2-50Automatic Headlamp SystemWhen it is dark enough outside, your automaticheadlamp system will turn on your headlamps at thenormal brightness along with other lamps such as thetaillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps and the instrumentpanel lights. The radio lights will also be dim.Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor on the topof the instrument panel under the radio speaker grill.Be sure it is not covered or the system will be onwhenever the ignition is on.The system may also turn on your headlamps whendriving through a parking garage, heavy overcastweather or a tunnel. This is normal.There is a delay in the transition between the daytimeand nighttime operation of the Daytime Running Lamps(DRL) and the automatic headlamp systems so thatdriving under bridges or bright overhead street lightsdoes not affect the system. The DRL and automaticheadlamp system will only be affected when the lightsensor sees a change in lighting lasting longer thanthe delay.To idle your vehicle with the automatic headlampsystem off, set the parking brake while the ignition isoff. Then start your vehicle. The automatic headlampsystem will stay off until you release the parking brake.As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regularheadlamp system when you need it.You may be able to turn off your automatic headlampsystem. See “Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)” later inthis section for more information.Lamps On ReminderA reminder chime will sound when your headlamps orparking lamps are manually turned on, the driver’sdoor is opened and your ignition is in OFF, LOCK orACCESSORY. To turn the chime off, turn theexterior lamps control all the way to the left or turn theinstrument panel thumbwheel down to the fully dimmedposition. In the automatic mode, the headlamps turn offonce the ignition key is in OFF.Puddle LampsYour vehicle is equipped with puddle lamps to help yousee the area near the base of the front doors when it isdark out. The puddle lamps will illuminate when a dooris opened or when you press the UNLOCK button on thekeyless entry transmitter. The lamps will time out orturn off once the engine is started.You can program the puddle lamps not to come on ifyou choose. See “Secondary Information Center” in theIndex for more information.
