Automatic lights in my Fox...

[Chrome_Rust]

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]

You own a Diagram, your caddy
As for doing it, its just splicing inline to the light harness.
or should be.

 

[Mustang5L5]

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]

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]

According to my 88 shop manual the Mark VII, T-Bird, and Cougar had autolamp systems.

 

[Chrome_Rust]

would you be able to scan the wireing diagram and send it to me??

 

[TechSteele]

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.

 

[mr_josh]

Even my '83 Bird had auto headlights.

 

[stang&2Birds]

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