How to Shut Off Lights on a Pontiac Vibe
by James T Wood
A feature on many cars, automatic headlights switch on the lights when the ambient light becomes too dim. They use a dashboard-mounted photocell to sense light and turn on the headlights when the incoming light is too low. This prevents the user from being able to turn off the lights in any low-light situation. If you have legitimate need to turn off your headlights at night, you can take steps to return the light control to the manual switch on the steering column.
Step 1
Crawl under the dashboard and look above the brake pedal directly behind the steering column. You'll see the daytime running light (DRL) relay box. Unhook the wiring harness from the box and use the socket to remove the mounting screw.
Step 2
Open the DRL relay box and locate the connecting wires from the circuit board to the white connector. Cut the legs for No. 19 and No. 20 and bend the legs so they won't touch anything on the circuit board.
Step 3
Replace the DRL relay box cover. Remount the relay box and reconnect the wiring harness. Your headlight will now only come on when you use the switch on the steering column.
Things You'll Need
- 10-mm socket and socket driver
- Wire cutters
- Needle-nose pliers
Warnings
- Driving at night without your headlights may be illegal and dangerous. Only disable the headlights if you have a legitimate reason.
Writer Bio
James T Wood is a teacher, blogger and author. Since 2009 he has published two books and numerous articles, both online and in print. His work experience has spanned the computer world, from sales and support to training and repair. He is also an accomplished public speaker and PowerPoint presenter.
