Ambient Light Sensor Replacement Chevy GMC 99-02 Easy Way

This is a short tutorial on how I replaced the Ambient Light Sensor on my 2000 GMC Sierra. I was having problems with my headlights being on all the time instead of turning off in the daylight. I replaced the sensor ($15 from the dealer) and it fixed the problem. I imagine it's the same for 99-02, but not sure of the later years.
If this video helped you and saved you some time/money and you have an extra 30 seconds, please refresh and watch the advertisement...throw a few cents my way. It would be appreciated!

[@budkraus4548]

Was able to your method. Was a great help. But, with my big hands,1 hour later, and many cuss words, ended using 3 band aids for all the scrape marks acquired during install. My suggestion to GM is to redesign the socket and mount on the dash such that all you need to do is replay sensor from the outside. GM should have consulted with me first.

[@PottersWork]

Sorry about the cuts and scrapes Bud! I 100% agree that they should have made it serviceable from the top…makes no sense why you should have to do it from the bottom like this.

[@ce6395]

I haven't attempted to change mine because I was under the impression the entire dash would have to be removed. Just attempted to get mine out and it worked just how you explained thanks!

[@PottersWork]

That's great to hear!! I'm glad it worked well for you, Thanks!

[@Wow.Thats.Alex909]

If i remove it can i have manual control of the headlights?

[@brandonjackson1926]

Saw this video and decided to try it on my 02 Sierra z71. The headlights would always stay on with no running lights. It fixed my problem! It was a little tight for me to get my hand in the dash, but I would say I got it done, from removal to install finish, within about 15 minutes. Great, informative video!!

[@PottersWork]

Brandon, awesome man! Glad to hear it worked! WAY better than pulling the top of the dash off...which was what everybody on the forums were saying before I tried it like this.

[@Cream_CurdlR]

@@PottersWork what a bad ambient sensor cause your headlights to flicker at night>?

[@PottersWork]

@@Cream_CurdlR, I don’t believe so…maybe shut them off and on, but probably not a flicker

[@Cream_CurdlR]

@@PottersWork not only flicker but also when i start truck up in day light . my head lights come on instead of the DRL's , i have also pulled in front of a store front so i could see the reflection of the front end of my truck and i seen my headlights shut off on their own and the DRL turn on and back and forth .. wondering if a bad sensor would cause that?

[@PottersWork]

@@Cream_CurdlR, well then maybe that is the problem if your headlights are on during the daytime as well...that would be the sensor's job to switch over to DRL in the daylight.

[@johnhorsley2078]

Got it done thanks to this video. You have a 1/30 chance of getting the new sensor plugged in right away. So give it 30 tries and you’ll probably get it.

[@PottersWork]

Haha, I like those odds John

[@paulhaines5755]

My kid just twisted mine then popped it into the dash not knowing what he was doing. I was mad but your video has successfully calmed me down. Looks pretty easy. Thanks! Paul

[@PottersWork]

Oh man, I would have been upset too lol! Good luck with the repair man!

[@paulhaines5755]

Thanks! Yea I gotta replace a stepper motor so need to take it apart anyway...

[@PottersWork]

@@paulhaines5755, I’ve never changed one of those, but hopefully it’s easy to get behind the cluster

[@paulhaines5755]

I've done a few. Not too hard. Just gotta take out the cluster and take it apart to expose the circuit board then do some basic soldering to replace the part(s). If you have to do one do them all! You'll be sorry if you don't.

[@PottersWork]

@@paulhaines5755 , I’ll keep that in mind! I have only a soldered a few times in my life, I’m pretty sloppy lol. I have a buddy that’s pretty good with an iron though

[@trafalga5136]

I just did mine. Only problem I had was the wires kept twisting the sensor so it would not go in the notches. Solution was using double sided tape as I put it on my middle finger from the tip to the hand Got a little bit of the tape onto the sensor while I still had my other finger on it. I pulled on the tape with that finger just barely on it and twisted while pushing the sensor pushed up.at the same time.Did this with my right hand. It took me about 2 seconds to get it through the hole in the dash after my son in law tried for a good 45 min. This video explanation was the easiest way to do it without tearing the dash apart. Thanks for the advice and hope this little trick I did helps someone else.

[@PottersWork]

Thanks for posting! Hopefully it will help someone else as well!

[@theshiftingparadigm]

Awesome. Big-handed guy here, used this to replace the ambient light sensor on my 2002 Suburban. Managed to cut my knuckles a little bit on the dashboard frame! Pro tip, obvious in retrospect: this is much easier to do if you insert your hand facing palm-up, not palm-down 😬 Thanks for the guide!

[@PottersWork]

Good piece of advice! Of course, are you really working on your truck if you don’t leave some skin/blood behind? Thanks for your comment!

