How do I get the auto headlights to work?

[ResponderPSE]

I'm new to this forum and to the tahoe. I would love to know how to get the headlights to work automatically. I have been searching the innertubes for the answer without any success. This forum seems pretty active and hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.

 

[soulsea]

Hi Michael,

Mmm, your headlights should come on automatically when it gets dark ... the only way you can turn them off is by tuning the light knob to the left. If they're not coming on by themselves then there's a problem ... might be related to the light sensor capsule on the dash.

Have they never come on by themselves?

Welcome aboard btw.

 

[09tahoehybrid]

I'm new to this forum and to the tahoe. I would love to know how to get the headlights to work automatically. I have been searching the innertubes for the answer without any success. This forum seems pretty active and hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.

Turn this switch to Auto?:

 

[soulsea]

I just saw on your intro thread that this was a LE vehicle ... those guys re-harness/reconfigure everything light wise for vehicle duty, they might have disabled the automatic headlights. Not sure tho ...

 

[ECU-Yukon]

If it is a "police" package truck, either ppv or Ssv, the auto headlight feature is disabled from the factory. my ssv also has the drls turned off. I believe both can be turned back on as a bcm function but I have never tried on mine, I need them both turned off.
E.p.

 

[ryanm]

On a police vehicle, the Auto headlights CAN be factory disabled... but it's an option you must order.
Option code 9G8, Delete Daytime Running Lamps and Automatic Headlamps.
(It cost me an extra $1 to get this on the new patrol vehicle at order time)

If this was setup this way, a dealer may be able to restore functionality.

 

[bauer4567]

Could option 9G8 just be the removal of DRL fuses in the underhood fuse box!? Similarly, there may be a simple relay under there for the auto lights. I KNOW there are DRL fuses there, but not sure about a relay for the auto headlights... worth taking a quick look through the diagram under the hood though...

 

[ResponderPSE]

Thanks for all of the great info. I'll check with the dealer that we got it from. It makes perfect sense that these would be disabled for law enforcement.

 

[ryanm]

Could option 9G8 just be the removal of DRL fuses in the underhood fuse box!? Similarly, there may be a simple relay under there for the auto lights. I KNOW there are DRL fuses there, but not sure about a relay for the auto headlights... worth taking a quick look through the diagram under the hood though...

Not 100%. On the 2011 Suburban, anyway... pulling the DRL fuse just kills the DRLs. It doesn't affect the auto headlamps at all.