Defeating the 'auto' headlight feature on a 05 Chevy Classic (Malibu)

[videobruce]

I want to 'defeat' this very annoying 'auto' headlight feature and change it back to a 'off' switch like everyone had for the past 50+ years. I don't need or want headlights always on when the engine is running at night. I'm more than capable of turning them on by myself as I have for the past 30+ years

Examples; when parked, when backing into a driveway, as a courtesy to others when parked so not to 'blind' them either in a parking lot or along the curb.

This car is a 2005 Chevy Classic. The headlight 'stalk' has three positions, auto, parking & headlights. I do have the Helm SM, but their schematics are not the easiest to follow especially since they are spread all over the overly large book.

To me, this is as annoying as those 'automatic' seat belts back in the 80s' (?) that didn't last long.

[slls]

Originally Posted by videobruce

I want to 'defeat' this very annoying 'auto' headlight feature and change it back to a 'off' switch like everyone had for the past 50+ years. I don't need or want headlights always on when the engine is running at night. I'm more than capable of turning them on by myself as I have for the past 30+ years

Examples; when parked, when backing into a driveway, as a courtesy to others when parked so not to 'blind' them either in a parking lot or along the curb.

This car is a 2005 Chevy Classic. The headlight 'stalk' has three positions, auto, parking & headlights. I do have the Helm SM, but their schematics are not the easiest to follow especially since they are spread all over the overly large book.

To me, this is as annoying as those 'automatic' seat belts back in the 80s' (?) that didn't last long.

There are 2 ways to turn the head lights off. Manually put on the parking lights, or turn the switch towards you and all exterior lights will go off. This applies to the New Malibu, maybe you have some of the same features, try them.

[videobruce]

The parking brake deal is a PITA. I don't know about the switch turning all the lights off.

[videobruce]

The parking brake trick doesn't work here. Besides that is only when in park, not coasting up to a curb for example.
The only way is putting the headlight switch into the 'parking lights' mode. It turns the headlight off, but the parking lights are still on.

Really doesn't solve the problem.

[slls]

Originally Posted by videobruce

The parking brake trick doesn't work here. Besides that is only when in park, not coasting up to a curb for example.
The only way is putting the headlight switch into the 'parking lights' mode. It turns the headlight off, but the parking lights are still on.

Really doesn't solve the problem.

Just install a simple resistor.

[videobruce]

That doesn't turn them off.
Besides, what value and exactly where?

[slls]

Originally Posted by videobruce

That doesn't turn them off.
Besides, what value and exactly where?

You have been beating this to death on a half dozen sites, you lonesome.

[videobruce]

1. I'll decide if I am "beating this to death",
2. It's not a "half a dozen sites",
3. I'm not "lonesome".

I don't take to the bank the first or second reply I read. Apparently, you must be "lonesome" if all you have to do is waste your time with that type of reply.

[cmlang]

There is nothing wrong (imo) with such a question. In fact, I am very interested in the answer as I am an amateur astronomer and when we pull onto or away from the observing sites we turn down our headlights (and even parking lights) to avoid ruining the night vision of others still observing.

So this is very appropriate. I'm quite tired of taping cardboard to the lights when driving up. I will wait along with videobruce.

[videobruce]

Thank you.

BTW, I'm not the only one that doesn't like 'auto' headlights or "running" lamps;
http://www.lightsout.org/studies.html

[johnholl]

The Helm mannual should give the ambient light sensor resistance readings, for both light and dark. Using the daytime valule, replace the photo cell sensor with a resistor of the daylight value.

ps: Daytime running lights are lifesavers...keep those.

[astrosurfer]

erm perhaps just simply removing the DRL relay would solve your issue guys
though i do not know what else this would affect if anything

[videobruce]

ASFAK, there is no "relay", the same lamps are used for the headlights and the DRLs'.