Auto "on" headlights

22242 Views 15 Replies 11 Participants Last post by supton, May 9, 2013

Crause

Discussion Starter · Mar 18, 2013

I am still learning things about my new 2013 Tundra CrewMax. I just drove home after dark for the first time. Thought that my truck had auto on headlights since it has so many other bells and whistles; but I noticed that the headlights did not come on as it got dark. When I arrived at the house, I pulled out the owners manual to see how to activate the "auto on" feature. Guess what? There is no "auto" on the control wheel. Is it possible that I don't have that feature installed on this truck? I even looked over my window sticker when I got inside the house, and I couldn't find anything on there that indicated I have that feature. Why wouldn't Toyota put that on a truck with all these other things I have? This is not a stripped truck. I think auto headlights are standard equipment on all Chevy trucks.
Is this something that can be added and what kind of money would I be looking at to get a quality product? Does Toyota offer this "upgrade"?

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65aircooled

· #2 · Mar 18, 2013 (Edited)

I could be wrong but the automatic headlights only come standard on the limited and platinum.
Read this for more info: http://www.tundratalk.net/forums/tundra-general-discussion/89358-automatic-headlights.html

I have it and its ok but I wouldn't pay to have it installed. I can't imagine it being a cheap mod with all the parts involved. Mine has no rain sensing wipers so when it rains I still have to turn the lights on manually (NJ law wipers on lights on)
FWIW I never had it before and definitely could live w/o them.

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bigbair2002

· #3 · Mar 18, 2013

I believe the Limited is the only one that comes with it. I was shocked back when I realized it too. I looked into it one time and it would be a pain to add unless you go aftermarket.

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Crause

Discussion Starter · #4 · Mar 18, 2013

not worth the trouble

thanks, guys; If it is that much trouble then I can live without it. My truck before my last one didn't have it and i survived just fine. Just got spoiled I guess.

Being new to the site, just wanted to add that it has been a pleasure to talk to such a great bunch of people. Very little verbal bashing like I see on some of the other forums that I frequent. The moderators don't seem to mind a few "naughty" words from time to time. Very relaxed and informative. I hope that I can help out with some info in the future.

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Canadianboy

· #5 · Mar 18, 2013

The platinum has that option too, so anything from the Limited up has the auto headlight option

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[email protected]

· #6 · Mar 18, 2013

If you have kids or a wife, tip them a buck to turn you lights on because it is so hard to reach. I do that for my mirrors which are not the power folding.

I tip them fifty cents to bring me the tv remote when I clap two times.

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cwit

· #7 · Mar 18, 2013

If you turn your headlights on they should shut off if you take keys out and close your doors. I turned mine on in 07 and have never shut them off.

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Big Shasta

· #8 · Mar 18, 2013

cwit said:
If you turn your headlights on they should shut off if you take keys out and close your doors. I turned mine on in 07 and have never shut them off.

Not when you pull your keys out and shut the door but they do shut off if you click lock twice or wait 30 seconds (or a minute) Then they come back on when you start the truck. Not ideal if you ask me...Just flip em on when necessary and go about your life.

HerTundra

· #9 · Mar 18, 2013

I just turned my headlights on once. They shut off after a minute or so when I shut off truck and turn back on when I start the truck. I was also quite spoiled by my last few cars.

65aircooled

· #10 · Mar 18, 2013 (Edited)

[email protected] said:
If you have kids or a wife, tip them a buck to turn you lights on because it is so hard to reach. I do that for my mirrors which are not the power folding.

I tip them fifty cents to bring me the tv remote when I clap two times.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using AutoGuide.Com Free App

LOL, I hope my kids never get to read this, they fetch stuff for me all the time for free. I guess if that ever comes up I'll just tell them it's already included in their allowances

cwit said:
If you turn your headlights on they should shut off if you take keys out and close your doors. I turned mine on in 07 and have never shut them off.

True, my friend has his headlights on since 07, close to never locks his doors, just let the lights turn off on their own. Thats his second tundra (ex-Furd man) in 2007 and to him that was his favorite feature :dunno:

shawnt

· #11 · May 9, 2013

My friend has a Texas Edition that is not Platinum or Limited and he has Auto headlights. Frankly I am very disappointed mine does not have it. After owning Chevy's for years and having that feature and then going to a truck without it, SUX!

I'm willing to pay to get it added if anyone has any info on it.

Reactions: 1

supton

· #12 · May 9, 2013

I'd be willing to pay to *not* have auto headlights. Lights that are keyed, that is, turn off if the key is out, is great. Otherwise, I hate auto headlights. With a passion. I bet 99% of the vehicles I see on the road today, when it's overcast, raining, snowing, foggy,what-have-you, and don't have their headlights on, is because "it's automatic, they'll turn on when necessary." Yeah right. Maybe they aren't so bad today, but is it really so hard to just turn them on manually?

[I will admit to being "that idiot" not that long ago in our Camry. Had been driving all day, was driving into the night, heavy traffic. The Camry has one of those late model displays, so the dashboard back lighting is always on. Ooops. My only excuse is that I might drive that car once/month. I blame the dashboard, not me... sure.]

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shawnt

· #13 · May 9, 2013 (Edited)

supton said:
I'd be willing to pay to *not* have auto headlights. Lights that are keyed, that is, turn off if the key is out, is great. Otherwise, I hate auto headlights. With a passion. I bet 99% of the vehicles I see on the road today, when it's overcast, raining, snowing, foggy,what-have-you, and don't have their headlights on, is because "it's automatic, they'll turn on when necessary." Yeah right. Maybe they aren't so bad today, but is it really so hard to just turn them on manually?

[I will admit to being "that idiot" not that long ago in our Camry. Had been driving all day, was driving into the night, heavy traffic. The Camry has one of those late model displays, so the dashboard back lighting is always on. Ooops. My only excuse is that I might drive that car once/month. I blame the dashboard, not me... sure.]

I dont know what trucks you have been in, but Chevy's have day time running lights (you can turn them off if you choose to) so when it's foggy, snowing etc you can always see their lights. Also, maybe those cars you see that dont have their headlights on when its in those conditions do not have auto headlights. All of mine switch from day time running lights to regular headlights by them selves when it gets foggy, rainy, or for any low light condition.

I've never heard a single person complain about auto headlights, and have heard allot of people mention how they liked them when they get a car/truck/rental that has them installed when they dont have them in their own vehicle. Set it and forget it man.

BTW..you can always choose to turn on/off your headlights manually if you so desire even when you have the auto headlights. The auto is just another option on the switch, so you wouldnt have to pay to not have it.

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nastyn8

· #14 · May 9, 2013

i just leave mine on at all times, they do have auto shut off

shawnt

· #15 · May 9, 2013

nastyn8 said:
i just leave mine on at all times, they do have auto shut off

I've left mine on too, the problem becomes when I'm trying to look at the radio in the middle of the day and cant make anything out because the headlights are on and the back lights are dimmed. I dont know how many times I have hit my AC button because I cant see that the green indicator light on the switch is on or off.

supton

· #16 · May 9, 2013

Me, this is my first truck. Our Camry is our first car with auto headlights, and we don't use them. Don't use DRL's either, as I'd rather turn on the lights and have people see me from behind me--never did care for DRL's either. Can't tell you how many times I've driven into the sun, and can't see the car in front of me, as they won't turn their lights on in those cases.

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