Auto Lamp retro-fit

[Dreddstang]

I have a new '06 Fusion SEL V-6. For some reason, this car is missing a few odd options, like auto dim mirror, traction control, and the auto lamps.

 

I do have the sensor for the auto lamps, because when you unlock the doors at night the headlights will turn on, during the day they won't. Plus I can see the sensor.

 

My question is, if I go get an auto lamp equipped switch from Ford and install it, will this make the auto-lamp feature work? I know in the past, Ford has pre-wired cars for different options, even if they weren't present.

 

Any help would be appreciated!

[Mumbles]

I have a new '06 Fusion SEL V-6. For some reason, this car is missing a few odd options, like auto dim mirror, traction control, and the auto lamps.

 

I do have the sensor for the auto lamps, because when you unlock the doors at night the headlights will turn on, during the day they won't. Plus I can see the sensor.

 

My question is, if I go get an auto lamp equipped switch from Ford and install it, will this make the auto-lamp feature work? I know in the past, Ford has pre-wired cars for different options, even if they weren't present.

 

Any help would be appreciated!

I'm wondering the same thing.....can anyone answer this?

[akirby]

I'm wondering the same thing.....can anyone answer this?

 

That's strange. I suppose the wrong switch could have been installed. If so then it should be covered under warranty. I'd check with the service department first. If it's not supposed to have autolamps and you want to add them - not sure. Depends on whether any of the other wiring or programming in the PCM is missing. Changing the switch would be the only way to test it.

[urnews]

That's strange. I suppose the wrong switch could have been installed. If so then it should be covered under warranty. I'd check with the service department first. If it's not supposed to have autolamps and you want to add them - not sure. Depends on whether any of the other wiring or programming in the PCM is missing. Changing the switch would be the only way to test it.

My headlight switch does not match the one shown on Page 49 of the 2007 Fusion's owner's manual. It shows three positions to the left of "Off" and I only have one click to the left. But the price sticker for the car says it is equipped with "auto headlamps." I tried to set the delayed off function according to the manual and it did not work.

 

Does anyone know the Internet address for the on-line 2007 Fusion manual? Boz

[akirby]

My headlight switch does not match the one shown on Page 49 of the 2007 Fusion's owner's manual. It shows three positions to the left of "Off" and I only have one click to the left. But the price sticker for the car says it is equipped with "auto headlamps." I tried to set the delayed off function according to the manual and it did not work.

 

Does anyone know the Internet address for the on-line 2007 Fusion manual? Boz

 

Boz - the manuals are all here: https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/owne...als/results.asp

 

There is only one selection to the left for autolamps. The other one to the left is the indicator telling you the fog lights are on. The one on the bottom left is telling you that you have to pull back on the knob to turn on the fog lights.

 

And BTW - whoever said the low beams go off when the high beams are on is mistaken. I just checked and the low beams stay on all the time which is why using fog lights with high beams gives you 6 lights on the front and is illegal in most states.

[urnews]

Boz - the manuals are all here: https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/owne...als/results.asp

 

There is only one selection to the left for autolamps. The other one to the left is the indicator telling you the fog lights are on. The one on the bottom left is telling you that you have to pull back on the knob to turn on the fog lights.

 

And BTW - whoever said the low beams go off when the high beams are on is mistaken. I just checked and the low beams stay on all the time which is why using fog lights with high beams gives you 6 lights on the front and is illegal in most states.

Thank you for the helpful information Allen. Apparently I have the light switch that I'm supposed to have. I'll try again to reprogram the autolamps feature. It is interesting, I believe, that the fog lamps and the low beams both take an H11 bulb. At least I think they are. The low beam is actually identified as an H11LL and from what I've read an H11 and an H11LL are the same. Does anyone on the forum know for sure? Boz

[dlmartin11]

The LL at the end of a bulb number means Long Life. You pay more and supposedly can expect a long life for bulb with this suffix.

[urnews]

The LL at the end of a bulb number means Long Life. You pay more and supposedly can expect a long life for bulb with this suffix.

DL,

Another little mystery solved. Thank you. Boz

[yeloxr7]

I do have the sensor for the auto lamps, because when you unlock the doors at night the headlights will turn on, during the day they won't. Plus I can see the sensor.

 

I don't know about the 06, but on my 07 SE the lights come one whenever the car is unlocked using the remote, regardless of the time of day or night.

[Meelaan]

The headlights/taillights should only flash on during unlocking if you have the headlight switch set to the auto light setting AND it's dark enough for the auto light setting to actively determine that its dark. If you have the light switch to the OFF position, your lights should not flash at all when unlocking the car.

[yeloxr7]

All I know is that my interior and exterior lights come on for about 30 seconds whenever I press the "unlock" button on the key. My car does not have autolamp.

[popsracing]

I have a new '06 Fusion SEL V-6. For some reason, this car is missing a few odd options, like auto dim mirror, traction control, and the auto lamps.

 

I do have the sensor for the auto lamps, because when you unlock the doors at night the headlights will turn on, during the day they won't. Plus I can see the sensor.

 

My question is, if I go get an auto lamp equipped switch from Ford and install it, will this make the auto-lamp feature work? I know in the past, Ford has pre-wired cars for different options, even if they weren't present.

 

Any help would be appreciated!

The swap to the autolamp switch does work. The part number Motorcraft part #SW--6602 8E5Z-11654-CA

The headlamp exit delay worked after programming.