[@bruceregan4015]

Thanks for responding! Here's the latest update ! Since this truck is over 18 yrs they did make some modifications like I told you in the first comment, So long story short in order to replace a $ 15.00 part a mechanic wanted over $250.00 just for labor, yeah right! So in order to get the lights working again, I did a little rebuilding of the top vent system where this part is located, in other words I broke out the top part of the vent, and replaced it with a sturdy piece of Plexiglas , and drilled a hole where this sensor would fit , which it did ! And the lights do work again, will finish the install after the sealant dries , and paint the new piece to match the interior of the truck by the way it took about two hours to complete this repair it may not look like much but who cares as long as the part works, so the next time it breaks I've got a very easy repair.

[@PottersWork]

Awesome work around! I’m glad you were able to get it finally! The engineers at GM should have made that dash vent removable from the top...would have saved us all a lot of trouble lol.

[@rpparrott]

Thanks a lot, I was quoted between $400 and $600 to fix it today, with your video, I just fixed it in less than 10 minutes and it cost me $7.88. I will say that the 2004 2500HD has far less room to move around, but it is manageable.

[@PottersWork]

R Parrott, that’s good info on the 2004 HD! Thanks for watching and I’m glad it saved you some money! I had read a few forums online that said you had to remove the top of the dash and I REALLY didn’t want to do that lol.

[@harryg2753]

Just changed mine today. Couldn't have done it without your video. Thank you

[@SteelebillyWes]

This video help me push my sensor back through the dash (where the previous owner had pushed it in ) and figure out that needs replacing, thank you so much

[@PottersWork]

Steelebilly_Wes, glad it was helpful!! Thanks for watching and for the comment

[@briananderson4355]

Thanks Buddy, couldn't be more clear..!

[@PottersWork]

You bet! Glad it could help some people save some time and $

[@Peanu7butt3r-Garage]

I was able to swap it using the tips from your vid. My hands are huge and I was still able to get it done.

[@PottersWork]

Awesome, glad to hear that! Wasn’t sure how guys with bigger hands were doing with it. Thanks for the comment!

[@bobbywason1761]

Everything went well for my removal & replacement of my sensor. The wire disconnection as well as the reconnection of the sensor did well. However, the reinsertion of the new sensor was terrible. I was impeded by a right upper horizontal instrument dash support. This support supported the top layer of the right layer pad of the instrument dash pad. Because of this obstruction, the maneuverability of the insertion of the new sensor made it difficult for the sensor to be inserted. To make insertion easier, I cut an extremely small chuck of the plastic instrument dash next to the existing sensor hole without disturbing the roundness of the original hole. I was able to successfully accomplish this cut. With this kind of setup, I was able to maneuver the dome of the sensor into the existing sensor hole. I will tell you though, the insertion of the new sensor wasn’t easy as my, I suppose, big hand in a tiny space was hard to turn the sensor up into the hole. I had to take a few unsuccessful breaks to finally get it into the hole. I felt the basic problem was that obstruction of that horizontal instrument pad support. I felt if it wasn’t for that, the work would have been a lot easier with plenty of room to work with. Thanks for you video Josh. Even with the insertion problem as described above, your video gave me the courage to tackle what I thought to be a difficult situation. I too was discourage at first at the thought of the removal of the sensor, as my service factory Chevrolet manuals, indicated the complete removal of the upper instrument dash to replace the sensor. Of course, seeing your video reminded me of a cliché “There’s more than one way to skin a cat” Again thanks Josh for helping me as well as other individuals.

[@PottersWork]

Thank you very much Bobby for the feedback! It is very much appreciated! I have learned so many things on youtube, and I was just finally glad I was able to contribute back...my video editing skills aren't the best, but I'm working on that ;) I am a pretty thin guy, so my arms are long and my hands are narrow...I think I could almost reach into the engine compartment from the radio hole, lol

[@bobbywason1761]

(Thank you very much Bobby for the feedback!) You’re more than welcome Josh. (I have learned so many things on KZbin, and I was just finally glad I was able to contribute back) I too rely on many vehicle repair situations that sometimes my manuals I have, as described above, won’t even come close to covering info I need to easily repair particular situations. I’ve had to use KZbin for repairing a fuel regulator, a door latch/ actuator replacement, & of course, the sensor. (plastic instrument dash next to the existing sensor hole) Oh by the way, I meant to text “next” not net in my texting description. (I am a pretty thin guy, so my arms are long and my hands are narrow) (giggle) If I had known this, I would have done anything to get you here where I was inserting the sensor. (giggle) That support bar was directly in front of that sensor which cause havoc in its insertion. But ya know even though it was a tough situation, I’m happy I saw your KZbin video & perform the operation anyways. I was successful in my efforts as my DRL’s are now operating normally. Even on a light, clouded day as it was today Josh, the DRL’s came on as normal. The old DRL’s would not do that. My headlight came on instead. (giggle) (I think I could almost reach into the engine compartment from the radio hole) (giggle) It sure helps when ya have smaller hands isn’t it. Again my friend, I appreciate your video & will look to your videos you may have as well as other KZbin videos on other repair situations in the future. Take care & thanks.

