daylight.

Other possibilities would be a bad switch (column switch) or DRL module.

Hi Bob , thanks for the info . i have a couple of questions . How hard is it to get to the column switch ( without setting off the airbag )and where is the DRL module . I tried covering the sensor , still flickered . What is weird is that when I am using DT running lights , everything works perfect . Its only when the reg headlights come on , hi or low , that it starts acting up . I thought of bad grounding but wouldn't that affect the DT lights also . I will try disconnecting the sensor as you said and just go by the manual switch .Can you pull up the sensor from the top of the dash ? If not , what is the easiest way to get to it ? Thanks for your time on this , its got me stumped . Thank you Fred

[bobms01gv]

I gotta be honest, I don't remember. It's been too long. THe DRL unit I think is up above the steering column.

As for the switch, I don't believe you have to touch the steering wheel to get to it. Just remove the top and bottom covers on the column. Just remember like any electrical repair ALWAYS disconnect the battery.

[fredlap]

Thank you , will try tonight . Have a Happy New Year . Thanks again for your suggestions . Fred