Adding Automatic Headlamps?
Thread Starter
2012 F150 STX 5.0
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 69
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You are correct,
If your truck already has a chicklet that looks like a light bulb inside and two pins with a wire harmess attached, that is a sensor.
If your truck came from the factory with automatic temperature control (ATC) then that is the sun load sensor for your A/C. AND if your truck did NOT have automatic headlamp switch from the factory, you will need to add the correct sensor along with the new auto headlamp switch. The sensor you need will be "with ATC." it adds a photocell to the sun load sensor.
If your truck came from the factory without ATC and without automatic headlamp switch, it should have a solid black chicklet non transparent plug in the dash with the two wire harness attached at the base with a white keeper to hold the two wire harness in place.
If your NEW auto headlamp switch keeps the lights on during the day when in auto mode, your truck will need to get programmed once the correct sensor has been installed.
Hope this clears up any confusion about the correct parts and how to make it work properly.
If your truck already has a chicklet that looks like a light bulb inside and two pins with a wire harmess attached, that is a sensor.
If your truck came from the factory with automatic temperature control (ATC) then that is the sun load sensor for your A/C. AND if your truck did NOT have automatic headlamp switch from the factory, you will need to add the correct sensor along with the new auto headlamp switch. The sensor you need will be "with ATC." it adds a photocell to the sun load sensor.
If your truck came from the factory without ATC and without automatic headlamp switch, it should have a solid black chicklet non transparent plug in the dash with the two wire harness attached at the base with a white keeper to hold the two wire harness in place.
If your NEW auto headlamp switch keeps the lights on during the day when in auto mode, your truck will need to get programmed once the correct sensor has been installed.
Hope this clears up any confusion about the correct parts and how to make it work properly.
Originally Posted by TexasTea
There was indeed several changes made to the 2011 and up Ford F-Series trucks in wiring and module programming.
If you have a base truck, chances are there is no wire, but check anyway.
Locate the black chicklet sized plug at the center of your instrument panel top near the windshield. Gently pry that part up. If there is a wire attached to that plug you can install automatic headlamps with the correct sensor and correct headlamp switch. It will NOT work properly until FORD activates the modules. YES! Ford can do it.. I had them do it... YES! they can turn on/off daytime running lights (DTR) if that is not required in your area. States like Florida require the headlamps to come on with the wipers, while other states do not. Some states require low beam headlamps on 24/7, so that must be programmed into the modules. Once the modules are properly set according to your state of registration, whey will work fine.
You can find the necessary parts at http://www.TascaParts.com/
Simply fill out your vehicle information and VIN
search for sentinel sensor, then headlamp switch
it will pull up the correct parts for your Ford vehicle
The correct sensor should be ordered depending on what type A/C control you have. If you have automatic temperature control (ATC) you would order that sensor. If not, order the sensor W/O ATC
You should have checked for the sensor wire already, it is plug and play, remove the solid black chicklet holding the two pin wire, then install the sensor by attaching the wire and snapping the sensor back into the same location.
To remove the headlamp switch. Remove the side dash cover panel driver side. Gently pry away from the bottom front corner, it is a snap-on part no screws. Using the new headlamp switch as a guide, locate the three plastic tabs that will need to be depressed to slide the switch out from the front dash panel. Release the wire harness from your old headlamp switch and plug it into the new headlamp switch. Push the new headlamp switch into same location. Replace side panel dash cover by snapping into place.
Having a friend in the business helps, else you will need to pay a FORD tech to program the modules and check for proper operation. Fees vary by dealership but any dealership can do it.
I added this feature to a 2011 F-250 XLT, had it programmed and it works perfectly. The F-150 uses the exact same parts.
If you have a base truck, chances are there is no wire, but check anyway.
Locate the black chicklet sized plug at the center of your instrument panel top near the windshield. Gently pry that part up. If there is a wire attached to that plug you can install automatic headlamps with the correct sensor and correct headlamp switch. It will NOT work properly until FORD activates the modules. YES! Ford can do it.. I had them do it... YES! they can turn on/off daytime running lights (DTR) if that is not required in your area. States like Florida require the headlamps to come on with the wipers, while other states do not. Some states require low beam headlamps on 24/7, so that must be programmed into the modules. Once the modules are properly set according to your state of registration, whey will work fine.
