• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Automatic lights in my Fox...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Chrome_Rust
  • Start date Start date Sep 5, 2009

Chrome_Rust

Member
Dec 5, 2008
530
1
17
Findlay, Ohio
Sep 5, 2009
#1
  • Sep 5, 2009
  • #1
As some here my know, some may not and most don't care... My daily Driver is a 1997 Cadillac Catera. Great car. One of the nice things about it is the Automatic headlights. Love them they have made me lazy...

Today I drove the Miss's 1990 Notch to the Local fair, as she had the Cady and my kids. On the way back i Decided to kick the lights on cause it is that time of night where it is hard to see. I pull into the driveway and hop out of the car. and had to take the journey to go back to the car to turn off the lights. Again... I am Lazy...

So, I am in the process of a 2001 dash swap in my 1993 notch. I am at the re-wiring stage right now, and i thought how hard would it be to add the automatic lights. Just a couple of relay's, a 555 timer, photo sensitive relay or switch, and some soldering...

Does anyone think that this would be easy? If so would you have to have any idea where I could get a diagram for this? I am not worried about the weight or anything. I expect this car to weigh over 3500 with me in it. (I am 225lbs 6'5"). Thanks!

-Charlie
 

TechSteele

New Member
Mar 8, 2009
60
1
0
North Coast
Sep 5, 2009
#2
  • Sep 5, 2009
  • #2
You own a Diagram, your caddy
As for doing it, its just splicing inline to the light harness.
or should be.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,369
18,118
224
Massachusetts
Sep 5, 2009
#3
  • Sep 5, 2009
  • #3
Shouldn't be too hard. Just find a car with similar wiring with auto headlamps and get some parts.

I'd stay in the Ford family. The Mark 8 had auto headlights. Perhaps the Mar8 or t0bird did too.

Depending on how good you are with wiring, you could wire in auto lamps and maybe even a timer that turns off the lights after 5 mins like many modern cars
 

Chrome_Rust

Member
Dec 5, 2008
530
1
17
Findlay, Ohio
Sep 5, 2009
#4
  • Sep 5, 2009
  • #4
i was thinking about MK8. Didnt the MK7's have auto lights? But you hit the nail on the head about what i want. To come when it is dusk, and stay on for 3 minutes like the 'Lac after I shut the car off.

@TechSteele
The Cadysmack had a BCM or body control module, remember it is a german made car. it controls everything from the washer fluid pump to the trunk release, memory on the seats, EVERYTHING.. the headlights are controlled by those. But i thank you for the suggestion!
 

Saleen0679

10 Year Member
Apr 14, 2005
876
24
49
Yakima, WA
Sep 5, 2009
#5
  • Sep 5, 2009
  • #5
According to my 88 shop manual the Mark VII, T-Bird, and Cougar had autolamp systems.
 

Chrome_Rust

Member
Dec 5, 2008
530
1
17
Findlay, Ohio
Sep 5, 2009
#6
  • Sep 5, 2009
  • #6
would you be able to scan the wireing diagram and send it to me??
 

TechSteele

New Member
Mar 8, 2009
60
1
0
North Coast
Sep 5, 2009
#7
  • Sep 5, 2009
  • #7
If you dont get the diagram, let us know, i might be able to pull one up.
From a Mk7 or 8, or lincoln or somewhere.

I have the Electric Rear View/auto dim mirror from a 92 Continental, it had a built in light sensor for the headlights, im sure it had the rest of the features you wanted as well.
 
M

mr_josh

Founding Member
Oct 11, 2000
87
1
9
Sep 6, 2009
#8
  • Sep 6, 2009
  • #8
Even my '83 Bird had auto headlights.
 

stang&2Birds

Founding Member
May 4, 2000
2,091
5
58
New England. :-) CT/MA
Sep 6, 2009
#9
  • Sep 6, 2009
  • #9
You need (/should have) a microcontroller.
You need to allow for a turn-on delay when going under shady trees. Also, to immediately turn on the lights when going in a tunnel. And, a few other conditions. It's not that hard. But, something that's definitely better handled by a micro, than with multiple timers and trim adjustment levels.


Check out:
The DEI 545T system:
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=dei+545t
DEI 545t Headlight Module installation - Team Integra


The SenS56 system:
ARC Innovations - SenS56 Otomatik Far Sistemi
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=SenS56
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

1
Electrical 1985 mustang gt Led conversion trouble
  • 1985fox
  • Jan 5, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
10
Views
817
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jan 15, 2026
1985fox
1
1
Electrical Headlight harness trouble
  • 1985fox
  • Apr 14, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
463
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 17, 2026
AeroCoupe
Looking forward to collaborating with my new community
  • phil2001svt
  • Sep 24, 2026
  • The Welcome Wagon
  • 2
Replies
22
Views
645
The Welcome Wagon Oct 10, 2026
phil2001svt
S
Engine 2003 Mach 1 Automatic Upgrades assistance
  • SJK1417M1AT
  • Sep 25, 2025
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
403
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Dec 21, 2025
01SVTvertt
0
B
Where to go from here on my build…
  • B0udreaux
  • Jul 14, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
8
Views
437
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jul 18, 2026
AeroCoupe
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?