Where is the sensor for the auto headlights? In the past couple of days, after we had a snow/ice storm here, I noticed the auto headlights on my 2017 Cooper S are always on, even after the sun has come all the way up in the morning.

At first, the multi-function display was in full "night mode" (i.e. orange not white) but after it got a bit lighter out it switched to white. But the headlamps never turned off all the way to work.

Any idea how to troubleshoot? Or do I need to bring it for service?

Possibly related: the "auto" wipers do not let me change their interval, no matter what "speed" I set them to.

 

I think the sensor is either in the mirror or glued to the top of the windshield. I was asked if I had this feature - I don't - when my windshield was changed last year.
Perhaps you have the wrong windshield (!), or the sensor is outside the arc of the wipers or misaligned or obstructed.
Presumably, you can turn the lights from 'auto' to 'manual' with the switch.
Or it could be a defective switch.

There are other similar threads:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rning-off.html

 

Yip, behind the mirror on the glass, you can see the sensor from outside.

 

How do I access it?

 

you can't, I believe it is glued to the screen

 

FWIW, I went out to the car at noon and they are automatically off as they should be. Not sure why they stayed on this morning. Will bring it in to have it looked at.

 

The sensor has to "see" thru the windshield. So, anything blocking it (dirt, dust, mud, frost, ice, etc), could trick it into thinking its dark outside.