Caught in the rain :(.. wiper/light question

[NOMARQUIS]

It was a sad day for my MM.... I was bringing it home from it 2 week stay at the dealer and for the first time (while I've owned it and the first owner claimed it was never) I had to drive it in the pouring rain. I noticed that about 15 seconds after I turned on my wipers, the headlamps turned on automaticlly. I read in the owner's manual that the car has this feature. What I want to know is can I turn this feature off? I know I should have my headlamps on in the rain, but it's sort of annoying in light drizzle when I turn the wipers on and off alot.

Since I have never driven either of my MM's in the rain, I didn't realize my lamps turnd on with the wipers.

Thanks for reading!

[offroadkarter]

I got caught in a downpour the other day, it was like driving through Niagara falls... Some parts of the road were 2" deep of water...

You think you have problems :P

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

I think it's just when you have the auto lamps on, Or the switch all the way to the left that will allow them to automatically turn on with wipers.

[gdmjoe]

ChiTownMaraud3r - I think it's just when you have the auto lamps on, Or the switch all the way to the left that will allow them to automatically turn on with wipers.
Not correct. The lights-on when the wipers are turned-on is regardless of the switch setting ( including OFF ). It's a WAD ( Working As Designed ) feature.

Some insightful insight ....

Windshield Wiper Activated Headlamps (http://www.p71interceptor.com/wipersonlightson/)

HOWEVER ... Not pertinent since FoMoCo in 2003 moved the wiper control module to the inside the wiper motor.

[Bluerauder]

Since I have never driven either of my MM's in the rain, I didn't realize my lamps turned on with the wipers.
My MM is a daily driver all year round so it sees rain, snow and sleet on a regular basis. Virginia law requires headlights whenever conditions need windshield wipers -- so I kinda like the feature. The lights improve your visibility for OTHER drivers. Anything that keeps 'em from running into my car is a good thing.

Despite the law, I estimate that only about 50% of Virginia drivers even know about it and actually turn their lights on. I guess if they think that they can see OK -then they really don't need the lights. These people miss the point on a regular basis. ;)

[CKMustangCobra]

This reminds me of my wifes Volvo. No matter the switch position... the headlights and dash lights and tail lights are always on...

why the switch? LOL

[Glockafella]

This explains a lot...I have been getting a little freaked when I run it through a car wash and come out with lamps on...Thought it was a short or something was getting wet. lol

[SC Cheesehead]

This explains a lot...I have been getting a little freaked when I run it through a car wash and come out with lamps on...Thought it was a short or something was getting wet. lol

Nope, just doing what it's supposed to. Now if they DON'T come on, time to check out the LCM for a relay replacement.

[O's Fan Rich]

Why do people worry about having their lights on?
What? It's not "cool"? Makes you look like a wussy or something?

It's a safety feature built into the car to help keep you and the other drivers on the road safer.Where is the problem with that?

Take the time to notice who you see and don't see in poor weather, the one with lights on or the one without. Then imagine yourself, maybe with your kids in the car, driving down the road in iffy weather and someone is trying to pull out at an intersection..... do you want them on or off?

[Bradley G]

Boy, I hope it's cool to run with the lamps on during daylight.
Over five years ago, I installed a DRL module, like comes standard on the ones' north of the border.

Why do people worry about having their lights on?
What? It's not "cool"? Makes you look like a wussy or something?

It's a safety feature built into the car to help keep you and the other drivers on the road safer.Where is the problem with that?

Take the time to notice who you see and don't see in poor weather, the one with lights on or the one without. Then imagine yourself, maybe with your kids in the car, driving down the road in iffy weather and someone is trying to pull out at an intersection..... do you want them on or off?

[jgc61sr2002]

It's the law in NYS Wipers ON lights ON.

IMO it's safer to drive with the lights on at all times.

[O's Fan Rich]

Boy, I hope it's cool to run with the lamps on during daylight.
Over five years ago, I installed a DRL module, like comes standard on the ones' north of the border.

The first week I owned the marauder, I had pinstripes painted on and had the Dealer install DRL's.....
I was disappointed that the car did not come with them.

Heck... I even have "deer whistles" on the car!

[O's Fan Rich]

It's the law in NYS Wipers ON lights ON.

IMO it's safer to drive with the lights on at all times.

Same in PA AND you have to turn them on in construction zones.

[Richy04]

There is a short in your steering column, its not a feature, the car will explode unless you take care of it!! Jump out quick!! Just kidding..

[LilCop2002]

What about those of us in the military who have to approach the gate to an installation at night in the rain?

Since I can't turn off my headlights even though I turned off my wipers, I end up blinding the gate guard. It's not a big deal to most of you, but having been blinded on many occasions myself, not only is it an inconvenience, it is also a major officer safety issue...

[Marauder386]

What about those of us in the military who have to approach the gate to an installation at night in the rain?

Since I can't turn off my headlights even though I turned off my wipers, I end up blinding the gate guard. It's not a big deal to most of you, but having been blinded on many occasions myself, not only is it an inconvenience, it is also a major officer safety issue...


Just concentrate your line of sight at the DD - 2220 ... and have your cover sentry place their line of sight to the middle of the windshield, passenger side. If this doesnt work, add more lighting to "null out " the approaching headlights.


:cool4:

[LilCop2002]

Just concentrate your line of sight at the DD - 2220 ... and have your cover sentry place their line of sight to the middle of the windshield, passenger side. If this doesnt work, add more lighting to "null out " the approaching headlights.


:cool4:



I agree with you 100%. For the most part, I PERSONALLY rarely got blinded, but in 8 years of doing SF duty, there were times when it was unavoidable due to the lay of the land and avenues of approach and vehicle design. Besides, it is usually ordered through common courtesy and entry control signs to use parking lights approaching gates.

[guspech750]

you know if you just tap the wiper/washer thingy that you would use to wash the windshield, it will make just one pass and does not spray any fluid. thats what i do with my trucks at work and my marauder. if its only misting.

[justbob]

We have wipers? Learn something new everyday!



At what point does the lights turn back off? Another timer after the wipers are off?

Way too much safety items weighing down the car, driving the price up, and more to break. Is it really that hard just turning on the lights? Same with seat belt sensors. What did they cost to engineer, buy, and install? And for what? Too much safety driving up costs.

[SC Cheesehead]

Pull out your LCM and "lights on" won't be an issue....;)

[Marauder2005]

Hm, I ment to bring this up before. My headlamps came on with the wipers in my

2003 but in my 2004 does not have that feature. Maybe its one of those 300a-300b

deals?