Directions:

 

Autolamps - programmable exit delay

Programmable exit delay allows the length of the autolamp exit delay to be changed.

 

To program the auto lamp exit time delay:

1. Start with ignition in the LOCK position and the headlamp control in the autolamp postition.

2. Turn the headlamp switch to O. (off)

3. Turn the ignition switch to RUN and then back to LOCK.

4. Turn the headlamp switch to the autolamp postition. The headlamps with turn on. (occasionally the first time through the steps the headlamps won't turn on)

5. Wait the desired amount of time for the exit delay you want. (up to three minutes), then turn the headlamp switch to O. (off) The headlamps will turn off.

 

http://www.autodealertools.com/quickQuote/...2008/Fusion.pdf

[CJLee89]

how hard was it to replace the switch? where is the auto lamp sensor?

 

i am interested in this as well.

[bbf2530]

how hard was it to replace the switch? where is the auto lamp sensor?

 

i am interested in this as well.

 

Hi CJ. :D The auto-lamp sensor is located on the top-center off the dashboard, between the left and right defroster vents. It is a small black plastic bump.

 

Physically replacing the switch itself is relatively simple, but if for some reason you do not have the auto-lamp systems ambient light sensor, it is a different ballgame.

 

Hope this information helps.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

[Mutnat]

Hi CJ. :D The auto-lamp sensor is located on the top-center off the dashboard, between the left and right defroster vents. It is a small black plastic bump.

 

Interesting... I always assumed that was my GPS antenna. Any idea where the factory nav unit's GPS antenna is?

[FusionFanatic]

Interesting... I always assumed that was my GPS antenna. Any idea where the factory nav unit's GPS antenna is?

I think it is located under the dash; above/behind the stock head unit. you may not be able to see it from your driver's seat.

 

NOTE: I don't have a factory NAV system so I can't personally verify that information. but what I can tell you is that it takes less than 5 minutes to remove the factory head unit. once removed you can trace the GPS antenna wire back and give us an answer once and for all where it is located. ;)

[Mutnat]

I think it is located under the dash; above/behind the stock head unit. you may not be able to see it from your driver's seat.

 

NOTE: I don't have a factory NAV system so I can't personally verify that information. but what I can tell you is that it takes less than 5 minutes to remove the factory head unit. once removed you can trace the GPS antenna wire back and give us an answer once and for all where it is located. ;)

 

No worries! I was really just curious. I wasn't planning to rip out my stereo to find out, nor ask anyone else to do so. :)

 

On a related note: thanks for once again answering another one of my questions! :shift:

[CJLee89]

Hi CJ. :D The auto-lamp sensor is located on the top-center off the dashboard, between the left and right defroster vents. It is a small black plastic bump.

 

Physically replacing the switch itself is relatively simple, but if for some reason you do not have the auto-lamp systems ambient light sensor, it is a different ballgame.

 

Hope this information helps.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

Thanks. I thought that was it because my dads f-150 and Moms Expedition has the sensor. My car does not, so it looks like i will have to stick with manual lights. lol

[popsracing]

how hard was it to replace the switch? where is the auto lamp sensor?

 

i am interested in this as well.

Very easy, use a small flathead to release the four retention clips, unplug the three connectors, and install the new switch and it's done. Just follow the programming sequence I mentioned earlier.

[CJLee89]

Thanks. I thought that was it because my dads f-150 and Moms Expedition has the sensor. My car does not, so it looks like i will have to stick with manual lights. lol

[Bartonbj]

I'm confused - can you add the autolamp feature? In two weeks our 09 Fusion SE will be here. Can we just change the light switch to have the autolamp feature?

[Jshell757]

The best way to check is to look for the sensor.

 

After that check it with the keyless entry.

 

During the day, they doors should unlock, and the headlights should be off, at nighttime, they will be on.

 

Block the sensor with a towel, or other dark object and try it, if they come on, you have it, just replace the switch, if not, then you do not have the sensor, and that would be a costly upgrade.

 

I am suspecting because he had an SEL, that it came with the sensor.

 

With an SE, I would bet on it NOT being there.

[Bartonbj]

The best way to check is to look for the sensor.

 

After that check it with the keyless entry.

 

During the day, they doors should unlock, and the headlights should be off, at nighttime, they will be on.

 

Block the sensor with a towel, or other dark object and try it, if they come on, you have it, just replace the switch, if not, then you do not have the sensor, and that would be a costly upgrade.

 

I am suspecting because he had an SEL, that it came with the sensor.

 

With an SE, I would bet on it NOT being there.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'll check when the SE gets here but I'm guessing you are correct in that the sensor will not be there.

[aboyer]

I'm curious. The people that have the sensor on the dash, do all of these people also have the Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC)also?

 

Per the wiring diagram, it seems that this sensor (Sunload Sensor) needs the EATC to work.

 

Thanks,

Antonio

[bighamsport]

New 2009 Fusion owner here. Got my car, which answers my phone, holds 6 CD's, plays MP3's, has satellite radio, and all kinds of other fancy stuff. BUT, my first night time drive exposed the fact I don't have auto lights, either. It's an SE, and there's no "bump" on the dash for the sensor (my 2003 F-250 has the "bump" and auto lights, too). So, as was asked before, are we "bumpless" Fusion owners out of luck for auto lights? Asked a service rep where I bought the car, who promptly said ask the other guy. Consequentially, I still didn't get an answer yet.