I found a safety feature on my truck that needs to be on every vehicle

"450X_FTW" (mistermic) 08/03/2016 at 10:27 • Filed to: None

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Yes I know it’s a bit of a click bait headline, but please stay with me on this. One of my biggest hatreds of the road are people who don’t have their lights on in dusk, dawn, rain, snow, etc. The usual response is “well I don’t need them to see others because it’s not dark enough”. Hey moron, it’s so WE can see YOU, not the other way around.

Well playing around with my 2015 Sierra I bought this week, I noticed with the headlight dial, you can rotate the dial to the left and turn the auto headlights and daytime lights off, but when you let go, theres a spring return that reverts the dial back to Auto mode. This is because the Auto and DRL are only off for that key cycle. Next time you start your engine, the lights will be back in Auto and DRL mode.

So smart, and yet so simple. Makes it so if you want to turn the Auto or DRL off, you have to do it every time you start the engine.

Second thing I’d like to see for every car is “lights on when wipers are on”. Had that in my previous truck and my new one. Just one of those things you wish was standard on every vehicle because you can’t fix stupid drivers, but you can help make smarter vehicles.

Future next gen S2000 owner > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 10:34

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The only down side of DRL’s is that when you have a hard time seeing oncoming traffic, you probably also have a hard time seeing those traveling in your own direction as well. When inclement weather occurs, I’d really like to see the taillights come on as well.

CalzoneGolem > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 10:34

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Why not car on = lights on?

Takuro Spirit > CalzoneGolem 08/03/2016 at 10:35

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Because #BulbsLivesMatter

450X_FTW > CalzoneGolem 08/03/2016 at 10:36

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That’s another one I’d like to see. Engine on? okay, lights come on. I think once longer lasting bulbs are more widely used, such as LEDs, we would see this become standard. Ordinary bulbs just would not last.

450X_FTW > Future next gen S2000 owner 08/03/2016 at 10:36

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agreed. DRL need to include tail lamps

jvirgs drives a Subaru > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 10:45

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I can toggle the DRLs off in the Dart through another menu that will keep them off permanently, but I choose to keep them on.

Also with the automatic wipers in my car (fantastic btw) if they are on for two or three consecutive passes, my headlights automatically come on if not already on due to low light conditions.

The other issue with automatic headlights is the sensitivity of the sensor. Mine will come on the second I enter a parking garage where some Toyota’s and Fords (from what I have witnessed) take forever to come on.

CalzoneGolem > Takuro Spirit 08/03/2016 at 10:46

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Driver’s lives > Bulb lives

tpw_rules > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 10:47

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My car doesn’t let you turn off the headlights when the engine is on. Xenon bulbs lasted 100,000 miles still. My biggest problem is people with lights off with wipers on.

450X_FTW > tpw_rules 08/03/2016 at 10:48

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they will never understand it’s so we can see them, not so they can see us. The struggle is real

Textured Soy Protein > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 10:52

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Honda has that cool LaneWatch feature where there are cameras in the side mirrors and when you turn on your blinker, it shows your side view on the infotainment screen. I like to hope this will encourage people to use their blinkers in order to get the cool LaneWatch screen, but the cynic in me thinks if people don’t give a fuck about other drivers anyway, they don’t care if they get to see the LaneWatch screen.

Takuro Spirit > CalzoneGolem 08/03/2016 at 10:57

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Diver’s Education = More Driver’s Lives

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 11:13

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My headlight switch is always illuminated even when the lights are off

haveacarortwoorthree2 > CalzoneGolem 08/03/2016 at 11:25

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Because stealth mode!

Flyboy is FAA certified insane > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 11:29

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I’d be more concerned with wipers on=lights on.

On a side note, in Florida I’ve noticed a worrying trend with people who own new Fords. The DRL’s will come on no matter what, and being LED’s they are very bright. So bright in fact, that nobody ever turns their taillights on. I’ve come dangerously close to hitting these people from behind on numerous occasions. So I think in the Ford’s it’s not like yours. If you don’t want auto lights once, it won’t come on after that.

In your truck the Taillight’s come on with the DRL, correct?

BigBlock440 > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 11:31

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No, no, no. If I want to turn something off, I want it to stay off until I turn it back on again.

DynamicWeight > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 11:34

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Nothing should be in my car that is completely automatic or that I can’t override. So many times I come across a “feature” I want to turn off or change that is stuck in that position in the name of safety. Not everyone just gets in their car, drives to work, and then drives home. I have specific needs. Let me be master of my vehicle. It’s okay if it’s buried in some menu in the navitainment system, I will find it.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 11:36

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My dad’s 2004 Silverado does it the same way. And if you want to turn the lights back on for that key cycle, just twist it to the left again and they go back to auto mode.

I also love that my 2002 S10 with no power anything has automatic headlights but my 1998 top of the line 3-series didn’t.

450X_FTW > DynamicWeight 08/03/2016 at 11:39

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Except things like automatic headlights make it so others can see you, not so you can see them.

