I have an opening in my dash, on top, about in the middle. It is a series of parallel slots. Does anyone know what it is? I would like to get a dash cover, and one of the questions is does the truck have an automatic light sensor (I don't think so) or air temperature sensor (more likely, but not sure). How can I identify these items?

2000 F-50 Ext. Cab, 4x4, Lariat - no auto dimming mirror.

 

It is probably a light sensor. Do you have auto headlights? Auto rear veiw mirror? It think the one for my rear veiw mirror is built into the back of the mirror itself so I would guess it is for the headlights.

 

Okay, I have the auto headlights, no auto mirror. Does anyone know how these auto headlights are supposed to work? I read the owner's manual and it wasn't very descriptive, and since I always just turn the lights on with the switch in a normal manner, I don't understand the point of these auto headlights. Do they come on automatically when the light dips to a certain level?

 

I have a 1999 Lariat.
The postage stamp sixed grille opening top center of the dash is the headlight sensor.

The 1999 model has two dimmer wheels on the left side of the dash beside the Light ****. The leftmost wheel controls the dashboard lights (brighter or dimmer) the wheel beside it controls how long the headlights stay on after shutdown (3 min down to 20 seconds). If you spin this wheel all the way down, you hear a click, that turns off the Auto headlight feature.

I heard the Ford removed the 'timing wheel' in later models.
The auto shutoff 'length' feature is preset and cannot be lengthened or shortened in those models.

If the wheel isn't there, I don't know how you turn the Auto headlamp feature On/Off as you desire.

Can't imagine it is always 'ON', you got to be able to control it somehow.
(Otherwise a private detective would have to avoid driving an F150 or risk being World's worst private detective)

 

When I first got my truck I wasn't pleased with the sensor, the lights came on much to late (dark) for me. I had to turn on the lights manually for the level of safety I considered acceptable.

I mentioned this to the dealership the first time I went in for service.
they said 'No problem' and adjusted something under the dash.

The Autolight feature has been great since.

I still have to manually turn on the lights during daytime rain.
Also, summertime driving on a heavily treed street will cause headlight On/Off going from prolonged dark shadow to sunshine, no big deal.

It's also great fun in parking lots.
I set mine 20 seconds.
Never fails, someone shouts out "Hey, you left your lights on!"
At fifteen seconds, I spin around and say "No Problem, I got the Clapper." [clap-clap]

 

HA!

Thanks Raoul!

 

LMAO! I have this visual after you're out of sight, the guys pulls his car next to your truck and says, "Hey, Ya'll watch this"...... he claps his hands about a dozen times getting louder each time..... "DAYYMN!" and drives off!!!

I liked that variable feature on my 97, the 02 has them preset at 20 sec.