[@benmessner6971]

Idk how the heck you guys did this in "10 mins" it took alot of patience, cursing, and time...probably 3 hours total. A couple things I did that might help others...I used screwdriver handles as wedges to push the dash up to get more clearance. The only way I could get the sensor to clip into the plug was using the metal frame to hold the plug while I pushed the sensor into it. All in all it worked but if I have to do it again it will either be easier or I might figure out a different way. Perhaps the vehicle I worked on didn't have as much wire slack idk.....2004 silverado 2500 HD

[@PottersWork]

Ben, I’m wondering if maybe the 2004 is a little different under there. It’s been 7 years ago I made this repair, but if I recall there was plenty of wire and I had a good amount of room for my hand. However, I’m a pretty slender guy with lanky arms…might have helped me.

[@benmessner6971]

@@PottersWork I'm guessing the wire slack isn't as long...I was honestly cursing you out saying "this guy must have baby hands"...this is impossible! Screw this guy! But it did infact work and I hated every second of it haha

[@PottersWork]

@@benmessner6971, haha, well I hate to hear that! I promise on the older ones it’s easier lol (at least the 2000 model anyways). I know they changed some things in 2003 with the refresh of the Sierra and Silverado…must have messed with the dash some.

[@kevink809]

Thanks for the info! Fixed my problem with headlights coming on all the time. Good video.

[@PottersWork]

Kevin, glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@bruceregan4015]

Thanks for responding, like I told you they did make some modifications to the upper dash cover, it's a sneaky little rascal that supports the upper dash cover right where the radio goes, FYI I have found this sneaky little part on E-Bay but the seller wants to sell the whole thing not just the support bracket, I looked this up and like you said I could not find it in the GMC parts book, but trust me it's there ! Anyway thanks for giving me a heads up in repairing this, as for the GMC engineers they could make it easy for us but they won't they like to keep us in a frustrating way when repairing our trucks, besides as of today you have to have a degree from MIT to do anything in today's vehicles . Have a great day!

[@PottersWork]

Haha, that is very true these days Bruce! You as well sir!

[@kuntrekuzzin]

Thanks a lot man I just got a 2000 Tahoe a few days ago and was wondering why my were staying on and your video helped and it only took like 10 minutes one of my sensors had fell thru

[@PottersWork]

Awesome, no problem! Glad it helped you out!

[@sped6954]

It's even easier on a Blazer. Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws that secure the passenger side speaker grille/cover on top of the dashboard. Lots of extra wire so you can flip the whole thing over, remove the plug-in connector, a quick counterclockwise turn to remove it, and reverse everything to reinstall it. It takes longer to remove just one of the screws than all the other steps combined. I don't know why they couldn't just do that to all of their vehicles. Less that five minutes to change out. Around $10 for the sensor. Actually, now that I think of it, it took longer to locate the stubby Phillips screwdriver and walk outside to the truck than everything else.

[@PottersWork]

Ed, I don't know why they just didn't make it pull out from the top on all GM vehicles...would save a lot of trouble for everyone!

[@jaimeocaneda394]

Great video, it took me more than an hour to finish. My hands don’t fit XL gloves and they were not any use in the dash to work my fingers either. I couldn’t grasp the plug to reinstall the sensor. I tied a cord to the plug so I could keep it steady and that helped me finish it off. Thanks for the video.

[@PottersWork]

Jaimeo, sorry man! Still better than pulling the whole top of the dash though? I think that’s a 5 hour job last time I checked. Glad you were able to get it!

[@chucklucas5326]

@@PottersWork I've been told that the sunload sensor on an 04 GTO controls the functions on the key fob. They don't work on mine so I bought a new sunload sensor but can't find a video anywhere showing how to replace it. Any suggestions? Thanks 🙏

[@PottersWork]

@@chucklucas5326, man I sure don’t, maybe if I had the car sitting here to look at we could figure it out. I just happened to figure this one out since I was working on my own truck. Sorry man!

[@chucklucas5326]

@@PottersWork Thanks for the reply. Guess I'll figure it out one way or the other.

[@davidring7887]

Exact same dash as my 2000 Silverado. Thanks for the video. Now I'm going to fix mine.

[@PottersWork]

No problem!

[@garycarr6519]

Worked great, I would have struggled a lot more without you video, thanks.

[@PottersWork]

Glad to hear that! Thanks for the feedback!!

