Auto-On Headlights Disabled for $1.07

[rikhek]

Thanks to Tom's efforts searching for and posting the instructions for disabling the auto-on headlights I now have mine disabled and it only cost me $1.07 (for a package of Radio Shack resistors).  Took me a little over an hour last night.  Saved over $90.00 as I didn't have to buy the R&D kit.

 

The instructions written by Neil99Z71 and provided by Tom were EXCELLENT.  Didn't break a single dash/trim clip and solved an annoying front dash squeak at the same time.

 

WHAT A DEAL!!!  I have control over my headlights!!!!!  I also disabled the DRLs by just pulling the fuse.

 

Tom, I hope I have the opportunity to buy you a couple cold ones some day.

 

Grateful in Tulsa.....Rick

[CMNTMXR81]

Hmmm, for $1.07 I think I can do that.  

[silverado man]

can you post pics and instructions here.

[CMNTMXR81]

It's simple really;

 

-Pull dash

-Remove Radio

-Unplug radio and antenna

-Locate sensor in dash

-Remove sensor from dash

-Disconnect sensor from wire connection

-Plug 1.5k ohm resistor into wire connection.

 

Reverse the removal procedure above.

[rikhek]

Now that I'm an expert on this procedure  ;) , I would not recommend going the "through the radio route".  As Neil99Z71 who wrote the instructions I used points out there is an easier way.  This is by removing the dash cover.  Neil's instructions for accessing the sensor going this route are VERY detailed and describe EVERY single screw, dash/trim clip, and step of the procedure.  Neil provides instructions for doing it both ways but recommends the dash cover removal route.  It was a piece of cake. The link is:

 

http://forums.vmag.com/ptsilverado/messages/149.html

 

Rick

[CMNTMXR81]

I'll try through the radio first.  

 

I have a thing about taking things apart that don't NEED to be taken apart.  Later down the road, they tend to start squeaking and rattling.

[chevy4x4trucks]

For anyone who needs them I've got some instructions on my site on how to yank out the stock radio.

[Firetiger(MN)]

The easiest way is to clip the wires right at the BCM under the dash and insert the resistor there.  I did the radio trick on my '99 before I knew which wires run to the BCM.  Simplest of them all and you don't have to take anything apart.

[rikhek]

Now you tell me......................

[Firetiger(MN)]

Sorry!  If I would have seen you post asking how to do it, I would surely have told you.  I did the BCM route on my '02 in a matter of minutes.  Nothing to remove, take apart, break, etc.  K.I.S.S. -- Keep It Simple Stupid!

[MountaineerTom]

Glad you got it to work Rick.  All the thanks should go to Neil for typing out all the instructions.  By the way, he goes by Neil1500HD now that he has a 1500HD.   Did you put a switch on it too, so you can select between Auto/Manual headlights?

 

Doing the work at the BCM does sound a lot easier.  ???

 

I think if I had know exactly how to do this, I would have went that route.  A lot cheaper than the R&D kit, but I'm still happy with it.

[CMNTMXR81]

Well I ended up going route #2 not because I wanted too, but becasue I had too.  I sliced my knuckles open doing it way #1.  

 

Unfortunately, I can't do the factory like switch cause I have a switch in that place for auxillary lights (plow).

[MountaineerTom]

Unfortunately, I can't do the factory like switch cause I have a switch in that place for auxillary lights (plow).

You could get a new switch pod housing (P/N 15040484when I ordered mine) and a some cover plates (P/N 15734687 when I ordered) and have room for a couple extra switches.  

 

[CMNTMXR81]

Hmm, interesting.  I'd use it for other lighting though like extra driving lights, etc.

[MountaineerTom]

That's why I got mine, so I could maybe add a factory Aux. switch in the future if I want/need to or add a small rocker switch to the individual cover panels for the same reason.