Annoying headlight switch

[Muffin1]

So, before i start the truck i have rotated the HS to the off position denoted by the led illuminating that switch position, then at startup it defaults to the Auto mode (which illuminates the headlights) which i don't want,
so i found this in the owner's manual as i was trying to figure out why,
''EXTERIOR LIGHTING CONTROL A Lamps off. B Parking lamps on. C Autolamps on. D Headlamps on. Rotate the control to make a selection.
Note: The lighting control defaults to auto lamps every time you switch your vehicle on.
The 'OFF' position should override every other choice on that switch, very annoying when i want to sit in the truck without lighting up the street.
Anyone's thoughts on this?

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[stuartmunto]

Before you start the engine, do you have the ignition on? I'm pretty sure on mine if I press the start button without foot on the brake pedal, it will fire up the ignition. If I then rotate headlights to OFF and then start the engine, the headlights will remain off.

However, If I just rotate the switch to OFF without the ignition on, then the headlights will default to on when starting the engine

 

[Moto26]

Interesting. I'll have to try that in my Bronco.
There's a restaurant we often order takeout from. They have an outdoor seating area that's right next to the takeout parking spot. I always pull in there with just my parking lights on, but when I go to start back up, my headlights are right in everyone's faces, which is just rude, I think. I'll have to try the ignition-only trick and see if that works…

 

[Muffin1]

I’ll try that later when it gets dark thanks for that suggestion.
And as Moto26 mentions , my lights shine right into my neighbor's window as well as when we’re at the campgrounds when I move the truck it gets folks riled up.

UPDATE,
I covered the sensor on the dash to simulate night then turned the key to on i rotated the dial from auto to off then started the truck the led on the switch panel immediately moved back to the auto position allowing the auto feature to work, so that's not going to fix it.
This is very frustrating, having an auto feature is one thing but it's also not by passable making it
I guess, a mandatory auto is way over thinking it

 

[Muffin1]

I was able to change the auto headlight to 'last position used' (OFF) using Forscan, so its fixed now.

 

[CACTUSGREYFX4]

Don't know if it works on Ranger but some vehicles if you have parking brake on when you start it the headlights won't come on til you release the parking brake.

 

[jedadiah]

Not super related but if you unplug the light switch, the lights default to on even if the truck is not running at all. I unplugged mine to install my Garage door opener in the trim panel and noticed.

 

[craigc]

You can change this in ForScan, but not sure if anyone has confirmed it or not. I personally prefer it to auto on every time. It's in BCM 726-74-01, or "Headlamps Position at Ignition On "

 

[Muffin1]

You can change this in ForScan, but not sure if anyone has confirmed it or not. I personally prefer it to auto on every time. It's in BCM 726-74-01, or "Headlamps Position at Ignition On "

I did change it in Forscan

 

[pablo94sc]

Changed mine in FORscan to remember the last position. Leave it in auto most times, but when camping set it to off and use silent mode (aka dark or police mode).

 

[raf1919]

I was able to change the auto headlight to 'last position used' (OFF) using Forscan, so its fixed now.

I've been searching for solution. So Sh*tty of Ford that this needs to be changed with Forscan.

 

[Muffin1]

I've been searching for solution. So Sh*tty of Ford that this needs to be changed with Forscan.

You could try your selling dealers service dept and ask if they could do the change maybe coincide it with a regular service visit, i mean what's the purpose for the service dept techs ability to make changes with that software if they refuse to do it?
They'll prob charge you but at least you can decide if it's a something that you want to pay for.
Another thing you can try if the dealer balks call Ford CS and open a dialogue with them about the feature (or lack of). They may act on your behalf as a liaison with the Dealer.
Lastly you could go the Forscan software route and learn the programing features it has.

For me i had used the software on my previous Ranger and made a bunch of other changes to this new one also, there was a learning curve but i was able to do it not that difficult.
Good Luck.

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

One of the things you can change in Forscan. I set it to remember it's last position. Works w/o fail. Also can change # of blinker flashes, highbeam with fogs, enable offroad modes, etc. Basicly free with a trail licence. I paid the 12? bucks for a year.

 

[raf1919]

One of the things you can change in Forscan. I set it to remember it's last position. Works w/o fail. Also can change # of blinker flashes, highbeam with fogs, enable offroad modes, etc. Basicly free with a trail licence. I paid the 12? bucks for a year.

Does using forscan impact your warranty?

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

Does using forscan impact your warranty?

Probably.

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