[@jorgenevaremartine6301]

thanks for the tip by more than looking and finally found not find your video

[@cadillac1smith485]

Thank you Sir. I was able to finally able to fit the sensor into my 07 Cadillac Esc. dash panel, after your explanation.

[@PottersWork]

Cadillac1 Smith, awesome man! Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the feedback

[@z7198]

I’m going to try this, I’ve replaced the drl sockets because they were burnt and thought that’s why they didn’t work but they still don’t turn on, I’ve been thinking of wiring them to the turn signal lights instead

[@PottersWork]

I had a couple taillights sockets that were burnt on mine, but not DRLs. Just make sure you have someone with small hands on standby and it shouldn’t be too bad lol

[@z7198]

@@PottersWork I’m 17 it’ll work 😂

[@isachar2013]

Matt garcia the mirror sensor is located in front of the truck look behind the grill .. should be connected . Blue in color is just a plug

[@fernandouribe3745]

Thanks bro it worked on my 02 Silverado 2500Hd

[@PottersWork]

Awesome! Glad it worked Fernando!

[@garymullins9570]

I have a 2000 LeSabre that's needed one of these for several years. I didn't know what it was called. Thanks.

[@PottersWork]

No problem, glad it could help you!

[@tnt-lu4ue]

my 2000 chevy silverado messed up today,noticed the lights on during the daylight.. this video helps,, but i have large hands lol

[@PottersWork]

Do you have any friends with small hands? LOL

[@davidh4538]

If only the engineers at GM had the sense to make the sensor pull out from the top instead of down from underneath, all of this would be simple and very easy with no down side that I can see.

[@PottersWork]

EXACTLY! I can't imagine what the downside would be either since it's an interior part that couldn't be easily stolen...and it's a pretty inexpensive part anyways.

[@davidh4538]

I managed to get this done as described in the video. Pain in arse, but doable.

[@PottersWork]

david horsley, better than pulling the dash though right? ;)

[@leoflores4536]

Thankyou my friend.am just clean the 2 sensor and that all.fix the problem.am save some money thanyou

[@PottersWork]

Glad to hear that Leo! Thanks for the comment :)

[@Cream_CurdlR]

what did you clean it with?

[@41663]

Much easier thank you

[@PottersWork]

No problem, hope it saved you some time and $!

[@dalyjolly3186]

Great video. Thank you. Hope this is what I need to fix.

[@PottersWork]

Daly Jolly, thanks! I hope so too

[@philmccracken983]

Thank you , went to clean my dash and it fell down , kinda figured you remove the stereo but just needed to check , my truck is an 05 Gmc so it is the same .

[@PottersWork]

No Bullshit, that’s good to know! I wasn’t sure about the later years. You get it back up through ok?

[@philmccracken983]

Potter's Work Yes I did , thank you again 👍

[@gregs9555]

Thanks for the video. I have the 06 Silverado wish they would have made this sensor easier to replace, its really tight back there but managed to pop it out

[@PottersWork]

Greg Spille, no problem! Would have been nice if they made it removable from the top and left a tail of wire so you could pull the plug up through the dash

[@gregs9555]

Josh Potter good idea! Can't believe gm wants us to pull the whole dash out for a 20 dollar ambient light sensor. It's videos like these that save people a whole lot of time

[@PottersWork]

Greg Spille, you're right! I've found tons of good work around for other things on youtube...just glad to be able to give back a little!

[@1980snafu]

Thanks for posting will be trying mine

[@PottersWork]

1980snafu , no problem, good luck!

[@Jjosh1358]

I had the same problem with my S10. But it's much easier to get to. It's right under the passenger side speaker cover. It's a California truck and it was covered in desert dust so it thought it was night all the time so I wiped it off and then it worked. I don't like having automatic headlights and I heard you can replace that thing with a resistor.

[@PottersWork]

I’ve heard this too!

[@Blueknight1960]

I have a 98 jimmy that has that sensor auto headlight on. I hate that feature, I want full control over my lights so, I searched how to disable that and all I needed was a 1k 1/4 watt resistor to disable them. Works the way it should now with me in full control of my lights. I also disabled the drl's by removing the diode from the fuse box under the hood. No cutting, no modifications. Can easily be put back to factory if I so choose.

[@HyttmanTjsmma]

Hey I have a 99/2000 Yukon Denali no the headlights only Wrk during the day they won't come in at night only with the key turned forward do they Wrk once I turn truck on they automatically shut off

[@HyttmanTjsmma]

No tjsts sendor isn't in the dash period

[@Blueknight1960]

@@HyttmanTjsmma You're talking about day time running lights?

