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I have a question for anyone who has a gen 1-1.5 Convertible. I just bought an 02 SLE that is supposed to have automatic headlight; it has sensor and all. However, the only position that turns the headlight on is the forced on position (the headlight symbol.) Is this actually not an option on 02 convertible SLE's or is there something wrong with the control unit, or am I just slow??

2 Possibilities why the Daytime Running Lights aren't working:

1. You have the DRL option turned off (available option on Gen 1.5) or,
2. You have the hand brake up

In order for the DRL to function you must have the option turned on and the hand brake off. When it becomes dark enough outside the sensor will pick it up and your headlights will turn on brighter. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the expedite reply, but both of those are good; at night it could be on the DRL position with the hand break off but only the dimmed headlight illuminate without any interior lights turning on.

I have a warranty on it until 120k miles. Is there something I can test, such as the sensor, before I bring it to the dealer. Or, would it just be easier to let them take care of it?

Do you have HIDs or any other modifications to your headlights?

Nope, all stock.

...it should have one more rotation on it for the auto lights. At least, that's what it usually is. One click past "on" should do the trick if it's what I'm thinking. Let us know, though. Oh, and easy way to test it if it's daytime is to just cover the sensor. You'll see the radio dim down, and you know it's working

Big Mack

Nope. The only positions is "DRL OFF," "DRL," a dash, and the headlight on option.

When you have it on the DRL position the high beams should light up but dim. Does that happen?
*If they don't turn on, turn on your high beams to check if the bulbs are good. If the high beams dont turn on at all then replace your bulbs.
*If the high beams do light up dim, then your DRL work. At that point what might not work are your sensors but like one of the other members said, cover the sensor and check if the headlights switch from a dim high beam to a bright low beam.
Run all these tests and see what happens.

Lol, I have done all of those. Unfortunately, I get no response from the sensor. The high beams come on just fine at low intensity. The problem is my car does no recognize when the light levels have fallen. Anyone know of a way I can test the sensor beyond just covering it up? Also I just want to be absolutely certain, the 02 SLE convertible is supposed to have automatic headlights correct?

To my knowledge, all Gen 1-1.5 Solara's have DRL whether its an SE, SLE, or convertible. I even think the 4 cyl Solaras have that option. As for testing the sensors, I dont know. Look at it on the bright side (no pun intended lol), at least your headlights work.

Well the Daytime Running Lights work perfectly. They just dont switch over to full intensity when it gets dark outside. I guess I will just being it to the dealer and let them take care of it. Hopefully it will be covered by the warranty.

Any update on what the resolution to this was? My 02 Solara Convert SLE is doing the exact same thing. Thanks.

I read the threads responding to your question and it appears that your problem is not with the DRL, but with your headlights not automatically turning on at dusk. If your car was purchased in Canada then it would have the auto headlights feature, but U.S. spec cars do not.