Headlight auto on timing

[GraniteGreyCX7]

Hi all, I have been around this great forum for the past few weeks and learnt alot from all of you. Since then I bought my wife the CX-7 AWD GT w/ Tech on Sept 9.

So here comes my 1st thread...

I've been doing some driving w/ my wife's CX-7 and noticed that the headlight turns on very quickly ( a second or so) when the car is driving under the tree shade, highway overpass, bridges, etc (we have the light control set to AUTO).

Do any of you GT owner w/ HID lights notice that too?

Anyone knows if the dealer can set the sensitivity to something less sensitive?

Appreciate your inputs/ Joe

[RaiderMP5]

I have a GT with HIDs as well. Yup, it is dark on the sensor, so it will happen. It is weird though, it can be dark enough when driving to warrant headlights, and they don't come on, so I use the manual mode then.

I like headlights on all the time, as I drive an invisible P5, that can only bee seen on the road when the headlights are on. Thinking of covering the sensor so they will just be on all the time. Dash mat is the thought, not tape, of course.

[GraniteGreyCX7]

Thanks Raider for your input. My concern was mainly due to the sensitivity of the light sensor that turn on (and off) the HID lights so quickly and so often, HID draws alot more juice when firing up so I am not sure if this will shorten the bulbs' lifespan.

I would like to have the dealer to reprogram the light sensor for a 20 sec delays if possible, so it won't come on so quickly when I am under a short overpass.

[G-Papi]

Since the US versions don't have running lights, and I prefer running lights, I've covered the sensor. Oddly enough, I've found that an old 35mm film canister top fits nicely, and is almose a perfect match for the dash color.

[G-Papi]

That way, they're on - off with the ignition switch, all the time with the headlight switch set to auto. No delay, either way.

[zentrandi]

that always bothered me when we would go under an over pass on the freeway... so i just shut it off

[CX7_Scott]

Same here - My Chrysler (which I just traded-in for my CX-7) had auto lights, but they were "intelligent" where it wasn't just based-on a time-delay - it somehow was a combination of the amount of light reduction and how rapidly it happened. Don't know how to explain it.

The reason I don't want them to "always" be on, is because it effects the brightness of the Nav/Stereo display... it DIMS every time the lights go on and switches to "night" mode (different map colors to reduce illumination in the cockpit at night). It gets hard to read when the lights kick-on.

I don't want to set the display to ALWAYS be daytime, because I do want it to switch at night... so for now, I just deal with it switching periodically - or just shut the lights off alltogether in the daytime.

-scott

[GraniteGreyCX7]

My wife took her CX-7 to dealership yesterday and asked to have the auto light sensitivity adjusted but was told by the service mgr that they are not sure if it can be adjusted. My wife then refer to the owner's manual section 5/page 53 stated that the delay can be adjusted, consult your local dealership.

Now the svcs mgr told her he will call Mazda USA to find out if it was a MISPRINT and to find out if there is any procedure to adjust it. I am keeping my hope up.

[RaiderMP5]

The service manager told her to do that? WTF, he should do that! What a jerk. Odd, I t seems like my dealer, but you are far away. If you do get the procedures, mind posting them here if we can do it ourselves?

[CX7_Scott]

no no - they didn't TELL her to call Mazda... they said THEY would call Mazda to see if it was a misprint... but bottom-line: Not all dealerships are equal. Some are more on-the-ball than others.

I *may* look into doing this too - (the sensitivity adjustment, that is)... not sure how much of a need I have for the auto-lock thing. I guess it might be cool, but not a necessity for me right now.

[RaiderMP5]

oooh ok. That is what I read, was rather surprised they would say that. not enough coffee for me!

Hope it is easy. yeah, the dealer I am buying my speed3 from is a night and day difference from the local redneck hick town dealer I have here.

[pittkol]

Got the following from my Mazda Dealer. It only changes the sensitivity level and which may extend the delay time. If I could only get this procedure to work, I could find out if it fixes the lights coming on every time I pull into the garage. The Mazda dealer said he tried once but couldn't get it to work either.

A couple things in the procedure I need clearification on: What does TNS stand for. I found somewhere that it means "Tail, Number, Side" but I don't know what position that is on the light switch. I assumed the parking lights.

The other clearification I need is the (Flash to pass ON) reference, especially in step one.

So if anyone gets this procedure to work please post how you did it and if it delayed the timing of the auto lights coming on.
Thanks

ps: I'm having trouble attaching the PDF file from work so I will post the file in a seperate post or I'll type the whole thing in later.