[@martymeyer4125]

well done sir

[@PottersWork]

Thanks! Hope it helped you as well Marty

[@hicksvilleshick]

Did this exact method today on my truck. Worked well, too bad it's an overcast day and it turns the headlights on anyhow... lol

[@PottersWork]

hicksvilleshick glad to hear it worked well! It's been raining all day here and overcast as well

[@crlaw75]

I had an '06 Sierra and when I was wiping down the top of the dash, the plastic cover of the sensor fell through the hole and couldn't get it out. Myself and another person ended up taking the dash apart to get at it. Ended up duct taping and super gluing the cover to the dash so it wouldn't come apart. Saved three hours labour though. Wished this video was around then (a few years ago this happened), would've been easier. For the '03-'06 models, it is the same procedure.

[@PottersWork]

crlaw75, thanks for the info on the 03-06 models! Sorry you had to take the dash apart!

[@crlaw75]

At first, I tried to take off the front air vents around the radio, but couldn't move my hand around the area to get at the sensor. Plan B was to remove the dash.

[@craiggerlach5548]

be nice if they had specs of sensor so could test to see if bad, newer ride with 2 pin, ranges from 16k ohm in dim to 12k ohm in bright, and still high voltage code.. so we know if need to replace sensor or look for wiring issues, etc...

[@PottersWork]

Craig, I agree!

[@juanjoes9723]

Should I try this? My head lights won’t turn off I even replaced the control center where you turn the knob to what you want on

[@waynebastianelli8391]

Good job !

[@PottersWork]

Thank you!

[@knightingalesaid]

Good idea , thanks.

[@PottersWork]

No problem Gary! Thanks for watching and hope it worked well for you!

[@MadChild_1981]

Thanks brother 😊

[@PottersWork]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scabscerte]

For 2003-2007 C/K with ambient light sensor option, the part# is 22724772.

[@REDDONER]

Thank you ! I just bought mine for my 03 Silverado at the dealership was $24 bucks not to bad. Now the hard part installing it lol

[@cristianthashoota5841]

Do older chevys have that sensor mine doesnt have one ?, so im guessing its located somewhere else or it just doesnt have one

[@locj505]

Can this make your instrument cluster PRD123 dim when switched on?? and also would they come on during the day automatically and require you to press dome light switch 3 times ??

[@PottersWork]

When mine was malfunctioning my headlights would be on during the day when they should have been off. I can’t remember if my dash lights dimmed, but they should have if the headlights were on.

[@jaybeezy8039]

Was getting ready to take the dash apart.

[@PottersWork]

Jay Beezy, it work our ok for you? Saved me lots of time lol

[@notasheep12]

Cool thanks ! Hopefully that will fix my problem.

[@danielrangel3064]

There are two ambient censors left and right which is the one that controls the indicator lights ,I have no indicator lights at night

[@PottersWork]

Daniel, I’m not sure...my 2000 only has one censor, not two

[@bruceregan4015]

O.K. you have a 2000 GMC Sierra, but I have a Chevy Silverado 2002 and guess what your video does not cover this model? Tried your way of removing front dash cover and radio everything was fine till that point! Chevy Silverado has a metal plate attached to the underside of dash board even you with your small hands you could not even get near the sensor much less replace it? So going to try removing it from above by unscrewing it, I looked at the part and it will not even go into the hole on dash board, so will try another method will up-date this later?

[@PottersWork]

Bruce, we did one on a 2001 1500 Silverado a while back and it was the same as my 2000 was...I’m wondering if they changed something in 2002? From what I’ve read there were really no changes until 2003. But who knows. Hopefully you can get it another way!

[@desertmulehunter]

Great explanation, you should teach!

[@PottersWork]

Thanks! I don't know that I have what it takes to be a teacher...Much respect to all teachers!

[@johnboyle2453]

Very good nice job

[@PottersWork]

John Boyle, thank you!

[@mrnonpc9885]

Thanks for posting this.

[@PottersWork]

MR NON PC, you bet! Thanks for watching!

[@johnbowers8388]

well I just figure out my light is on all the time I recon mine has gone bad and now I know what to do thanks 2000 GMC Yukon

[@PottersWork]

John Bowers not a problem! Glad to help

[@blackincawston]

Is there anyway to mid 90s might have an after market switch or sensor like this? I know the actually switch off the 1995 doesn't have auto but wondering if there might be something after market to make lights go off and on automatically once it's daylight

[@PottersWork]

Tobi, I’m sorry, I don’t know. Maybe someone else will chime in with some better info than I have.

[@donnacicatelli93]

thank you

[@PottersWork]

You're welcome!

[@nicknoneya2604]

If you have arms the size of spiders legs, you can reach in!. There are only about 10 screws holding the dash cover, and much easer to reach!

[@nicknoneya2604]

PS: to day it costs $35.00

[@PottersWork]

You need to get a slim armed friend to help lol...I don’t believe it’s a simple dash pull, according to all the forum posts I read, it was taking guys hours to do it by pulling the dash.

