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Headlights on Auto Setting how long before turns off?

30K views 22 replies 11 participants last post by  jasonamd 
#1 ·
In Auto mode the headlights on my vehicle parked over night in the garage are on when i start the car each morning. I have noticed that the headlights stay on (based on the green indicator lights on dashboard) for 5 minutes or even more. i am driving in bright sunlight although the sun is at the back of the vehicle though with turns on the road will occasionally be on the windshield.

Is this time delay unusual or the software programmed that way? Thoughts appreciated
 
#3 ·
The light sensor is on the dashboard, so light shining anywhere else won't turn the lights off.

And there is some sort of delay mechanism built in to prevent the lights from switching on and off in too rapid a fashion.

Imagine you're driving at night and every time you drive under a lighted highway sign your headlights go off.

Conversely, if you're driving on a grey icky day it is best to have the lights on, so others can see you. If the sun breaks through the clouds for a second or two, you don't want your lights turning off, then coming back on.
 
#4 ·
When pulling out of my garage mine shut off before I'm at the end of my driveway (15-30 seconds at most). But if you say the sun is shining at the back of your car and it is early morning or late evening then yes, it is possible the amount of light on the dash is below the amount needed to turn the lights off. I've seen that on some occasions in the early morning where the sun is behind me and my lights come on. I'd say it is normal operation.
 
#5 ·
Appreciate the responses. i leave for work just before 9am by which time (at least in the summer months) the sunlight is quite strong.

I agree the lights should not flash on and off with immediate changes in ambient light but I did expect behaviour akin to jasonamd - 30 secs to 1 minute in bright sunshine even if not direct and the lights turn out. Like 70challenger i switch the lights to off and then back to Auto and headlights stay off. I figured dust on the windshield may be preventing light from entering the sensor - I did washed the car externally and still had the issue the next morning.
 
#9 ·
An update on this - this afternoon 3pm i had to drive to an appointment - not something i usually do. the sky was overcast, sun covered by grey clouds and no strong sunlight but enough to not need lights. when i started the car the lights were on as i park in a garage in the day. A minute after driving on the main road on their own the lights turned off as i would have expected.

i'll put this issue down to OS software settings rather than a physical sensor not working as it should.
 
#10 ·
I'm at the Kia dealer right now regarding this and several other issues on my 2017 Sorento SX w/technology package. I live in CA. Since my garage is dark I expect the headlights to turn on while in Auto. This morning was sunny with no clouds in the sky. At one point I had the sun in my face and had to put the visor down so the sensor was most definitely exposed to high levels of sunlight. I was about 30 miles from home on my way to the Kia dealer when I noticed the headlights were still on. I've asked the dealer to check this out. I'll let everyone know what they have to say.
 
#11 ·
legitimate questions from all, but i'm curious as to why anyone minds the lights being on even when it's light out? serious question - i assume there are some valid reasons to prefer your lights off but i can't think of any. personally i keep my headlights on the "on" setting at all times and then i never have to think about it. i never even touch the knob i just leave it on always even when the car is off.
 
#14 ·
This morning rather than turn the light switch to off and then back to auto i left them in Auto. the green lights on the dash stayed on for 25 minutes until a turn of the road had the sun shining directly on the windshield. Even then it took 30 seconds before the lights went off (i slowed the vehicle to prolong this as the next turn would have put the sunlight behind me again) . @sorentoron - agreed this is a minor irritant (first world problem?) my motivation was to learn more about the vehicle. Cheers
 
#15 ·
I have the opposite issue. When I enetr (for example) a dark parking ramp, it takes like 15 seconds or more before my lights come on. In my kia Sedona-- they come on RIGHT AWAY.

The sensitivity and timing of the auto light control is clearly stupid.
 
#22 ·
IMO these automated settings will likely always have groups of consumers they cant satisfy. Engineers likely design for the average and then turn a blind eye to folks like me who notice these things. As @CrazyBiker noted this should be adjustable and likely can be done via an OS update. but Kia likely has bigger fish to fry ...... (and then again i'd rather the only issues are such minor ones (and not life threatening exploding airbag inflators)
 
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