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switching to auto headlights


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I am wondering the same thing about my 2011 Mainstreet. Wondering if the ambient light sensor is already there, or if it would have to be put in, and if any other parts are required. Guessing the light sensor isn't there, because if it just required a switch replacement, it would probably be a standard feature (which I think it should be, but that's another discussion for another day...) Anyone know what's required to add automatic headlamps?

Edited by halofan.3
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I asked my dealer if it could be done on a '10 Grand Caravan I bought new and the answer was 'no'. Don't know why. I would have thought these days that the master wiring harness for the dash would be fitted for plug and play on all options, but not so I guess.

It used to be you simply ordered each option you wanted off a check list, but nowadays you have to buy trim levels and equipment groups. At least with the R/T I find the value is good, they stuff alot of equipment into it standard and there's nothing I feel like I'm missing. This is the first vehicle I have bought new that I can actually say that.

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you have to understand that years ago most wireing harness were built to handle all options, but now days with the auto makers trying to cut cost to keep prices lower actual have many different wireing harness and if you dont order the rear camera then they dont add them wires to the harness same .as many other options. now that doesnt mean the dealer cant put the auto lights in but that would probaly be twice what you would want to pay. The dealer knows this and unless he makes enough $$ it is not worth the trouble to price it out for you.My 2011 mainstreet came with the 8.4 screen but no back up camera and i have been to 2 dealership trying to see if they would install it, but both said they cant and want to sell me a system with the rear camera shoeing thur the rear view mirrow, which i dont wont but i have found a after market installer that said he can do it but the cost would be 750.00 to do it. he said it would use the 8.4 screen just like it come from the factory. the difference is he has to use aftermarket parts the the dealer cant use and it might void my warrenty thus the reason the dealer wont do it,i know i could use the lockpic that has been discussed on this forum but have read some post about costal tech quality and havent decided to try their product and was kind of hoping some one who has added the camera to their car would post their view on what it was like to run the cable from the hatch to the front and what the quality of the vidieo is.sorry about my spelling but i dont see a spell check on this page. too old to learn on how to use this new computer/

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Re spell check: Download ieSpell - it will add manual spell checking to your IE browser.

As to adding auto headlights and other neat stuff; In this age of CAN-Bus they don't run wires anywhere. Instead they run the data bus to each device and stick a small computer into the item that is controlling or being controlled. Then they tell the BCM about the item.

Of course some things (like the backup camera or the illuminated visors, home-link or active rear view mirror don't need power or access to the data bus if they're not installed - the question is whether they make a universal wiring harness or whether they have a few different ones that depend on which trim level you may have - and I for one am not going to take my car apart to find out for someone else.

The fog lights are add-able as a kit that includes a new headlight switch - there are two versions, one for cars with and another for cars without the automatic headlights. The difference is the headlight switch.

I wonder if the connectors are the same? I wonder if the ambient light sensor is installed if you don't have the feature? I wonder if it CAN be installed without hacking up the wiring harness.

When my LHS is retired I plan to take the auto-dimming mirror it has and install it in my Journey - it simply needs a 12 volt feed from switched power and a feed from the backup lights (which defeats the dimming function while the car is in reverse - I can lose that feature is necessary). At least THAT isn't a huge job to figure out.

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@Geer: With respect, your dealer probably has no idea - and the simplest answer for him to give woiuld be a negative.. If you want the real answer you'll need to do more direct research.

I doubt that very much. My salesman checked with the mechanics. There are somethings that are just not possible with the way the car is wired or assembled - just like you cannot add factory reverse camera even if you have the 8.4. With the Grand Caravan - My dealer installed for me the mopar factory remote starter at the same time. They also told me that the factory bluetooth could be added, per my query. I tend to think they'd want to sell me as much as I wanted to buy, so there was a specfic reason the auto headlamps was a no go.

Edited by Geer
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