[GraniteGreyCX7]

Hi Pittkol,

I am interested to see if the procedures will work or not, please post the procedures so I may try out tonight. Thanks.

[pittkol]

see attached

[RaiderMP5]

Sweet! I will try it out this weekend!!! If reps worked on this forum, I would give some to you.

[02589]

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[CX7_Scott]

Tried the instructions numerous times... no avail.

Tried different permutations of the directions... if you can call them that. Not sure if they were mis-interpreted, or just not intended for this car, but got zero results.

Oh well... thanks for posting the info.
-scott

[02589]

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[CX7_Scott]

Regardless of what setting - it states that it will *flash* the headlights once or twice to indicate its current "setting". I could not get it to flash at all.

A) The directions are not intended for this vehicle
B) They are for this vehicle, but there is a flaw in the explanation
C) User error - due to poor translation, I may just not be understanding it correctly
D) Insert additional option here

regardless... I cannot get the directions to work for me. :)
-scott

[02589]

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[GraniteGreyCX7]

Anyone has success performing this?

[blaaah]

Anyone has success performing this?

Hi All,

I tried the procedure this evening, and managed to make the lights flash 3 times to indicate low sensitivity.

It's already dark out, so it's kinda hard to tell if the sensitivity is better now. I'll post again tomorrow.

[GraniteGreyCX7]

Hi All,

I tried the procedure this evening, and managed to make the lights flash 3 times to indicate low sensitivity.

It's already dark out, so it's kinda hard to tell if the sensitivity is better now. I'll post again tomorrow.

Well please share with us whether this procedure does work for you. Thanks.

[blaaah]

Well please share with us whether this procedure does work for you. Thanks.

Sorry it took so long for me to get back, but yes, it is less sensitive now. I was hoping it would be a little better (Still flashes the lights as I pass under some bridges, but less than it used to).

[TheMAN]

for each step in those instructions (which are confusing as hell to read), you MUST do them within 5 seconds... if you take more than 5 seconds on each step (such as reading the instructions each time you do a step, you are TOO SLOW)... READ these instructions CAREFULY and try to understand and memorize them as much as possible because speed/time is the importance here!

1) pull the light stalk towards you (flash to pass) and hold it while you turn the key to "ON" then let go after it's "ON"
2) turn the light switch to parking light mode (first setting on the switch which is symbolized by a big dot) between the "OFF" and "parking light" mode 5 times... after the 5th time, return the switch to "OFF" position
3) pull the light stalk towards you (flash to pass) for a split second and let go
4) turn the light switch to parking light mode and leave it there
5) turn the light switch to headlights between "headlights" mode and "parking lights" mode 5 times (2nd setting on the switch which is symbolized by something that looks like a "=D" )... after the 5th time, return the switch to parking light position
6) turn the light switch to headlights on mode and leave it there
7) turn the light switch to auto mode between the "auto" mode and "headlights on" mode 5 times... after the 5th time, return it to the "headlights on" position
8) WITHIN ONE SECOND after step 7 is performed, turn the light switch to parking lights mode

9) if you followed the programming mode entry procedure correctly, you should now see the headlights flash off and on to tell you which mode is currently selected... 2 flashes means "standard" mode (factory setting), 3 flashes means "low sensitivity" mode

10) after checking which mode is selected, if you want to change modes, pull the "flash to pass" (light switch towards you) the number of times corresponding to the mode you want... 2 times for "standard" mode, and 3 times for "low sensitivity" mode... you MUST change the modes quickly after step 9 or the programming mode is aborted and you must start over from step 1
11) if you did change modes, you should see the lights flash the number of times corresponding to the mode you set... if you do not see this then you were not successful changing the mode

step 10 and 11 are not necessary if you are not changing sensitivity modes


hopefully this is more understandable! I've done this on 2 CX-7s already... the first time I did it, it was a complete PITA to do... it's still a PITA to do

[GraniteGreyCX7]

Thanks so much for your detailed writeup, it is much more understandable. I'll try it and see.

You are THE MAN !!!

[GraniteGreyCX7]

The Man,

Question: After it is adjusted to less sensitive, how long a delay (in seconds) when driving under a bridge or tunnel are you now experiencing?

[TheMAN]

I don't know, I don't own a cx7

[pittkol]

After trying the less sensitive setting I concluded that the Auto on/off function will not be the default setting for my lights. They still come on way too fast. They pop on going under overpasses in the morning and pulling into a well lite garage.

