WTF is this autolamp delay switch behind my headlamp switch?

[1990LTD]

I would hate auto dim haha. sounds like a dog that saw itself in a mirror and got scared.


i do, however, love the autolamp. i've got an auto dimming rearview mirror to install as well, as soon as i remember what i did with the wiring diagram.

[Crownvicman289]

Maybe I should just find an 81 Caddy in the boneyard and steal the autodim from that then. Does the dashpad have to come out to install autodim? I just figured the panel that the headlight switch is on had to come out, that's nothing.

[onedollarbob]

General Motors more or less patented the technology for "auto dimming highbeams". They made many of the parts for Lincoln's autodimmer system, and the photo eye is essentially the same part between Cadillacs and Lincolns of the '70s. I think there was some overlap in the '60s applications, too. One of the early marketing terms was "autronic eye". If the system is in perfect order, it is actually not as bad with road signs and such.

The autodimmer on my '83 Mark VI is pretty sweet after I spent a couple years messing with the adjustments behind the grille. It's good enough that I leave it on the dial setting at the switch and never need to play with it to compensate for any embarassing mishaps, but the system is fussy and probably not worth dealing with for most people.

The autolamp system was a separate feature that turned the headlights on at dusk/off at dawn and off after exiting the car, and the dial would adjust how long before they cut off when turning off the car. A lot of newer cars have this option now and it is taken for granted, but on a '70s or '80s car, it still trips people out when you show them. I think it's especially cool on the covered headlight equipped cars, as you can leave the car and watch the lids close all by themselves.

You would need your car to be equipped with an appropriate headlight switch and wiring harness to hook up the autodim eye or autolamp setup. These are not plug-n-play components.

[86VickyLX]

You will also most likely need the multifunction switch from the autodim vehicle.

[sxcpotatoes]

I got comments all the time: "You left your headlights on." "Nah, they're automatic, thanks" "Didn't know they put them on cars that old!" "As an option since about 1979, at least."

[tjc78]

"As an option since about 1979, at least."

Yep, my 79 Town Coupe had them. Actually it dates back to 1960 Buicks under the name "Twilight Sentinel". Useless knowledge, I know

[mercurygm88]

I had a cadillac eldorado that said twilight sentinel on the panel for the lights, but all it had was auto on/off no auto dim. My grandfathers 78 diamond jubilee town car has autodim and the system still works perfect , but thats probably got something to do with the car only having 18,000 miles on it.

[tjc78]

My grandfathers 78 diamond jubilee town car has autodim and the system still works perfect , but thats probably got something to do with the car only having 18,000 miles on it.

You mean Mark V right? Which color, the blue or the gold? Please post pics in another thread if you ever get the chance. Love those cars!

/threadjack

[mercurygm88]

Yeah the mark V its the blue one, has the factory cb option and the garage door opener too. I dont see him very often but Ill try and remember it next time I do. I dont know why I said town car I meant continental mark V

[tjc78]

Cool, thanks!

[gadget73]

The autodimmer on my '83 Mark VI is pretty sweet after I spent a couple years messing with the adjustments behind the grille. .

The sensor is behind the grille on the Mark VI ? Its hanging off the mirror on the 80s Towncars, same thing with my Mark VII.

[sly]

The sensor is behind the grille on the Mark VI ? Its hanging off the mirror on the 80s Towncars, same thing with my Mark VII.

yup... mine has it (non-functional just like the autolamp). It's a large (think 40W light bulb) thing mounted on the high center area of the grill.