[@chrisoverson8441]

Great Job...... helped a lot!

[@PottersWork]

+Chris Overson Thanks! Glad it helped!

[@maggiemay6140]

What does that sensor do does that make the headlights come on when it gets dark

[@PottersWork]

It just basically senses when there isn’t enough light and tells the daytime running lights to turn off and the headlights to come on.

[@JustJimJr]

I was wondering if I could place an on & off switch under the dash somewhere. So I can be in control of my lights. I have to dig out my sensor, twisted and it dropped under dash so lights are always on. thanks so much for this video Josh!!! Saved me loads of time. I have a 99 Gmc, and was hoping to disable the sensor and just have a toggle switch in its place. Can anyone tell me if they've done so or does it work? What color are the Wires for the sensor? Where They are or direct me to a website diagram or chart?

[@PottersWork]

Glad I could help!! I can't tell you much about adding a switch, but maybe someone will chime in here

[@chuckmarquart]

very good video.....

[@PottersWork]

Thank you!

[@garymachen7354]

I ordered a new light sensor for my 2000 Silverado. My hands are huge. I'm not looking forward to replacing it.

[@PottersWork]

Do you have a buddy with smaller hands that likes beer Gary? Haha

[@lafrankgable]

Replaced it but my lights keep turning on??

[@pulliamrn]

Does it protrude through the vent up top? You should show an establishing shot.

[@PottersWork]

at 2:40 in the video it shows it popping up through the vent...is that what you mean?

[@charleslloyd1170]

What are the symptoms that caused you to replace this? Is it that the headlights stay on all the time and the daytime running lights never come on?

[@PottersWork]

Charles, yes that is exactly what I was experiencing

[@aliciadecker2124]

I have a question...I have a 2000 bravada and headlights won't work...the brights and fog work, but no headlights..I've changed bulbs, switch, checked fuses...what else can I look at

[@PottersWork]

Alicia Decker check the headlight low beam relay. HDM, relay 46 in the under hood fuse block. have someone turn the low beams on and off while you have your finger on the relay. you should hear and feel it click as the switch is turned on and off. If you don't hear or feel it click switch it with the high beam relay HDM-HI relay #43and see if it works with that. The headlight switch sends a signal to the body control module and the BCM sends the signal to the relay. The power goes from the battery to the relay and then to the fuses. So, if the relay doesn't work there won't be any power to the fuses.

[@codmaster451]

Thanks worked great .

[@PottersWork]

Larry, glad to hear it! Hope it saved you some time and $ too

[@iamthecheese2737]

I've got the opposite problem, my 99 comes on at night whether or not i want them to. I want to use the manual switch and disable the auto switch. I've tried the override trick but nothing. Thinking maybe unhooking the sensor might disable them.

[@PottersWork]

When you push the dome override button, does it ding at you? I had to always push mine 2 times to make my headlights go off at night

[@iamthecheese2737]

@@PottersWork, yeah I've tried that several times doesn't work on mine for whatever reason. Seen several people mention the same issue, nobody has a solution though. Just something that's broken and no answer. There is a KZbin video where some guy explains how to wire in a resistor into a couple wires under the kick panel and it permanently disables the automatic lights, probably try that next, or taking the sensor out and sticking a resistor right into the plug itself and see what happens. Just unplugging the sensor itself did not work at all if anyone wants to know lol.

[@PottersWork]

@@iamthecheese2737, well I have no idea then...you are the 1st person that has asked me that quesiton lol. Are you going to try the resistor?

[@iamthecheese2737]

@@PottersWork Yes, I took the sensor out and put a resistor into the plug itself and it turned the auto lights off. Just posted my own video about it. Much easier than taking off the kick panel and cutting into your wire harnesses

[@jaxthegiant]

Does this sensor blink red.....or is that a anti theft my headlights stay on... I pushed the light override and it's not working....

[@PottersWork]

Chris, I don’t believe the sensor doubles as a security light, but that is the exact problem I was having...the lights wouldn’t shut off. You do have to push the dome override a couple of times to turn the lights off if I remember correctly.

[@PallBEARer730]

I have a 2002 gmc yukon I have two of those sensor on my dash do I need to change them both ?

[@PottersWork]

I’m not sure, I think one is a sun-load sensor and probably doesn’t need to be changed. Mine only had the one sensor

[@PallBEARer730]

@PottersWork which one is which is the one in the middle the day time running lights

[@PottersWork]

@@PallBEARer730 I honestly don't know, I would think the Ambient Sensor is the smallest of the 2, but I'm not 100% sure

[@PallBEARer730]

@PottersWork ok thanks

[@kocaine_03]

I have a 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500. I'm not sure if this is the problem for mine. My issue is every time I turn on my truck whether it's night or day all of my lights turn on. I wish my drls just ran but it might be the sensor. What do you think my issue is?