[CXRabbit]

I'm glad I bookmarked this thread before I bought the car ;)

I just went through the "programming" of the auto-light and set them to less sensitive (blinked 3 times). The instructions sound a lot more complicated than they are - if you read through them a few times and memorize them you can get this right on the first try.

Thanks TheMAN -- your simplification of the instructions made it easy :)

[CX7andMiata]

for each step in those instructions (which are confusing as hell to read), you MUST do them within 5 seconds... if you take more than 5 seconds on each step (such as reading the instructions each time you do a step, you are TOO SLOW)... READ these instructions CAREFULY and try to understand and memorize them as much as possible because speed/time is the importance here!

1) pull the light stalk towards you (flash to pass) and hold it while you turn the key to "ON" then let go after it's "ON"
2) turn the light switch to parking light mode (first setting on the switch which is symbolized by a big dot) between the "OFF" and "parking light" mode 5 times... after the 5th time, return the switch to "OFF" position
3) pull the light stalk towards you (flash to pass) for a split second and let go
4) turn the light switch to parking light mode and leave it there
5) turn the light switch to headlights between "headlights" mode and "parking lights" mode 5 times (2nd setting on the switch which is symbolized by something that looks like a "=D" )... after the 5th time, return the switch to parking light position
6) turn the light switch to headlights on mode and leave it there
7) turn the light switch to auto mode between the "auto" mode and "headlights on" mode 5 times... after the 5th time, return it to the "headlights on" position
8) WITHIN ONE SECOND after step 7 is performed, turn the light switch to parking lights mode

9) if you followed the programming mode entry procedure correctly, you should now see the headlights flash off and on to tell you which mode is currently selected... 2 flashes means "standard" mode (factory setting), 3 flashes means "low sensitivity" mode

10) after checking which mode is selected, if you want to change modes, pull the "flash to pass" (light switch towards you) the number of times corresponding to the mode you want... 2 times for "standard" mode, and 3 times for "low sensitivity" mode... you MUST change the modes quickly after step 9 or the programming mode is aborted and you must start over from step 1
11) if you did change modes, you should see the lights flash the number of times corresponding to the mode you set... if you do not see this then you were not successful changing the mode

step 10 and 11 are not necessary if you are not changing sensitivity modes


hopefully this is more understandable! I've done this on 2 CX-7s already... the first time I did it, it was a complete PITA to do... it's still a PITA to do

Thanks TheMAN! I tried the procedure and it worked perfectly the first time. I just had to study it a minute before I tried it and remember the steps. Don't know if it will help but it worked...

[Byrnie]

Same here - My Chrysler (which I just traded-in for my CX-7) had auto lights, but they were "intelligent" where it wasn't just based-on a time-delay - it somehow was a combination of the amount of light reduction and how rapidly it happened. Don't know how to explain it.

The reason I don't want them to "always" be on, is because it effects the brightness of the Nav/Stereo display... it DIMS every time the lights go on and switches to "night" mode (different map colors to reduce illumination in the cockpit at night). It gets hard to read when the lights kick-on.

I don't want to set the display to ALWAYS be daytime, because I do want it to switch at night... so for now, I just deal with it switching periodically - or just shut the lights off alltogether in the daytime.

-scott

my infiniti (which I traded in for the cx-7) was the same way. It had a delay of about 3 to 4 seconds.

[offset_98]

I don't think this is about sensitivity though...isn't there a way to delay the on/off? Example: drive into dark garage and lights turn on in 1 second, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds or 90 seconds? Even my '96 Explorer let me decide how long after the sensor thought it was dark the lights would switch on.

Thats what I got from the manual...no?

[CXRabbit]

Offset...

I hear ya about the delay. I adjusted the sensitivity on the CX-7 and it didn't make a difference in going under overpasses or into dark shady areas. Not only is it a bit too sensitive (still) but you're right, there should be a delay.

I'll mention it to the dealer when I go next week for my oil change.

[offset_98]

Let me know CXRabbit...because I got the impression from the manual that the dealership could adjust delay

[CXRabbit]

"The timing for turning on the headlights, other exterior lights and dashboard illumination can be delayed by adjusting the sensitivity of the light sensor. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer regarding sensor adjustment."

^That's what is takes in the manaul. I'm not sure it's any different than adjusting sensitivity... but I will ask when I go.

