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Auto headlights

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by LonghornTaco, Oct 8, 2008.

  1. Oct 8, 2008 at 4:30 PM
    #1
    LonghornTaco

    LonghornTaco [OP] Can you pass the bailout please?

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    Has anyone thought about (or actually done it) installing some sort of light sensor that would automatically turn your headlights on and off based on amount of light outside? I had this on my Yukon and loved it - to the point where I would forget to turn on my lights when I got my Tacoma. So, now I just leave them on all the time...
     
  2. Oct 8, 2008 at 5:45 PM
    #2
    TheOne

    TheOne Beach Prerunner

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    same here I just leave the headlights and foglights on all the time, do wish there was some sort of sensor the only activate during low light situations.
     
  3. Oct 8, 2008 at 5:51 PM
    #3
    LonghornTaco

    LonghornTaco [OP] Can you pass the bailout please?

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    There has to be someone in this community that is good enough with electronics to figure this one out... :)
     
  4. Oct 9, 2008 at 7:17 AM
    #4
    camsbored

    camsbored Well-Known Member

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    The light sensor part would be pretty easy to accomplish... it's a simple circuit. The tricky part is the logic that avoids all of the gotchas. For example:

    If you drive under a bridge for a few sec, you don't want them to turn on.
    If you start the truck in the dark they should come on immediately.
    If you drive through a construction zone with really bright lights you don't want them to turn off.
    If it's dusk you want them to come on at some point and stay on, not flicker as you drive through shadows.

    These are all solvable situations, but requires more than a light sensor to accomplish. It could be done with a simple $10 microprocessor if someone had the time to write and test the code.

    However... I found this on a Lexus forum... it might work... and under $40 too!
    http://www.amazon.com/Directed-Electronics-545T-Nite-Lite-System/dp/B000CJ24YY
     
  5. Oct 9, 2008 at 7:35 AM
    #5
    Hotdog

    Hotdog My hair is all natural Moderator

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    I used to leave mine on too, but it hurts your gas mileage. I save at least 1 MPG by keeping them off.
     
  6. Oct 9, 2008 at 7:45 AM
    #6
    Agent475

    Agent475 "Mark It Zero"

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    How does it hurt your gas mileage?


    Maybe you could take one off a newer Camry... perhaps one that was wrecked... then just install it on the Tacoma. Or maybe even just buy one from a dealer. Not sure how much that would cost - but worth a shot.
     
  7. Oct 9, 2008 at 7:54 AM
    #7
    Hotdog

    Hotdog My hair is all natural Moderator

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    Everyone here already knows that the AC will hurt it, but all the major electrical loads also hurt the mileage.
     
  8. Oct 9, 2008 at 8:16 AM
    #8
    Agent475

    Agent475 "Mark It Zero"

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    Yea - but why? Because of the electrical draw on the Alternator that causes the engine to work harder to replace the energy? Maybe I just answered my own question.... Hey, I'm sick at the moment - so my head isn't all that clear.
     
  9. Oct 9, 2008 at 8:18 AM
    #9
    Hotdog

    Hotdog My hair is all natural Moderator

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    I agree on all counts
     
  10. Oct 9, 2008 at 8:28 AM
    #10
    Agent475

    Agent475 "Mark It Zero"

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    Cool - thanks... so back on topic... Anyone out there try to take an autolight function from a newer Camry and put it in a Taco... They are pretty close with regard to interior...
     
  11. Oct 9, 2008 at 9:34 AM
    #11
    FamouzStarz

    FamouzStarz The illest taco

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    i use hid lights so i guess im increasing 1mpg since im drawing less power :) haha
     

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