[@PottersWork]

High Diamond this was my exact problem...changing the sensor fixed it

[@Dioxanes]

Hey man, great video. I’ve got a 1999 2500 with the same problem. My DRLs never come on, and my lights are always on 24/7. I can’t even turn them off with my dome override pushing the button 4 times method. Have checked fuse and relays, along with bulbs and there isn’t a problem.. do you think the sensor would make the DRLs come on and off? As well as control the nights. Thanks in advance

[@PottersWork]

Goon, I honestly don’t know for sure...I know the headlights default to “on” when the sensor isn’t functioning. My dome override still worked to turn my auto headlights off when my sensor was bad. But my DRL’s would never work no matter what

[@Dioxanes]

Potter's Work that sounds exactly like my problem, all lights function and but my DRLs won’t turn on at all. Thanks for the response.

[@PottersWork]

Goon, no problem! Hope this fixes your problem!

[@PottersWork]

If this video was helpful, a "Like" or a "Thanks" would be greatly appreciated! Hope this saved you some time and $ as well!

[@Ronvazquez69]

I have a 02 avalanche and it looks like I have two light sensors I'm thinking probably one of them is for the compass

[@PottersWork]

Ron Vazquez I am not sure about the second one...maybe someone else will chime in that knows for sure

[@jacksmith3189]

Very informative Thanks I’ll sub...

[@PottersWork]

Jack Smith , I appreciate it! I try not to post video unless they are useful

[@smiffy106]

Thanks for the video!!! This helped me out a ton!!!

[@PottersWork]

No problem! Glad it helped!

[@mattgarcia1090]

This may sound stupid but I have a 2001 Tahoe Lt I have two sensors is one for the for the temp sensor on the mirror ? Or are they the same part number

[@PottersWork]

The other sensor is probably your Sun Load Sensor...it tells the heating and air system how much heat is coming in from the sun through the windshield...then the air conditioner/blower compensates for it

[@PottersWork]

I don't know much about how to replace that particular sensor...or what the part # is. Sorry

[@mattgarcia1090]

thats ok thanks for the info

[@frankguerra2592]

mi dash board lights not working this sensor its for working

[@PottersWork]

If your headlights aren't coming on either, I would say it's possible that it could be the sensor. Have you checked fuses?

[@tonyy33055]

New to the GM game. And would like to know what are them sensors for?. I have 2 of them on my new/old 02 yukon denali

[@PottersWork]

YNOTTONY, one of them senses sunlight and tells the headlights to turn on when it’s getting dark, the other one I believe is a sun load sensor for the air conditioner, don’t quote me on that last one, mine only had the small ambient sensor for the headlights.

[@J3GS1]

im having trouble with my 01 yukon xl my inside lights, headlights dont work. but my taillights, turn lights front and back work. does the ambient lights got something to do with this??? need help

[@PottersWork]

do they work if you turn them on manually using the dial on the left side of the steering wheel? If they do work manually, then I would say it could be the sensor. Also, make sure the dome override switch isn't engaged also next to the dial

[@ronritchie3653]

Hey what did you do to fix this problem?

[@caseymclamb5890]

Been reading different forms on this topic and also watching a lot of videos on it. Could this sensor make my running lights not work???..

[@PottersWork]

When my sensor was bad, my daytime running lights up front would never come on because it just had my headlights on 24/7.

[@caseymclamb5890]

@@PottersWork replace the ambient light sensor and the relay underneath the dash and hood. Still no power to the running lights..any other help would be appreciated.

[@PottersWork]

@@caseymclamb5890, did you by chance check the fuses too? Also, are your headlights just staying on all the time, even in the broad daylight?

[@caseymclamb5890]

@@PottersWork all fuses are good. I even checked the relays..they're good. Tried putting the E break on and putting the truck in gear...still nothing.

[@PottersWork]

Casey Mclamb, if I recall correctly, if your e-brake isn’t fully disengaging then the lights will stay off too...I am not sure where the switch is at the ebrake that kills the lights, but that could be the culprit as well. I don’t have the truck any longer or I would go out and take a look at the brake

[@JasonSpitzMI50]

Thanks, so what was the lights doing for you to have to change that sensor out?

[@PottersWork]

M Piper, my headlights would never shut off during the day. They should switch from headlights to daytime running lights when the ambient light sensor senses sun light

[@carrymycross84]

my radio and dash only light up during the day. and at night they cut off.

[@PottersWork]

Have you already replaced the sensor and you are having this problem? You might check your fuses in the side of the dash behind the passenger door also

[@gregakinson2800]

Probably easier when radio is after market.

[@wyattoneable]

Thanks! This helped.

[@PottersWork]

Glad to hear it, thanks for the comment!

