Interesting. Do you have this installed? What position does the OEM light switch need to be in for the system to operate in auto-mode ("off", "home", or "on")? Is there a separate daylight sensor that needs to be routed somewhere behind the dash, or is this just plug-and-play?

 

Product description says it has a photo cell. You can get the dealer to program DRL so that all the lights (front and back) are on with DRL. Only thing missing are the dash lights and if it starts to get dark, that would be a good reminder to turn the switch on - that will then give you dash lights and high beam functionality. My 997.1 is configured this way.

 

I did not. some one in renntech did that as I read

 

can you please elaborate - do you have anythign extra added to the car or was it done using embedded sun sensor?

what exactly gets turned on automatically based on car`s sun sensor?

DRL is a different thing - it will keep xenon beams on all the time, i do not want that, I want lights to go on only when it gets dark. what exactly was programmed on your car?

 

Amen brother, thank you!

 

I didn't say anything gets turned on automatically other than the DRL's and DRL's aren't tied to the any sun sensor. My DRL's are configured so that headlamps, sidemarkers, rear taillights, license plate lights all illuminate whenever the car is running. When it gets dark I have to turn the headlamp switch on to get the dash lights to light up and to allow high beam selection. To get lights to go on at dusk automatically you'll need an aftermarket kit. I don't mind the headlamps on as part of DRL - makes me more visible to the "other guys" that way - 4 year old car, 26,000 miles and no problems with headlamps.

 

My espresso machine has been on the fritz lately, I think the jag's at Starbucks wired it incorrectly. Every time I start the car the steam nozzle goes off.

 

Looking at the system, it has the same issue I see with cars that have these auto solutions in them. The timing is all wrong .. and hence its something the driver really needs to manually switch for it to be most effective.

5 seconds of dark before they switch on the lights... so as you go into a tunnel, unless its long, you may well be a very good way through the tunnel before your lights even turn on.

30 seconds of light to turn them off.. so you are well past the tunnel before they turn off.


I'd just as well turn my lights on by hand as I enter the tunnel (so the cars in front of me can see where I am in case of lane changing needs) and off when I leave the tunnel.

 

It's nice to have a back-up for those times you may be preoccupied with something else (may be having a conversation with your passenger or trying to figure out directions) and forget to turn on-your lights. The fact that they may stay on for a few seconds after exiting a tunnel isn't so much of a big deal. I've found myself driving around in the evening not realizing my lights aren't on, and this happens because your eyes adjust to the gradually dimming surroundings, so it takes a while for you to realize! It would be nice to have a back-up system for those day,s even if the system is a few seconds slow (much safer than my few minutes slow!) Besides, an auto system is just an option, just like PSM, and doesn't have to be switched on, if you prefer.

 

Local college coach stopped a couple of years ago in his Cayenne because as he was leaving the tavern his headlights weren't on - got a very embarrassing DWI. He probably wishes Porsche had auto headlights. I think he's driving a BMW now.

 

we are creatures of habit.

took me less than two weeks to 'adapt' to turning off the headlights manually..

now its 'automatic' for me to turn off the lights after turning the ignition off (after all, they are right next to each other)

 

Having just moved to a 911, from an Audi S4, I am missing the auto lights function.

 

I don't know where you guys are parking that you're constantly forgetting to turn your headlights off or are even worried about it. I have several vehicles with Automatic headlights, but whenever I drive the 911, it's to and from the garage. Usually when I drive into the garage get out of the car I can pretty clearly see if I left my lights on.

Also, when I'm driving from day/night I don't forget to turn my lights on, I'm surprised this made three pages. I'm of the opinion, who really cares.

 

This guys problem wasn't the lack of auto-headlights, it was driving intoxicate and being to stoopid to turn on his lights.

For determining when to turn on my headlights (DRLs are normally on), once I cannot see the gauge readouts clearly anymore due to it being too dark, I turn on the lights.

One issue the auto-on headlights may not resolve, and only compound, is the need to turn on your headlights when its raining and the wipers are going.

It may well be bright enough to not need them from your sensors perspective, but if you've gotten so detached you don't turn the lights on yourself anymore, I could see folks driving around in the rain without their lights on. Remember, its not all about what you can see but that others can see you as well.

 

I really don't like automatic headlights.

What's the problem with turning three notch a switch with your left hand?

Besides, being able to turn off your lights can become handy when trying to evade police cruisers chasing your tail.....

Yves