Hi! I've been having a blast with my new 2011 MCS the last couple of weeks. One question I have, though, is how to tell if the headlights are on or not! I have the auto-headlights option (part of the convenience package), and on most cars I've seen, there's an indicator light on the dashboard to show you when the lights are on. Here in California you're legally supposed to have them on when using the windshield wipers (which I actually had to do a lot this last week!). I've looked through the manual and not found anything, so I figured I try this experienced group instead! So is there any way to tell if the headlights are on or not?

Thanks in advance!

 

No there is not a headlight indicator.

I don't have the auto lights option, but with the none auto.....

If you have the lights turned on and you turn the car off, the lights turn off (so it doesn't kill the battery).

 

Thanks for the reply, DChap. I wasn't worried about the battery, more just how I'd figure out whether they were on or not to know when/if I'd have to manually over-ride them.

The silly thing, if I understand this correctly, is if I set my DRL's on, it would be exactly the same thing as just leaving the lights on all the time, right? As you commented, they all turn off when I turn off the car and lock it. Kind of a wasted option to have...

So does anyone have a secret tip or other thing I can look at to determine wether the lights are on or not?

Thanks again!

 

I don't have the auto headlight option, but I use ambient lighting (colored LED's) as a headlight on indicator.

 

I just look at the headlight stalk to determine if the headlights are on

 

I have a '07 MC without auto headlights and an '08 MCC with Auto Headlights. From my experience, they both leave the headlights on continuously, regardless of the headlight switch position. The only difference is the dashboard and ambient lighting turns on and off. I believe the rear lights are always on as well.
This may only be for canadian Minis, though.

 

In the US models, the Daytime Running Lights can be turned on or off via the tach menu.
I thought that most cars with DRL have just the headlights on and at a reduced power level.
With the MINI DRL you get the headlights and taillights always on at full power.

 

I assumed that the dash lights being on = headlights on. I also look for car reflects / bots dots.

I have auto on - and they almost always appear to be on.

 

Way too funny...

If you think the lights need to be on, just turn them on.

My car has auto lights, and you can tell they are on when the tach lights up. The lights will turn on when it's dark. (or on a cloudy, rainy day). But really if you aren't sure, just spin the little **** and turn them on...