I have a 2005 LR3 that has a headlight switch that does not have the "AUTO" lamp function. Does anyone know if I replace it with a new switch with the "AUTO" detent, will it work properly or do I need to have the computer reprogrammed for this to work?

 

That's a good question, if it turns out that it won't work, let me know. Mine has a weird problem, when you go from high to low beams there is a few second delay... something is buggy..

I recall seeing some settings in the ECU regarding headlight stuff, but I can't recall for sure. It seems like there would need to be some additional wiring / relay / delay circuits. I don't know if it's built into the switch or added stuff elsewhere.

It can't hurt to have a look, but I believe there is a specific sequence for dis assembly in order to not set off the airbag. If you are not familiar with this process, get familiar first.

The manual does not mention a switch as you describe. Here is the manual section; 211-05 Steering Column Switches

If you need the manual, PM me with your e-mail address.

 

It will not work. In fact, just changing the switch will give you a second 'Off' position, as the vehicle will not understand that position.

To make it work, you will need to replace the windshield with one that has a Rain Sensor, wire up the rain/light sensor, then configure the wipers to work correctly, but the Auto lights will work then. However, even after doing this, you will still have an issue.

Vehicles not fitted with Auto lights, also were not fitted with front fog lamps, which the Auto switch has. So in order to have full functionality of the switch, you will need to install them too. That is actually much easier then it sounds, as the bumper has the brackets already fitted for them, and the wiring is there to the bumper, you would just need to cut the holes, install the lamps, and install the wiring harness in the bumper. I believe you would also need to install a fuse, and relay, but I don't remember if that was necessary or not.

Honestly, it's a lot of work, and you don't end up with the same lighting system after it is all done, as you still have Halogen lamps, not Bi-Xenons. It gets to be very pricey, I know this thanks to a salesman that promised it to a customer once upon a time.

 

Also you cannot use the auto feature and the fogs at the same time. If you need to turn the fogs on you have to turn the headlights on first too.

Auto is a neat feature, but I'm not sure I'd want to pay for it if I didn't have it. But to each their own. On my D2 I added heated windscreen and fog lights even though I didn't NEED them.