2010 Mazda3 - Auto-headlights sensor kicking in too early, dimming dashboard

[civuck]

Because the sensor - at least mine - seems to be overly sensitive, the headlights are coming on in brighter conditions (more so than my 2006 MZ3). Consequently the dashboard lighting dims so I find I am constantly hitting the override button.

Is anyone else experiencing this?

Unfortunately the adjustment for the sensor is only accessible by a Mazda dealer in the Personalized Settings memory for the car.

[mazdabetty]

I thought the dashboard lighting is always off when the DRL's are on, and lights up when your headlights turn on?? Maybe that's just a 2006+ thing? Weird...

[distr0]

I thought the dashboard lighting is always off when the DRL's are on, and lights up when your headlights turn on?? Maybe that's just a 2006+ thing? Weird...

The 2010 GTs have the black out guages, which are the ones where when the ignition is not in the on position, you can only see the needles but not the numbers/lines on the guages. So when it is in the "on" position the needles/lines/numbers light up always and only dim when the headlights are on.

[xxSlidewaysxx]

I do this all the time. Especially, when it's one of those overcast yet bright days, sunglasses are an option and the lights come on. I'll take early lights over late any day.

[ElegantGremlin]

I do this as well. But as Slideways said, I'd rather they came on when I don't need them then not come on when I need them.

[civuck]

Well something has clearly changed with the calibration of 2010 Mazda3s sensor versus the previous generation. I don't recall ever having to use the dashboard lighting override button with my 2006 GT.

[McGuyver_3]

go to the delaer they can program it to be less sensitive i had the same problem with mine

[civuck]

go to the delaer they can program it to be less sensitive i had the same problem with mine

The dealership showed me on the computer when it was connected to the personalization settings of my car that there are four options to select from:

High (Japan)
Standard (Japan)
Standard (All Others)
Low

... none of the technicians were certain what those were so they are investigating.

What setting did you go with? Presumably Low refers to low-light, meaning the headlights come on later.. ?

I'm waiting to hear back from the dealership.

They offered to make the change at no cost.

[Honva]

I had the same problem and yesterday went to the dealer. The service advisor didn't know what to do. Called the chief mechanic out. He knew about the setting and took it in changed in about 10 minutes. So far, it hasn't been turn on unexpectedly but it was sunny the last couple of days anyway. Now, I am looking forward for an overcast day. :-)

[TheMAN]

The dealership showed me on the computer when it was connected to the personalization settings of my car that there are four options to select from:

High (Japan)
Standard (Japan)
Standard (All Others)
Low

... none of the technicians were certain what those were so they are investigating.

What setting did you go with? Presumably Low refers to low-light, meaning the headlights come on later.. ?

I'm waiting to hear back from the dealership.

They offered to make the change at no cost.

yes, "low" means it will take longer/very dark before the lights turn on
my own 05 is set to "japan standard" when I messed with the settings, such as turning off the stupid seat beltminder chime

[djltoronto]

Where (physically) is the sensor?

[McGuyver_3]

The dealership showed me on the computer when it was connected to the personalization settings of my car that there are four options to select from:

High (Japan)
Standard (Japan)
Standard (All Others)
Low

... none of the technicians were certain what those were so they are investigating.

What setting did you go with? Presumably Low refers to low-light, meaning the headlights come on later.. ?

I'm waiting to hear back from the dealership.

They offered to make the change at no cost.

just set to low

yes, "low" means it will take longer/very dark before the lights turn on
my own 05 is set to "japan standard" when I messed with the settings, such as turning off the stupid seat beltminder chime

you got it

Where (physically) is the sensor?

on the windshield by the rear view mirror