Exterior Lighting - System Operation and Component Description: Autolamps

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Ford SSV Plug-in Hybrid, 2019 Ford Police Responder Hybrid, and 2019 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

System Diagram

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Autolamps

The BCM sends ground and a reference voltage to the light sensor with a voltage signal. The voltage drop on the reference voltage circuit varies with the ambient light conditions.

The BCM monitors the headlamp switch circuits to indicate the headlamp switch position.

When the BCM receives a headlamp switch status indicating a request for the autolamps, the BCM monitors the light sensor for the ambient light condition. If the BCM determines the ambient light level is dark, the BCM supplies voltage to the exterior lamps.

Headlamps On With Wipers On Function

When the headlamp switch is in the autolamps ON position, the exterior lamps turn on when the front wipers are on low or high speed. This feature does not activate the exterior lamps during a mist wipe, while the wipers are on to clear washer fluid during a wash condition or the wipers are in automatic mode.

The exterior lamps turn off when the ignition changes to OFF or ACC mode, the headlamp switch is placed in the off position, or the front wipers are turned OFF. The exception to this is when the exterior lights are on because of darkness determined by the autolamp system.