varcity64

iTrader: (2)

hello, i have been a memeber of this forum for a couple years and currently own a GS... i picked up a 1999 RX300 like 3 weeks ago and love it (gotta love Lexus ) 1 question i have tho is that when i put the headlights on auto in the GS, they only go on when it gets dark... BUT on the RX, the lights stay on ALL the time when its on auto... is this normal

Lexmex

Well, there are the DRLs or Daytime Driving Lights that are always on in the RX they are the inside bulbs that are on each side of the grills (not the ones on the far outside) and the DRLs are always on regardless if you have the lights set to AUTO, ON or OFF. It could be that there is some sensor (maybe another member can chime in as it is way too earlier in the morning for me to go get my service manual from the storage area) that may have be dirty and giving a false nighttime reading. Otherwise, you must be referring to the DRLs.

salimshah

Not normal. It should behave the same way as it does in GS.
Salim

Lexmex

When I do AUTO, sometimes it takes a short bit of time before they turn off, but if not this is one of the possible culprits...the sensor I talked about near the front of the windshield driver's side. Could be dirty or malfunctioning. Check that first.

Lil4X

Both of these are infrared sensors, but I can't remember which is which. I think your owner's manual has a picture of the dashboard that labels these sensors correctly. If not, here's a way to find out - and entertain yourself at the same time

By putting the headlight switch in the "auto" position in a fairly dark garage or at night out of direct illumination, your lights should come on. Hold a bright flashlight close to one sensor (you may have to cover the other) to see if you can make the lights switch off. This may take ten to twenty seconds. Removing the light should allow the headlights to switch on again - also with some delay. (That delay helps keep the lights off when passing under a bridge or through a short tunnel.)

FYI: The other sensor is for the A/C. On bright sunny days it fakes the cabin air thermostat into thinking it's warmer than it really is, allowing the system to adapt to your perceived temperature, rather than just holding a setpoint. After all, you're going to feel warmer in the sun, and could benefit from an extra degree or two of cool air.

salimshah

Early RX models had a TSB regarding auto light sensor ... if my memory serves me right.

Salim

rxdriver

Salim is right... the early 99 RX300's - the first 20,000 or 30,000 - had a TSIB for the headlight sensor not being sensitive enough to darkness. I believe it waited too long to turn the headlights on.

If the car thinks the headlights are on, you should see the headlight on indicator light on the dash. When they're off, the light is off.

varcity64

iTrader: (2)

well, the light indicator is on and that is how i know the lights are on... does anyone have anymore info on the TSB for the sensor?? any help is appreciated

anulex

anyone knows where the hid autolevel is located. where is it in the engine bay. is it diy to replace

Fern

Here is a link to the recall on the auto light sensor

http://www.internetautoguide.com/aut...ase/index.html

Sorry folks tried to find tsb for auto light sensor but could not find the actual article, maybe someone else has more luck. Altho, I have heard the DRL sensor is located under the driver's front headlight.

rxdriver

Fern - thanks, that's what I was thinking of. There are so few actual recalls that I thought it was a TSIB.