I’m hoping some of you can help me out. I’ve looked through the archives, and didn’t find the answer to my question on DRLs and Auto Lamps.

My father bought a used 2001 F-150 XLT, and he wants me to look into adding DRLs and the Auto-Lamp feature. I don't want to use the generic Ford kit since it is a hackup of the existing wiring, and it has an exposed light sensor. I want to replicate the factory setup, but I’ve got a couple of questions.

On the Auto Lamps, I’ve checked under the dash cover, and there is an unused 4 pin, rectangular connector that is colored gray. Is this the correct connector for the light sensor/amplifier? Has anyone added Auto Lamp to the 2001 XLT model (hate to buy the cover, sensor, and switch and find out that Ford didn’t install some of the wiring under the dash).

On the DRLs, I have the loopback connector under the dash, but there is no 2 pin plug behind the drivers headlight for the resistor. I’ve looked every in that area, and the plug is not there. Anyone have an idea why it would not be there on 2001? This truck does not have fog lights on it, and the diagrams I’ve seen on this site seem to indicate the DRL wire is an offshoot of the harness going down to the foglight. Would anyone have a schematic that might show where the next “upstream” connector is so I could run a wire from there down to the resistor location? I'm thinking that Ford might not run the wire down if it wasn't needed on US trucks.

Any help would be appreciated. The Auto Lamp appears to be simple, but he also wants DRLs.

I appreciate all you guys do to keep this site active and useful….Thanks! Glen

 

I'm pretty sure the 2001 is the same as the 2003, and that's all you need to do to add factory AutoLamps. I think there's some pix of my install in my gallery...

As far as the DRL I have no idea. They annoy me...

 

Thanks for the reply.

I think I'm going to trust Ford put the wiring in there for the Auto Lamps.

On the DRLs, he's pretty set on having them, and since this may be the last truck he ever buys, I'm trying to help him out. Hopefully someone else can help with the DRL question....

Thanks again, Glen

 

I did the Autolamp mod on my '01 'Screw last year.

You can buy the factory switch with the Autolamp position (this one also has the fog lamp feature as well) - YL3Z-11654-DAC

AND

The factory light sensor / amplifier assembly - YL3Z-13A018-AA

AND

A new factory dash cover with slots for the light sensor - XL3Z-15046A34-DAA (This one is Dark Graphite in color)

All told, with shipping, these parts were $134.63 from FordPartsOnline. Talk with Bryan - he understood what I was doing and helped me get the right color dash cover, etc. By the way, if you get the switch without the fog lamp control, it is about $20 cheaper...

Install takes all of 5 minutes and they work exactly like factory because they ARE exactly like factory.

Pop the oval cover off your passenger side dash. Mount the light sensor / amplifier on the new oval cover. Looking inside the dash opening, on the left side, towards the rear of the truck, sticky-back taped to the dash itself is a harness / connector. Simply pull it loose from the tape and plug it into the light sensor / amplifier.

Install new dash cover / light sensor assembly.

Pop out old light switch. Replace with new light switch.

Start enjoying Autolamps.

No visible sensors, turn-on delays, etc. Works like original because the parts are the same as original.

Found this on the DRL question:

DRL How-To

Hope this helps...

 

B-man,

Thanks for the reply. However, this is the same information that I found in the archives and read prior to posting.

The big question for me on the Auto Lamp is if the 4 pin connector I found is for the Auto Lamp. Anyone remember?

On the DRL, I’ve read all the info I can find including the links you provided. However, I’ve confirmed that my dad’s truck does not have the harness behind the left headlight, and am wondering if anyone else figured a way to install the resistor by finding the right wire in the harness elsewhere.

Thanks again,
Glen

 

What your describing for the AutoLamps sounds like the right plug. Gray, under the dash oval, and I think mine even had a clip holding to some dash bracing. I have some pictures of mine at home. I thought they were in my gallery. I'll try to post one this evening if there aren't any in B-Man's write up... I didn't check...

Also, on the DRL's... I've never understood them. Don't care for them, and have no idea what the purpose of cutting the voltage by 80% is, but if he really wants DRL's, just do the AutoLamp install, but don't get the dash oval with a cutout. Just leave the sensor in the dark under the dash, and the lights will ALWAYS be on when the key is on...

 

Thanks for the info. The plug under his dash was also clipped to a brace where the DRL relay would haev gone. So, I've about convinced myself that the Auto Lamp will work just fine with a new switch, new cover, and the sensor/amplifier. I'll check out your gallery tomorrow for the picture.

On the DRLs, I believe the reduction of the light output is just an effort to increase the bulb life. I understand the option of covering the sensor, but in that mode, the dashlights and all other lamps are also lit, reducing their life. In talking more with my Dad, I think the Auto Lamp was the "gotta have" and the DRL was the "might be nice", especially when I had told him it looked pretty easy to do. However, now that I've found the harness is not there, I think the cost/hassle has escalated. So, I'm not going to worry too much about it right now.

In his mind, the DRLs make him a little more visible at dusk (black truck on country roads).

Thanks again - I appreciate your input! Glen