Automatic Headlights vs. Remote Start

[zif0684]

I have a 2011 Sierra. Like the last GM vehicle I owned, it has a sensor that detects light and automatically turns on the headlights when it is dark enough. I can turn this off manually by switching the headlight dial from 'Auto' to 'off', but the dial cannot be left in the off position. When you start the vehicle, the headlights are always on automatically even if they were manually shut off the last time the vehicle was running. On the flip side, I drive an 07 Colorado at work. When you start it up, the parking lights come on but the headlights don't automatically engage until it is shifted in to drive.

 

I have browsed around online and looked at my owners manual. I see options for entry and exit lighting for when the doors are locked/unlocked but nothing about the headlights being on or off when until the vehicle is put in to drive.

 

I am trying to figure this out because my headlights come on and flood my neighbors kitchen window every morning at 5am when I start my truck by command start for work. Starting it by remote then having to go out and flip the auto headlight dial off kind of defeats the purpose of the remote start.

[TimmyG]

My headlights arnt on till i put the key in. I think? Ill have to check monday morning

[MikeNH]

Go into the DIC menu and turn off approach or entry lighting.

[zif0684]

Go into the DIC menu and turn off approach or entry lighting.

 

 

I dont think that's it. That only controls the lights coming on when the doors are locked/unlocked

[angryrussian]

I have an '11 silverado with remote start. Even when it's dark out my headlights don't turn on with remote start. When I hit the door unlock they are set to come on with approach lighting. Then when I turn the key they come on in automatic mode.

 

I'm not sure why yours come on with remote start. I'd say scroll through the menu to see if there is an option for that specifically but I've never seen one.

[Jsdirt]

Yeah with my '07, only the running/parking lights come on when started with the remote. When you turn the key to "run", the headlights will come on.

[randas]

Aftermarket remote start?

[zif0684]

It's after market. But it shouldn't matter. Because the lights come on automatically upon starting it with the key

[NoMoreGM4Me]

It's after market. But it shouldn't matter. Because the lights come on automatically upon starting it with the key

 

 

It shouldn't, but it does. GM's remote start does far more than just start the vehicle. The automatic climate control HVAC (if equipped) detects the outside temps and sets itself accordingly as well as turns on the heated seats (if equipped). Lights are also programmed accordingly.

[zif0684]

You're all missing the point. It does the same with the remote start as it does with the key. Let me make it simple. Is there, or should there be a way to program the head lights not to turn on until the truck is shifted out of park, like for example how it is in my work Colorado...

[Jsdirt]

It's all how the unit was wired. With a relay or 2 you could wire it up to do whatever you want regarding the lights.

[NoMoreGM4Me]

You're all missing the point. It does the same with the remote start as it does with the key. Let me make it simple. Is there, or should there be a way to program the head lights not to turn on until the truck is shifted out of park, like for example how it is in my work Colorado...

 

 

How about just not parking your truck aimed toward your neighbors window?

[zif0684]

I thought this was "ask the expert" category, not "everyone gives their 2 cents without actually answering my question then getting sarcastic because that's even more helpful". What a waste of time.

[jdubub]

I thought this was "ask the expert" category, not "everyone gives their 2 cents without actually answering my question then getting sarcastic because that's even more helpful". What a waste of time.

 

 

[Quint]

I thought this was "ask the expert" category, not "everyone gives their 2 cents without actually answering my question then getting sarcastic because that's even more helpful". What a waste of time.

 

 

Well when you ignored post #9, which actually answered your question but then you claimed "missed the point", you can expect two cents to start coming at you fast and furiously.