About 2 weeks ago I had a new Pilkington windshield installed. I only drive the MINI on weekends and noticed today in the sun that my headlights would only turn off if I manually turned them off. Any ideas for me before I contact my glass guy?

 

Anyone?

 

im not 100% sure about the 2009 versions but 2011 has the Sensor built into the back of the Rearview mirror. If they came on during the day i would say something is blocking the IR sensor, maybe some sealent. Does the windshield have any type of ceramic tint or metalic coating in it to cut down on glare? if so this would make all passible light "dark" to the sensor.

However, if they are not going off when you turn your car off there could be another issue like electrical. I would take it into your mini dealer, the windshield guy isnt going to know whats going on. Strange coincidence probably, if you incur a charge you can try to have the windshield guy pay for it depending on the agreement you signed.

BTW: i like your sig

 

on my 09, the sensor is mounted to the windshield. when they put the new windshield in they unclipped it and clipped it into the new windshield. the new windshield came with the clip already mounted to it. maybe today i will unclip it and see if i can get the lights to go off.

they do turn off when i turn the car off but are always on while car is running unless i manually turn them off.

thanks!

 

Ahh, got it. I would call your windshield guy up then and ask him if there is any glare reducing material in the windshield. If so, depending on the material they used will make the light frequencies the sensor see's appear "Dark" thus turning your lights on.....If not pop the sensor, make sure all wires are connected properly and there isnt any sealant residue on the sensor. when you do this, and if you find a wire loose, make sure you disconnect your battery before you try and reconnect that.

 

I did pop off the cover yesterday and the wire connector is connected securely. I will pop off the sensor today and do some more diggin'. Thanks so far

 

It may sound dumb, but, could it be the DRLs?

 

I dont think so but i guess it could be. Are the xenons on as DRL's? Also, the mood lights and dash lights are always on unless you manually turn off the headlights.

 

The xenons can be programmed to come on as DRLs, and from what you describe about mood and dash lights you probably have this feature enabled. Not sure how to change it on older models though Maybe try the left stalk button? Its either that or a trip to the dealer.

Cheers!

 

I will see if I can turn off the DRL's through the stalk button today. I guess I didn't think about that. Will let you know what the outcome is.

 

How do you pop the cover off to check the connection?