Night/day Sensor For Headlights

[EMS_0525]

My lights are constantly on even on bright sunny days. Im thinking its the sensor on the dash, think it went bad. Called the dealer and the sensor is only 13$ but im not sure how to replace it. Has anyone done this? Does the defrost piece of dash pop out? or do i have to take the whole dashboard out? My truck is a 2000 GMC Sierra SLE. Any info would be great. I tried searching couldnt find anything.

[ScottyBoy]

My 01 was doing the same EXACT thing like 2 months ago. I swapped out the ambient light sensor and that solved the problem. Mine was only 13 bucks at the dealer too. Its GM part number 12450120. This should fit a 99-02 truck or 00-02 suv. 03+ is a different part number.

But the installation should be the same on all 99-06 GM Fullsize trucks and SUV's. You will have to take off the top of the dash, its not actually that hard. You will need a 7mm nut driver, a stubby phillips screwdriver, and a nylon prying tool (a flathead screwdriver might work, but may also damage the dash).

First, you'll need to remove the two windsield A-pillar trim pieces(they will just pop off, only held by clips) Now remover the main dash bezel that surrounds the instrument cluster, radio and AC contols. (this will pop right off as well) You will now need to unscrew several 7mm screws along the top of the dash above the radio and instrument cluster. Now pop off the fuse panel cover on the drivers side and also the same panel on the passenger side of the dash. On each side you will need to undo 2 phillips screws (this is where the stubby screwdriver comes to use). Now you pop out the two AC vents on the passenger side just above the glove box.(heres where you'll need the pry tool) After you get the vents out, you look up inside the vent hole and see the release tabs for the "grab bar" on the upper dash. Reach into the vent holes to release the tabs that hold the grab bar in, and pull the grab bar straight out towards the seats. Now you should be able to lift up the top of the dash (or completely take it out if you wish) and swap out the sensor. Start to finish took me about 45 mins and that was even with me tryinmg to figure out how to get the dash off. With these instructions, this should be a 20-30 minute job.

[EMS_0525]

Great!! thanks. I saw somewhere online that the defrost vent popped, maybe newer trucks.... Thanks again man.

[ScottyBoy]

No problem, that what this site is for, to help out fellow truck owners! If possible, when you go to do the sensor swap why don't you take pictures of the steps I described so you can post them here for others in the future doing this same repair.

[EMS_0525]

Sure, i can do that... hopefully ill try to do it on tomrrow. Just called and ordered the sensor.

[EMS_0525]

Well i got the sensor and got to work today.

 

Remove pillar molding:

 

just slides in bottom and snaps in up top.

 

pop out trim piece around gauges and radio.

 

 

screws to remove:

 

 

 

 

pop out side panels and remove phillips screws

 

pop out vents:

 

 

1 screw behind each vent to remove

 

then look up inside vents and push on the white grab bar release button. and the grab bar will slide out.

 

 

then there is 3 pieces that pop out above the passenger air bag then the dashboard will lift off, you will need to remove the sensor from the dash or unplug it.

 

 

 

thats it.

[ScottyBoy]

NICE PICS! Glad to see you got that knocked out.

[EMS_0525]

Thanks for the steps on how to... the grab bar would have got me.

[ScottyBoy]

It confused me a bit too, but I knew it had to come off somehow. Thats when I took off the vents and saw the release tabs.

[Black02Silverado]

Great write up. Thanks for posting the pictures and how to.

[welscher08]

Bringing up an older thread, but what do you mean by a nylon prying tool? Is there a link/pic you could show me. Need to do this and don't want to hurt the dash. Its on my work truck so work will pay for the pry tool, just need to know what it looks like, if it helps me get the two vents out. Thanks!

[txab]

I've used a small flat-bladed screwdriver before. Just go easy and you won't scratch anything.

[welscher08]

I've used a small flat-bladed screwdriver before. Just go easy and you won't scratch anything.

 

Ok thanks...I will give that a shot. Does anyone know the part number for on 03-07 ambient light sensor by chance? If not I will just have the dealer look it up when i call to order it anyways. Thanks