'01 Camry LE - headlights don't activate automatically

[cpowell100]

I have an '01 Camry LE with 39K miles. In reading the manual, it states: "The headlights automatically turn to full intensity in the twilight even with the light switch in the "OFF" position." My daughter also drives an '01 Camry LE and I seem to recall that her headlights come on when it approaches twilight or, of course, when it's darker.

My headlights don't turn on automatically when I leave the switch in the "OFF" position even if it's pitch black. I have to turn them on via the switch.

Shouldn't, in fact, the headlights come on automatically? Is there an easy fix for correcting this?

Sincerely, Chris

[yotatechie04]

The sensor on the dash must have burned out. You can pop it out with a small flathead screwdriver, just make sure if you disconnect it not to let the wiring harness fall down into the dash, because you'll have to take most of it apart to recover it.

[don24mac]

I believe the Daytime Running Lights must be on for that feature to work. If you have the DRL turned off, this feature is also turned off. (At least that's the way it is on my 2000 Camry LE)

[cpowell100]

I just discovered that (apparently) all LE's do not have the DRL sensor. There is a cover plate on my dash whereas my daughter's 2001 LE has the sensor...

Thanks for the replies!

Chris

[yotatechie04]

What don24mac has said is true. You might want to check the fuses and relays related to the DRLs, especially since you cannot locate your sensor.