You can find the necessary parts at http://www.TascaParts.com/
Simply fill out your vehicle information and VIN
search for sentinel sensor, then headlamp switch
it will pull up the correct parts for your Ford vehicle
The correct sensor should be ordered depending on what type A/C control you have. If you have automatic temperature control (ATC) you would order that sensor. If not, order the sensor W/O ATC
You should have checked for the sensor wire already, it is plug and play, remove the solid black chicklet holding the two pin wire, then install the sensor by attaching the wire and snapping the sensor back into the same location.
To remove the headlamp switch. Remove the side dash cover panel driver side. Gently pry away from the bottom front corner, it is a snap-on part no screws. Using the new headlamp switch as a guide, locate the three plastic tabs that will need to be depressed to slide the switch out from the front dash panel. Release the wire harness from your old headlamp switch and plug it into the new headlamp switch. Push the new headlamp switch into same location. Replace side panel dash cover by snapping into place.
Having a friend in the business helps, else you will need to pay a FORD tech to program the modules and check for proper operation. Fees vary by dealership but any dealership can do it.
I added this feature to a 2011 F-250 XLT, had it programmed and it works perfectly. The F-150 uses the exact same parts.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 3
Since you do not know which type sensor was installed, you may be lucky enough to have a number on the sensor itself that you can reference. If not, you will need to purchase the correct one. I suggested earlier a source on line, http://tascaparts.com however you can use any source your choose to either cross reference your existing part or order the correct one for your vehicle. You will also need the correct automatic headlamp switch. With or without fog lamps. Once you have the right parts, the install is simple as I have outlined. You will then need to have a FORD tech program your modules to accept the new parts.
Hope this helps you JMG
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 9,300
Likes: 1,524
From: Manassas Va
My plug was a flat piece of black plastic that popped in hole but it had the wire harness attached to the back of that plug. My new sensor was a domed piece of smoked clear plastic with the photo eye in side, just plugged it in and popped it back in the hole in dash.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 3
The parts are the same. The procedure is the same.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 514
Likes: 68
Read my post # 28... it applies to 2011 and 2012 Ford F-150 thru F-450. Trim level XLT and above. Some XL and WT trim levels may be included if they received the value package. Easy enough to check by raising the chicklet at the center of the dash. If there is a wire attached to it, you are good to go.
The parts are the same. The procedure is the same.
The parts are the same. The procedure is the same.
For now I'm just dealing with the "always on while ignition on" "feature" of the upgrade. They go off when the key is off and they don't come on with remote start.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 3
Yeah, it just sucks that it has to be "programmed" ... for which the dealer will likely charge an hour labor for something that will take a few minutes.
For now I'm just dealing with the "always on while ignition on" "feature" of the upgrade. They go off when the key is off and they don't come on with remote start.
For now I'm just dealing with the "always on while ignition on" "feature" of the upgrade. They go off when the key is off and they don't come on with remote start.
I installed my auto headlamp just before I took it in for some warranty work and asked if they could take a "look" at. The program was done along with the warranty work.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2005 f150 xl
Have a 2005 XL basic truck, w/ Parking & Fog lights but w/o auto headlights. I Bought a Switch with auto headlight feature and the correct plug configuration. The switch has an open pin #7 for which my harness has no wire feeding it. All the switch settings work expect for the Auto setting. Does anyone know where that wire comes from or where it attaches? Also, there is no light sensor or wiring installed in this truck. If I put a sensor on the dash where would the wires attach? I have a manual A/C switch and believe from what I have read that no dealer cluster program is needed. Is this correct? Any experienced help will be much appreciated.
Have a 2005 XL basic truck, w/ Parking & Fog lights but w/o auto headlights. I Bought a Switch with auto headlight feature and the correct plug configuration. The switch has an open pin #7 for which my harness has no wire feeding it. All the switch settings work expect for the Auto setting. Does anyone know where that wire comes from or where it attaches? Also, there is no light sensor or wiring installed in this truck. If I put a sensor on the dash where would the wires attach? I have a manual A/C switch and believe from what I have read that no dealer cluster program is needed. Is this correct? Any experienced help will be much appreciated.