450X_FTW > BigBlock440 08/03/2016 at 11:40

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Like your wife? ba dum tssssss

450X_FTW > Flyboy is FAA certified insane 08/03/2016 at 11:41

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Not sure about tailights, will have to check for DRL.

Hell in Europe they require cars to have reverse fog lights. They’re low on the back side, brighter than normal red lights

DynamicWeight > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 11:43

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I didn’t say I would drive without my headlights on, I said I want a switch that turns my headlights completely off. I also want a switch that turns them completely on. Or just my fog lights, or just my day time running lights, or any combination. I want them because it’s mine I want to be able to tell it exactly what to do.

This isn’t against the idea of driving at night or dusk with your headlights on (I’ve had this same conversation with people and given your same reasons), it’s against the idea of something (ANYTHING) being automatic and not being able to change it.

450X_FTW > DynamicWeight 08/03/2016 at 11:45

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Except with this switch it is that way. Engine on, turn the dial to the left, it turns off DRL and auto headlights. When you cycle the key, it reverts back to auto and DRL

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Flyboy is FAA certified insane 08/03/2016 at 11:47

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I’ve noticed it more has to do with that new Fords have gauge clusters that are constantly illuminated so people think their lights are on but they aren’t. And at least locally to me the street lights are bright enough that it’s sometimes hard to tell if your headlights are on.

Flyboy is FAA certified insane > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 11:55

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Yea I’ve seen those. Some people have them optioned on their German cars here.

E92M3 > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 11:56

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I wish there were Auto tail lights. I come across so many people driving with the DRL’s at night, but no tail lights.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > jvirgs drives a Subaru 08/03/2016 at 12:09

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Agreed on last point. When driving through tunnels I’ve noticed our Subaru taking a good 5+ seconds for the automatic headlights to come on. At that point most times I’m pretty much out of the tunnel anyway. Especially if it’s not a divided road and you’re exposed to heavy oncoming traffic I always feel the need to switch them on manually to make myself visible.

Amoore100 > CalzoneGolem 08/03/2016 at 12:32

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That’s what my V50 does. As soon as you put it into ACC, then the headlights come on even with the switch at the ‘Off’ position. If you’re stupid, you can toggle it to the DRLs which I never do because I’ll definitely forget to turn them off again, or you can put the headlight switch to the on position which gives you the option to have high beams (the high beam lever in the ‘Off’ position just flashes them). Even in the switch ‘On’ position the lights turn off with the ignition so I’m not sure why the ‘Off’ position really exists to be honest.

jasmits > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 12:38

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On the Volvo S40 I used to have the lights were on when the car was on, simple as that. There was a switch but the only difference it made was whether or not the high beams stayed on when you clicked them on.

jasmits > CalzoneGolem 08/03/2016 at 12:40

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That's how my 2004 Volvo was, I guess it's a law in some European countries so that's just how they made them. I only had the car for two or three years but a light never went out so no complaints here.

DanZman > Flyboy is FAA certified insane 08/03/2016 at 12:47

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YES!!! This so much. I am amazed that this has not caused a major accident and follow up lawsuit yet. These cars are downright dangerous. I see(barely) at least one of these things every time I drive at night.

jasmits > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 12:49

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Oops, redundant comment. My S40 was the same way, yeah the DRL option was dumb but I did actually like the always-on.

Nice on the V50 by the way. If my S40 was manual and/or a wagon I never would’ve gotten rid of it. I think that’s the only car I’ve driven a 10 hour day in and still been comfortable when I arrived. And it was even good on the twisties so what’s not to love? More than an hour on the freeway in my E36 and I really start wishing I had my Volvo back.

TheNeonDriver - Now with More BMW! > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 12:51

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I always leave my lights in Auto. The only time I haven’t had them on at dusk, is when it comes out of the shop and the lights were turned off by the techs.

I don’t understand why more people just don’t leave it in Auto. It literally takes care of everything with your lights. Just leave it there.

No touchy.

DanZman > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 12:52

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You must be new to GM. They have quietly been big supporters of DRLs for a very long time. I guess it’s just so common to me that I didn’t even think of it as a feature on my 14 Silverado. My mom had a 2003 suburban and the only way to actually turn off the lights is by a secret trick with the master dome light switch. Her 98 blazer might have had this too.

CalzoneGolem > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 12:52

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Leave it to Volvo to have the sensible solution.

BigBlock440 > TheNeonDriver - Now with More BMW! 08/03/2016 at 12:53

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It doesn’t turn them on in work zones, which will get you a hefty fine in PA.

Amoore100 > CalzoneGolem 08/03/2016 at 12:59

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The ‘safest’ solution.

