[drescape08]

in my 08 escape i do not have the option on my headlight switch for the automatic headlights. my question is can i just buy the upgraded headlight switch and fix this? my escape has to have the sensors already since when i unlock my car in the day vs night my lights dont and do come on respectively. so can i just change headlight switches to get this feature or what has to be done?

thanks

 

[jpark]

Sorry that I didn't reply sooner to this!

I didn't know that Escapes without automatic headlamps still have "sunload" sensors, so that's a good thing. Now you need to see if the headlamp switch connector has the extra wire you need for automatic headlamps.

This applies only to 2008 and newer North American Escapes, Mariners, and Tributes.

Remove the headlamp switch and look at the connector. If you have a VIOLET with GREEN STRIPE wire on that connector (and a total of nine wires), then you may have automatic headlamps. That depends on how the SPDJB is programmed.

To determine if you do have automatic headlamps already programmed:

* Move to a very dark location.
* Remove the headlamp switch. See this how-to thread: viewtopic.php?f=27&t=1510
* Remove the connector from the headlamp switch. The headlamps will turn on. Don't worry about this.
* With a small piece of solid telephone or hookup wire (24-26AWG), CAREFULLY jump the pins on the headlamp connector that lead to the BLACK with BLUE STRIPE wire and the VIOLET with GREEN STRIPE wire.
* Start the car, then shut it off. If the headlamps stay lit for several seconds and then shut off, you do have automatic headlamps, and you can order the optional headlamp switch.

The part numbers for the 2008-2009 Escape and Mariner headlamp switch (with blue lighting) are:

8L8Z-11654-AA - without fog lamps, without autolamps (about $20-$25)
8L8Z-11654-BA - with fog lamps, without autolamps (about $50)
8L8Z-11654-CA - with fog lamps, with autolamps (about $50)

I don't know if the 2008-2009 Tributes also have blue lighting, but the switches listed above will work on those models.

Please let us know if autolamps work on your Escape.

 

[Squishy]

Do 2008 Escapes have climate control? If so, that's probably why they still have a sunload sensor.

 

[jpark]

The automatic climate control is only included with automatic headlamps, and vice-versa, so that's why I'm surprised that there's a sunload sensor. Our Fusion doesn't have a sunload sensor or automatic climate controls, so the headlamps always light when the doors are unlocked, light or dark.

 

[Squishy]

Oh, that's odd. It would seem that climate control would be denied as an option because the automatic headlamp's sunload sensor is gone; I can't think of anything else tying the two systems together. Crazy Ford and their crazy ideas.

 

[jpark]

The one and only thing I can think of is for having the headlamps turn on if the doors are unlocked in darkness.

 

[drescape08]

i will check this out and let you know. thanks again. but sense when i unlock my doors the headlights only come on at night, not day...i must have a sunload sensor. but mine being an xls i dont have climate control. but ill be checking this out after nov. 19th...which is when i set for my medical boards. i will post up and let you know along with how my install of my new leather seats go. thanks again. by the way...do you have anything that would be useful for me and my sirius module i just bought...it has the factory antennae and cable. not sure where or how it runs and where the antennae mounts. but it almost seems as ill have to drill something sense its not magnetic. and where does this module mount.

thanks

 

[jonas1022]

The one and only thing I can think of is for having the headlamps turn on if the doors are unlocked in darkness.

Precisely what our Tribute does. Being the isport, it isn't exactly option ladden. Bump the unlock buttone when it's dark out and the headlamps come on :thumb: for about one minute. Then go off. :doh:

 

[drescape08]

well my test is finally over. and yes it sucked. but back to the headlights. i do have that wire. i ran a jumper inbetween the two you stated...and they turn off after you start it and turn it off like you stated. so ill be going to buy a new switch and getting my auto headlights working. another question for you...i was going to buy the headlight switch w/ the foglight option...how do i go about getting this to work when i install fog lights? anything else i could maybe upgrade this easy to get another feature i can check for?
thanks

 

[jpark]

No problem! How were your tests?

As for the fog lamps, look for a two-wire connector behind each fog lamp opening in the front bumper cover. If the connectors are there, and each one has a BROWN with YELLOW STRIPE wire and a BLACK with GREEN STRIPE wire, that's the first good sign.

Now look at the headlamp switch connector again. If that connector has all nine wires, including a BROWN wire on one corner and a BROWN with WHITE STRIPE wire in the middle, you should be able to get fog lamps working with the new headlamp switch (with fog lamps and with automatic headlamps) and a new pair of fog lamps.

