2010 needs automatic headlights

[Ken Nicholas]

My 2010 does not have automatic headlights. I keep forgetting to turn the lights of and then have a dead battery. Is there a way to add automatic headlights. Just like no cruise control the older Rangers had the wiring hidden . This is a plain Jane but I have had it 5 years and a good truck.

 

[sgtsandman]

As far as I know, the Canadian trucks have day time running lights, so may have them but no US models do that I'm aware of. Maybe one of the Canadian members can help you out on the details and what to look for. @Ron D any ideas?

 

[Uncle Gump]

Doesn't the warning chime sound off when the lights are on and the key is turned off?

It should... maybe that's wht you keep leaving the lights on?

 

[RonD]

Yes, there usually is a chime for headlights on, key off, Drivers door open
Also key in ignition in OFF position, Drivers door open

So have to ask, does the "Door Ajar" light come on with drivers door open, and does the Dome light come on?

If not then Drivers door switch is broken, and fixing it could solve your problem
Or someone disabled the Chime


In any case yes you can use one relay to shut off headlights/parking lights with key off
Fuse 23 in Cab fuse box has 12volts all the time, and it powers the head lights and park lights, also Flash to Pass via the switches

Fuse 6 is the Radio key on power fuse

You will hijack fuse 23 terminals and run them thru the load pins on a 12v 30/40amp relay, use an inline 30amp fuse on the IN to relay

Then tap fuse 6 to activate the relay with Key On
You can just leave the Main Light switch on all the time, or turn it off and on like before it will just go off with key off
DRL would still work with Main switch off, because fuse 23 is on with key on

Automatic headlights need a Light Sensor, which is why you can't just swap in an Automatic headlight switch, you don't have one, FYI

There are several Automatic headlight kits out there, they have the relays and the light sensor
Never tried one, they are not too expensive, which doesn't make me trust them, it needs to handle 10-20amps, lol

 

[2011Supercab]

I added auto headlights to my 2011 using the auto dimming mirror out of (i think) 95 Explorer

The mirror, a couple wires and 2 relays, could have sworn I got the instructions from here, but I can't find them anywhere.

EDIT Found it, another site https://www.ranger-forums.com/interior-exterior-electrical-123/how-auto-dimming-mirror-auto-headlights-7112/

Read the whole thread to get to the part for the 2010/11 Ranger wire colors.

 

[rubydist]

I posted a thread about how to do this years ago. A 30 second search found it...

Automatic headlights and daytime running lights

Maybe I've been living in the big city too long, but after driving a bunch of vehicles over the years with automatic on/off headlights, it seems too much to have to manually turn on/off the headlights on the Ranger. (Maybe I just don't want to be like those idiots driving at night with just...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[franklin2]

You can also make your own headlight on warning system, I put it on all my older vehicles. Just takes a 12v buzzer and a small diode hooked inbetween a ignition on circuit and the marker light circuit. Turn the key off with the headlights on, it buzzes.

 

[Ken Nicholas]

Sorry for wrong forum. RonD to start off with I really don't remember if the door ajar light works. But my light switch for the door only works when say the door is froze from ice. But for a split second dome light comes on. Tried wd40 no go bought new switch and never installed. Thank you for the help I hope maybe I gave the right clue.

 

[RonD]

I would install the new door switch and go from there

Key off and in your pocket
When you unplug the old door switch's 2 wire connector, put a jumper wire between its 2 wires, this is the same as "Door Open" to SJB
Dome light should come on
Also turn on headlight switch, chime should come on

 

[Ken Nicholas]

Thank you!!!!