Head lights on always, no running lights

[Delta1]

Hi:

Would appreciate some help with headlights on 99 Vitara... When starting the car, the low beam headlights come on automatically. In rotating the switch forward the cluster panel lights up, but the headlights remain the same. In moving the switch lever backward the lights switch to high beam. When I put the parking brake on, the headlights stay on.

I took it to the local garage and they deduced that the problem was the light controller/ambient light switch. So what do you guys think of this diagnosis, and if possible, where is the controller loacted?

The garage said they would have to order the part from Japan for 80.00. Their labour costs were minimal so I gather that the controller is easily accessible, and I could probably handle the repair.

Thanks

[nagerjaeger]

I have a 2000 Vitara and the owners manual says the lights are on even during the day but at a lower power than at night. I'm guessing it is the same on the 1999.