Autolamps on 89 going out

[SHOGIRL1994]

Is there wiring for the autolamps anywhere near where the computer is located? I'm just curious because since I got the car running again (after swapping computers a few times and messing around in that area), the autolamps will just shut off randomly and come back on, which leads me to believe that I may have knocked a wire loose in that area when messing with the computer. They always worked fine before the car went down.

***edit/ I know I accidentally put this thread in the wrong forum, mods please move.

 

[SHOZ123]

Is there a sunlight sensor on the '89s?

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

yes there is.

IIRC, it is on the dash, right near the bottom of the windshield, on the passenger side.

If i wasnt raining, Id go out and check

 

[SHOGIRL1994]

I believe there is. If there is, it's on that side anyway, I just didn't know if the wiring went straight down under the dash where the computer is. That's the only reason I can think that they'd be going out randomly.

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Im not certain if the wires do go straight down, but the sensor is there. And you can access it by popping the dash speaer grille off. There is even a light sensitivity adjustment on the sensor itself.

But I think your thinking on the right track, it is probably a bad connection somewhere. But do not rule out a faulty sensor, they do go bad.

 

[Racer X]

I would throw some black tape over the sensor to rule out any sensitivity issues. If it still misbehaves with the sensor blacked out, other causes could be wiring related (loose connections, etc.), or possibly the autolamp relay is weak and needs replacement. The slider switch could also be dirty and need cleaning (mine had this problem when I got it).

I'm not sure where it is on an 89, but on my 92, the autolamp relays are on the pass side, behind or above the glovebox.

 

[hawkeye18]

isn't the sensor on the passenger side the sunload sensor for the A/C? I know on my GenII the light sensor is on the driver's side, and it's got a blue plate covering the cell, and it's a serious PITA to get out what with that screw (I just left it out). GenIs might be different, though....

 

[bmcreider]

lol so that's what that thing is for? I always wondered what that little circle was in my dash, and whenever I mess with that auto lamp slider they come on no matter what time of day it is IIRC lol...I just don't use it, I know when it's too dark.

 

[Markus]

lol so that's what that thing is for? I always wondered what that little circle was in my dash, and whenever I mess with that auto lamp slider they come on no matter what time of day it is IIRC lol...I just don't use it, I know when it's too dark.

You can adjust the sensitivity of the module by popping out of the dash and turning a potentiometer on the side of the module.