You'll also need a 15A fuse in location F21.

 

[jonas1022]

Maybe a stupid question, but here it is. How does one remove the headlamp switch?

And I wonder if the leather seats are worth the hastle/price of having them installed...

 

[drescape08]

check the link posted towards the beginning..it has a diagram. other wise you just take the side panel off of the dash...its a simple pull of panel like a fuse panel. then reach inside to the headlight switch and there is a medal squeeze clamp on each side that you have to squeeze and just push it out. as far as leather seats...i just installed a set myself. ordered a set of katzkin leather and replaced my factory stock cloths. well worth the investment and looks so much better. let me know if u go that route and i can give you pointers. i found my new set on ebay for 200 shipped for the set. they retail at 750.

 

[fujifran]

This worked on my 2011 Escape.
Why buy the switch? If I leave the jumper in and connector unplugged, the auto headlights work fine. I never shut them off in my old ride, so I don't think I'll miss the switch.

 

[slavrenz]

The automatic climate control is only included with automatic headlamps, and vice-versa, so that's why I'm surprised that there's a sunload sensor. Our Fusion doesn't have a sunload sensor or automatic climate controls, so the headlamps always light when the doors are unlocked, light or dark.

This is only true one way though - i.e., automatic climate control comes includes automatic headlights, but not the other way around. I have auto headlights on my '10 XLT, but no automatic climate control.

 

[molanojuan]

The automatic climate control is only included with automatic headlamps, and vice-versa, so that's why I'm surprised that there's a sunload sensor. Our Fusion doesn't have a sunload sensor or automatic climate controls, so the headlamps always light when the doors are unlocked, light or dark.

This is only true one way though - i.e., automatic climate control comes includes automatic headlights, but not the other way around. I have auto headlights on my '10 XLT, but no automatic climate control.

X2, auto lights no auto climate

 

[mikewaln88]

This is might be a stupid question to some but this is my first post and my first Ford Escape....

Where would the sun sensor be located at and what would it look like? I got a 2011 Escape XLS package. The whole car is basic with the exception of the cargo package and the AWD (4WD?). I tried to contact several dealers around the area to see if the would install the autolight option now, but they are all thinking I am talking about the LED lights on the inside for the ambient lighting. Any help would be great! Have a good one!

Mike

 

[jpark]

Welcome to E-C!

The sunload sensor is under the center of the windshield. If you don't have one, you should see a blank cover between the two main vents. If you have one, it'll be a grayish-colored dome.

 

[mikewaln88]

Thanks Jpark!!!

Well its a relief off of my shoulders now knowing I have the sensor. And thanks for putting up the part list and prices for the switch. But where should I go to order the switch?

Quick question for everyone though. My escape did not come with fog lights. All I have is the plastic covers where fog lights should be. How hard and expensive would it be for me to purchase after market fog lights and get them installed? Is it something I could do on my own or bring it to someone else? Also does anyone have any good suggestions for after market fog lights? I really don't the lights to have a yellow glow to them I want something bright but not brighter than my headlights haha.

 

[rehctelf]

This worked on my 2011 Escape.
Why buy the switch? If I leave the jumper in and connector unplugged, the auto headlights work fine. I never shut them off in my old ride, so I don't think I'll miss the switch.

I'd be a little leery about leaving the switch out. (It's a bit of a peeve of mine) Weather conditions such as rain and blowing snow don't make it dark enough for automatic headlights to turn on, for the sake of being seen they really need to be on. I see (or rather don't see) lots of drivers in reduced visibilty conditions with no lights on because the rely on the automatic lights to work, and they don't!
:rant: :stop:

 

[Mantruck101]

(It's a bit of a peeve of mine) Weather conditions such as rain and blowing snow don't make it dark enough for automatic headlights to turn on, for the sake of being seen they really need to be on. I see (or rather don't see) lots of drivers in reduced visibilty conditions with no lights on because the rely on the automatic lights to work, and they don't!
:rant: :stop:

I leave my headlights in the 'Auto' position all the time. I don't know about other model years, but if I turn my wipers on in my 2010 during rain or snow when it is daylight out, the headlights automatically turn on, even if it isn't dark enough to trip the sensor. When the rain/ snows clears and I turn off my wipers, the headlights turn back off. A nice touch IMO.