[@reykennedy5716]

Nope, I have size large hands and am 02 Tahoe Z71. Hands will not fit. It was flexing the crap out of the dash, then my thumb sliced open on the sheet metal. So I'm just going to take the dash off. This is why I hate working on vehicles

[@PottersWork]

Rey, You have a small friend with smaller hands that likes beer? Haha, just kidding. I hate working on stuff that could have been made way easier from the factory!

[@sailesh3111]

How many pins did this one have?

[@PottersWork]

@@sailesh3111 I honestly don’t remember, I did this 10 years ago and don’t have this truck anymore to look. Might be able to tell by googling the part number and seeing some photos

[@chevyboy2066]

Dealer parts guys is saying sunload and ambient sensor are the same but he will sell me a ambient sensor for $35. I got the sunload sensor already but now they wana sell be a ambient sensor? Confused and a lil upset now

[@PottersWork]

CHEVY BOY!!!! I looked up the part # and it's the same as mine for your truck GM 12450120. Is that the part they gave you?

[@PottersWork]

CHEVY BOY!!!! It's also only $9.69 on gmpartsdirect.com

[@mandybean2513]

Has anyone changed this sensor on a 2004 Buick Park Ave?

[@chevyboy2066]

Took me 1 1/2 to do, sucked and I don't think it's working. Part #1574-0822 sun load sensor. This is the part I need right to have head lights automatically turn off and on?

[@PottersWork]

CHEVY BOY!!!!, what part did you have trouble with? Still easier than taking the whole top of the dash off though right?

[@chevyboy2066]

Josh Potter I was replacing the sensor on dash to have my lights turn off and on during the day/night. I ordered a sun load sensor but know I'm being told it needs to be a ambient light sensor.

[@PottersWork]

@AHappyApple, thank you! glad it helped and saved you $$!

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodga562]

Help !! My 01 Chevy suburban headlights don't turn on automatically anymore, I use the side switch to turn on but it's still frustrating there not automatically anymore, does anyone know what it could be ? They use to work just fine but had a mechanic come over to fix my emergency brake and since then they don't turn on automatically/: the mechanic never came back to fix his mess would really like to know what could be wrong, single mother of 4 and this is my only vehicle, would really like to know if it's the sensor as you say so I'll know exactly the problem and ppl won't try to scam me saying it's something else as well

[@PottersWork]

Make sure your parking break is fully released...when the parking break is engaged (even slightly) it turns off the automatic headlights.

[@jakemullins5816]

It ant hard to pull the top dash cover off any way it can be done in 25 to 30 mins

[@DarknGlory]

Does this work for a Grand am 04 pontiac? I cant seem to find anything for the location on it....

[@PottersWork]

I believe the sensor in the 2001 Grand Am is under the defrost vent, so maybe it's the same for a 2004...I think the vent cover pops off, but i'm not 100% sure on that. You may want to research how to remove the vent cover more before trying it.

[@abbytransport948]

Does anybody know if this sensor affects the backlights on the control panel?

[@PottersWork]

Abby Transport, it would dim your dash lights when it tells the headlights to come on. Are they lighting up at all?

[@Qobii]

Could replacing this censor fix my day time running lights from being stuck on at night? The only lights I can turn on are auxiliary lights.

[@PottersWork]

If you turn your headlights on manually with the switch/knob they won't come on either? The issue I had was my actual headlights would never turn off (even in the daytime). The only way I could shut them off was with the dome override button. I would think if the sensor was bad it would default to the headlights being on all the time instead of off. Have you checked your fuses and relays?

[@Prevosta]

I have the same truck but my headlights are staying on 24/7 even when the key is out. Any suggestions ?? thanks

[@PottersWork]

They stay on and you don't have the headlight switch tuned on to override the automatic lights?

[@Prevosta]

Yes the switch can be completely off no parking lights or anything even with the override trick the headlights will still be on. I found the problem, my truck has a 5/8 drop on it and my front wheel rubbed on the wiring harness and exposed some wires causing my headlights to stay on, Stripped the wires, soldered and heat shrinked. all is good thanks :)

[@PottersWork]

Glad you figured it out! I was stumped lol

[@aaronmoses4334]

can this sensor also cause my dash lights and climate lights not to work at all? my rear running lights dont work either only comes on when i brake any info is appreciated thank you!

[@PottersWork]

Are your headlights coming on when it's dark, but your dash lights are not? You might also check your fuses+Aaron Moses

[@aaronmoses4334]

+Josh Potter yes sir they come on when its dark i checked both fuse boxes and changed a couple out still nothing

[@PottersWork]

I would think if your lights are turning on automatically at dark and off when it's light then the sensor is probably doing its job. If your fuses are all ok, it may be a relay, but I am not sure. Maybe someone else will chime in with better info