2.50.180 Auto Headlights Always On

[Doug_G]

Something has changed in a recent firmware update.

The headlights turn on if the windshield wipers are running. I believe this is a California regulation. That has not changed.

If auto wipers are on, the headlights are off unless the wipers actually wipe, in which case the headlights turn on and stay on for a few minutes. Every wipe of the blades apparently resets the timer. That has not changed.

What has changed is this: manually pushing the "wipe" button used to leave the headlights off. Now it turns the headlights on for a couple of minutes. This is kinda annoying because if it's raining very lightly I often just push the button once in a while. Every time I do that the headlights come on for a couple of minutes and then turn off. This can't be good for the bulbs and it's probably kinda weird for the other drivers around me.

 

[whitex]

Did AP2 cars enable auto wipers, or are you talking about AP1?

 

[Doug_G]

Mine doesn't have AP, but a couple of loaners I drove had the same behavior. AP1 I believe.

 

[drklain]

If you have the LED headlights, its a non-issue for the bulbs as LED's basically have such a high operating lifetime (greater than 25,000 hours that they are effectively "never burn out". If you have the older, normal bulbs, I agree that constantly turning them on and off is not a good idea as it is generally the initial heat up when a bulb is turned on that causes wear and leads it to eventually "blow".

 

[3s-a-charm]

Just noticed this... my AP2 Model X can't drive with just the DRL on - LED always on.