[val90856]

I finally figured out how to disable my Auto Headlights for around $30 and stil be able to use auto mode!
This is how I did it.
1) I purchased a new headlight switch ($25-35 Rock Auto). AC Delco #84201596 W/fog lights, #84192536 W/O fog lights.
2) I removed the 4 screws holding the back cover on and using an eye glass screw driver I released the 6 tabs holding on the cover in place and removed it (fig.1)

Using the same screw driver I pried off the Printed Circuit Board (fig.2)

Be extremely careful taking off PCB. There are 2 copper contacts on the underside, (they are very delicate),
that are not attached to anything and might be stuck to the PCB (fig.3).

I had to use a tooth pick to put one back where it belonged.
3) Using a 3mm Ball Burr on my Dremel I made a new Indentation/seat on switch (fig.4 before).

(Fig. 5 after)

Now when I turn switch off it stays in the off position. NO MORE HIDs firing up every time I unlock my car. And I can still use the swtich as it was intended.
4) I opened hood and using the appropriate tools (fig.6)

I created as much slack in cable as I could and disconnected cable at the hood release inside car. I bent the cable down 90 degrees and it popped off. I didn't try but you might not have to disconnect cable.
5) I removed the 3 bottom 7mm screws of the Panel Knee Bolster and using a plat blade trim tool I released 3 of the Pain In Ass clips on left side ( fig.7).

I have small hands some 3 gave me enough room to reach in and compress the 4 locking tabs and remove the switch.
I compressed the locking tab a removed the electrical connector and installed new switch (fig.8)

6) I put Bolster back together and reinstalled hood cable. Connecting cable was a bit tricky but if I can do it so can you.

 

[christopherlompoc]

Really cool, so basically you made a new position on the dial that doesn't make contact to the board?

 

[val90856]

Correct, test drove car last night and all lighting works as should

 

[christopherlompoc]

You might want to patent that or something, I'm pretty sure that type of switch would also work on other gm vehicles. Now you have me thinking about the switches in all my cars.

 

[val90856]

LOL, I actually thought about purchasing a bunch of switches and altering. Na Too Much work.
If lighting was covered under warranty and the bulbs weren't [email protected] I wouldn't have screwed with it.

 

[Silversn95]

Just asking, why would you want to disable the auto headlight function?

 

[val90856]

I park my car in a garage and even with the door open, every time I unlock it the HIDs fire up. Lighting is not covered under warranty and at [email protected] I don't need the bulbs burning out prematurely.

 

[Silversn95]

Oh. Didn't realize the HID bulbs were that much. I can see how that would be annoying. This is my first vehicle with HID bulbs so I haven't had the pleasure of changing them yet. I wonder if just brighter lighting in the garage would keep them from coming on.

 

[arcee]

D3S HID bulbs are about $60 each for name brand Philips. They also have a 3000 hour life expectancy. That's 4 years if the headlights are on 2 hours a day.

The HID bulbs would be covered under the 3yr/36k mile standard warranty. The only circumstance under which they wouldn't be covered is if they were broken due to an impact of some sort. But if they burn out during the warranty period, they would be covered.

 

[val90856]

Acree;
1) my bulbs are D5S not D3S
2) I bought the car used so no 3yr. warranty
3) I purchased 7yr 100,000 miles bumper to bumper coverage. Under "Not Covered Items" is LIGHTING

 

[christopherlompoc]

Is this the same switch?

Is it possible to turn the center dial between off and auto in a neutral position to get a similar result?

 

[val90856]

Yes it is the same and no there is not enough room to create a new setting (for lack of a better term).

 

[christopherlompoc]

I mean like no modifications just click the switch over to 1/2 way between off and auto.

 

[val90856]

No because it's a momentary switch. As soon as you let go it will default back to the automatic setting. What I did converted it to a basic on/off switch.

 

[arcee]

Acree;
1) my bulbs are D5S not D3S
2) I bought the car used so no 3yr. warranty
3) I purchased 7yr 100,000 miles bumper to bumper coverage. Under "Not Covered Items" is LIGHTING

D5S bulbs are $65 each.

Not sure why your bulbs are D5S and not the standard D3S that the Equinox comes with from the factory.

 

[val90856]

Can you please send me a link to the $65 bulbs so I can check them out?

 

[garbec01]

I've noticed that when it's dark and I open/unlock the doors, the HID bulbs come on quite bright, then quickly return to a lower output. I've often wondered if this may shorten the lifespan of the bulbs.

 

[val90856]

That bright flash is the igniter igniting the gas inside the bulb. After that the ballast takes over and controls the amperage or voltage to keep gas burning. Hopefully in the near future the price of my bulbs will come down and won't care as much if they burn out.

 

[Colt Hero]

No because it's a momentary switch. As soon as you let go it will default back to the automatic setting. What I did converted it to a basic on/off switch.

Is that because there's a spring in there (that could be removed)?

 

[val90856]

There is a spring but if you remove it the switch will Not lock in place. See Fig.5, the tab with the ball on the end has the spring tension on it. It locks into the indentation and stops the switch from rotating.