Disable headlights on start up
January 26th, 2020, 10:44 PM
#1
Disable headlights on start up
'04 Tahoe, how can I temporarily disable the headlights coming on during starting up. Its a problem when doing night time photography and moving the truck. Thanks. *BW*
January 27th, 2020, 4:51 PM
#3
Without pulling a fuse...easiest way I can think of is engage the parking brake before starting. This will disable the auto headlights, then you can use the dome override to keep them off after you release the parking brake.
January 27th, 2020, 7:33 PM
#4
CF Veteran
Brake will stop DRL's but don't think it would stop the headlights coming on if dark enough. Only thing I can think of is turn them off as soon as you start vehicle with dash switch.
January 27th, 2020, 11:09 PM
#5
No, the parking brake engaged won't keep the headlights off. Yes, the pushbutton will keep the interior lights off. Now back to the question. There is a way to solder a resistor into the wiring to disable the auto/lights on scheme. BUT, I found out tonight that a small bright white flashlight inserted into a cutout of a Styrofoam cup placed over the dash sensor like a enclosed dog house worked very well ! Now, to find a bright white LED, some wiring and a cig plug to carry along with me already made up and ready to go. Thanks for the interest. *BW* On to my next thread.
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Rednucleus (January 28th, 2020)
January 29th, 2020, 4:18 PM
#7
SORRY BUT IT DIDN'T WORK as in msg #5. It only partly works. Late last night, I covered the dash sensor as mentioned and used the flashlight. Truck in park and brake is set. Start up and the outside lights will stay OFF, YAY !!! BUT, as soon as the lever is moved from Park the headlights come back on. NOT what I wanted. Wait a short while and try again, turn the key to the ON position, move the lever to N and start the truck and the headlights are quickly ON ! Covering the sensor had no effect at all. My question right now IS my headlight switch working right ?? A 2004 Tahoe, the headlight switch is spring loaded to keep it from going to the "O" position or as some say off otherwise and is at the AUTO position or the two other settings. I'm not sure if this is normal or not ? Someone has mentioned why just not turn them off, maybe a few years were different. Can someone else help with that question. Another problem with starting in Park is that the brake pedal must be pressed to be able to get out of park causing stop lights to come on. Remember this is a dark site for doing night photography and NO lights is wanted. In earlier years we used to pull fuses on cars to stop lighting to leave early but when cars got newer doing that caused problems with their onboard computers and leaving problem codes. Thanks to all.
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January 30th, 2020, 7:04 PM
#8
Went to two chevy dealers today with the hopes of getting my hands on a new headlight switch just to feel it and see if it is spring loaded to the AUTO setting like mine always has been since day one. But, both parts departments told me that the switch is discontinued ! Yes I know about other sources having them. May drive by a large used car sales lot and walk up to some trucks like mine to get my hands on to check out. Thanks.
January 31st, 2020, 9:53 AM
#10
Thanks Red for the good and bad news ! The small round button nearby for the interior lights when quickly pushed on/off 4 times does not make the ding sound. I saw that its easy to take the back off of the switch box as if to replace the bulb and be able to look inside and maybe clean the contacts for the button. Maybe a tomorrow job. Still am looking for other options for keeping the headlights off completely. Maybe wire in a toggle switch somewhere to do it. Regards.