[CXRabbit]

BTW, I switched mine back to the default intensity (2 blinks). It was definitely worse on 3.

[PixelPusher001]

sorry if i sound like an idiot but what is the main reason people are aggravated by the lights switching on in parking garages or tunnels even if just briefly.. does it damage the lights or reduce their life expectancy?

[vbbuilt01]

sorry if i sound like an idiot but what is the main reason people are aggravated by the lights switching on in parking garages or tunnels even if just briefly.. does it damage the lights or reduce their life expectancy?

It's just plain irritating and it's distracting, in that the dash lights, flash on on and off, in concert with the headlights coming on and off. Oncoming cars think you're flashing them. It's not so much going into parking garages or long tunnels, but when you go underneath overpasses.

Vince.

[PixelPusher001]

It's just plain irritating and it's distracting, in that the dash lights, flash on on and off, in concert with the headlights coming on and off. Oncoming cars think you're flashing them. It's not so much going into parking garages or long tunnels, but when you go underneath overpasses.

Vince.

ahh ok i get that.. have not noticed that happening yet (just 2 weeks with the car) but will keep an eye out.. i'm probably just going to cover the light sensor so they come on all the time when left in auto.

[Dalton]

Since the US versions don't have running lights, and I prefer running lights, I've covered the sensor. Oddly enough, I've found that an old 35mm film canister top fits nicely, and is almose a perfect match for the dash color.

Nice thought (2thumbs) - where is the sensor located - can you upload a pic?

[WilliE]

According to manual (?) the light sensor, round insert is located to passenger's side of the dashboard, as G-Papi mentioned, diameter of the cap is ~35 mm.

On driver's side the similar sensor is the sunlight sensor of automatic climate control.


"Terveisin",
'WilliE ~Finn in US~

[Dalton]

According to manual (?) the light sensor, round insert is located to passenger's side of the dashboard, as G-Papi mentioned, diameter of the cap is ~35 mm.

On driver's side the similar sensor is the sunlight sensor of automatic climate control.


"Terveisin",
'WilliE ~Finn in US~

Thank you Willie

"Kiitos tästa kommentista, ei vaan ollut aika kattoa ohjeita" ;)

[CXRabbit]

sorry if i sound like an idiot but what is the main reason people are aggravated by the lights switching on in parking garages or tunnels even if just briefly.. does it damage the lights or reduce their life expectancy?

1) It's irritating.

2) It causes the headlights to come on briefly and then shut off. This could be perceived as you flashing your headlights at the guy in front of you. Irritating to them.

3) If a cop see it, it could be perceived as you warning oncoming traffic of a cop ahead... which you CAN get a ticket for. (old school)

I find it annoying enough that when I'm doing freeway driving I just turn the headlights off all together. I really wish there was more of a delay with the auto headlights. My old toyota's auto headlights were great, and delayed enough that going under freeway overpasses didn't cause them to go on and off.

[offset_98]

I believe that it's not good for the HID lights to turn on and off so quickly as well. I read somewhere a while back it is very hard these HID lights to turn on and off rapidly...e.g. overpasses, flashing w/ the brights, etc.

[CX7_Scott]

sorry if i sound like an idiot but what is the main reason people are aggravated by the lights switching on in parking garages or tunnels even if just briefly.. does it damage the lights or reduce their life expectancy?

I have had people pull to the right on the highway, thinking that I'm flashing my lights as if I want to pass... when all that happened was I drove under a bridge and the lights come on and go off momentarily.

It's also happened where I'm looking quickly at the Nav Map for info - but it goes "dark" while I drive under an overpass and I must wait for the light mode to switch back to daytime in order to see the display again.

Again - none of this is life-or-death stuff... just a minor annoyance. This feature has been around for years on MANY cars and feels like an after-thought in the CX-7.

[AWmustang]

I have had people pull to the right on the highway, thinking that I'm flashing my lights as if I want to pass... when all that happened was I drove under a bridge and the lights come on and go off momentarily.

It's also happened where I'm looking quickly at the Nav Map for info - but it goes "dark" while I drive under an overpass and I must wait for the light mode to switch back to daytime in order to see the display again.

Again - none of this is life-or-death stuff... just a minor annoyance. This feature has been around for years on MANY cars and feels like an after-thought in the CX-7.

I've had the exact same thing happen.

Also, those light bulbs are expensive. While I don't know for sure that the flashing on and off shortens their life... I know it doesn't lengthen their life so I'd like to stop it if I can.