When it is dark enough outside, the Automatic Headlamp System turns on the headlamps when the vehicle is started and after the transmission has been shifted out of the P (Park) position. The headlamps, taillamps, sidemarker, and parking lamps will come on. The instrument panel lights and radio lights will also turn on at normal brightness. Once on, the system remains on during these conditions even if the vehicle is shifted back into P (Park).

The vehicle has a light sensor on the top of the instrument panel. Do not cover the sensor or the system may come on whenever the ignition is on and the vehicle is shifted out of the P (Park) position.

The system could also turn on the lamps when driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast weather or a tunnel. This is normal.

There is a delay in the transition between the daytime and nighttime operation of the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlamp systems, so that driving under bridges or bright overhead street lights does not affect the system. The DRL and automatic headlamp system are only affected when the light sensor sees a change in lighting lasting longer than the delay.

If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic headlamp system comes on after the transmission is shifted out of P (Park). Once the vehicle leaves the garage, it takes about one minute for the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL if it is light outside. During that delay, the instrument panel cluster might not be as bright as usual. Make sure the instrument panel brightness control is in the full bright position.

If the vehicle is running and the automatic headlamp system is already on, it can be turned off by turning and releasing the headlamp control at the off position. The automatic headlamp system stays off until you turn and release the headlamp control at the off position again. See Headlamps.