Auto Headlights went off

[Dads Toy]

I have own my 96 for over 8yrs now and this is the first this has happen to me. Was dark night and my auto sensor headlights had come on as always. Was driving fine and soon as I went thru an intersection my lights went out. I guess it was bright enough for the sensor thought it was day light and turned my headlights off. Darnest thing. Happen to me tiwic already. Had to pull the head light switch to get them to come back on.

[Archon]

Sounds like a problem with the sensor. It shouldn't be that sensitive and also has a delay built in for intermittent lighting changes.

[human]

This is almost definitely the Ambient Light Sensor. I had the same problem on my '97 Cadillac. The quick fix is simply to remove the sensor, which will give you full manual control over your headlights. To restore proper automatic function, you'll need to replace the sensor. I have no idea what a dealership would charge, but you can get one for little or nothing at a junk yard.

The sensor is circular, about the size of a dime. It's located on top of the driver's side of the dash, adjacent to the VIN number plate. It's only held in place with spring tension, so you can easily (but carefully) lift it out with the tip of a pocket knife blade. The new one just pops into place.