Amoore100 > jasmits 08/03/2016 at 13:01

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Thanks, haha. Mine is just a basic, auto V50 2.4i but it does what I need it to do: start every morning, carry large things in the back, and have those special details that grow on you in that Volvo way (like the 5-cylinder music, the auto windows all four ways, the aforementioned auto headlights, the dashboard diagnostics which tell you which bulb has burned out, etc.) Plus it’s just such a handsome car, at least in my opinion.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 13:01

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I caught a lot of flack this winter for sending out an email to our field unit asking people to turn their lights on when driving. Our fleet vehicles are white, so they’re pretty frequently the same colour as the road, ditch, sky, and air, and typically it’s bright enough that automatic headlights won’t come on, and DRL’s don’t turn on taillights, so the cars are pretty much invisible until they’re right there, and often travelling significantly below the speed limit. I don’t understand why people can’t grasp the concept that just because they can see doesn’t mean they can be seen.

GeneralSnus > DynamicWeight 08/03/2016 at 13:18

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you realize the system in the original post allows you to do what youre describing?

450X_FTW > DanZman 08/03/2016 at 13:48

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I am new, first GM vehicle I’ve ever owned. Only owned Chryslers for the past 15 years

TheNeonDriver - Now with More BMW! > BigBlock440 08/03/2016 at 13:58

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Even during the day? Also we all have DRL’s up here.

BigBlock440 > TheNeonDriver - Now with More BMW! 08/03/2016 at 14:43

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Yes, during the day. At night you’d be assumed to already have them on. DRLs would probably count as headlights if it’s the same fixture, the cop wouldn’t be able to tell the difference during the day.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 15:23

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This is also the case on GMT800 trucks (circa 2000-2007). Not sure about the GMT400 trucks.

DRLs can be shut off by 8 cycles of the dome defeat switch. Or pulling the relay.

DynamicWeight > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 19:01

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No, it is not. I want to be able to change whether or not the switch automatically reverts back to DRL or not. I am okay with the car automatically doing that if I allow it, but I should be able to disable the automatic reversion.

DynamicWeight > GeneralSnus 08/03/2016 at 19:03

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AFAIK, it does not. I can not disable the automatic reversion to DRL from the ignition on/off. I have to key off the lights every time I start the car if that were a thing I wished to do.

In fact, I would even most likely have it on. But that should be an option, no chosen for me at the factory with no option to be disabled.

I am, in principle, against having things be automatic in a car without my say so. I am against it because when I disagree with the designer, there is often times no recourse other than hardware or software hacks to get the functionality I want. And I almost always disagree with something the designer has chosen for me.

Trash it all. I don’t want it.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > 450X_FTW 08/03/2016 at 19:55

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GeneralSnus > DynamicWeight 08/04/2016 at 09:20

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Yeah but your reasoning was to be the “master of your car” or whatever, but this lets you put the headlights in any mode you want, any time you want. How is that not mastering it? This is nothing like an always auto lights car where the lights are on every time the car is on, you can still put the headlights in whatever mode you want.

DynamicWeight > GeneralSnus 08/04/2016 at 11:36

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Yes, your last example would be worse. I don’t just want to be able to set it to whatever lighting I want at the time, I also want to be able to set whether or not it automatically switches the lights on and off with the keying of the ignition.

I can think of two examples for this: One, I am diagnosing something that requires the DRL lights to be off and also to key and re-key the ignition. Or two, I am at a drive in movie theatre, and want to turn off and lock my car to go get popcorn, but don’t want my lights to turn on when I unlock it and turn the radio back on because I don’t want to disturb the other movie go-ers.

More importantly than these examples, or any examples, or this particular feature, or even cars in general: I don’t want things automated with no way to turn off the automation at all, EVER. There will always be a use case where it is annoying. I want full control of my stuff. It is the principle of the thing that I do not trust designers to think of every use case. They will screw it up. They do screw it up. There should always be an off switch. Always. No exceptions. Every time there isn’t one, it is a mistake.

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > DanZman 08/04/2016 at 23:43

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There’s a secret trick? I remember that at first they were auto-on and I didn’t think there was a turn off? And then they had a 3x on/off process to override, I thought. I haven’t confirmed that.

DanZman > jdrgoat - Ponticrack? 08/04/2016 at 23:48

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That's the trick! You have to turn the dome light on and off a few times(2-3). I had to learn how because the guards at military bases would bitch about me not turning off the the lights when approaching the gates.

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > DanZman 08/05/2016 at 00:18

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Oh! It was the dome light on/off!? I will have to remember that! I do still prefer the newer GM way with turning back to switch between automatic on/off...

DanZman > jdrgoat - Ponticrack? 08/05/2016 at 01:10

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Yeah, it was the same button/knob that controlled the brightness of the dash lights.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > DynamicWeight 08/08/2016 at 13:19

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I hear you there! It would be nice to be able to turn my fog lights on without the headlights being on. Sure, this doesn’t serve a whole lot of purpose but I would simply like to. Of course I can modify it, but it would have been nice just to not have this disabled from the start.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > 450X_FTW 08/08/2016 at 13:26

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In the same regard, I REALLY wish there was an auto-off for the high beams or something like that. So many times I get blinded by high beams and then cant really see anything ahead of me afterwards. It just seems like people aren’t aware they are on.

450X_FTW > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 08/08/2016 at 14:02

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On some newer vehicles this is a feature. I know 2014 Grand Cherokee and Durango have it, but only because I worked on those programs