Turn off headlights in '04 Yukon XL

I have an '04 Yukon XL with automatic headlights. I bought this vehicle used, and I found out later that the vehicle had originally been sold/produced for Canada. Apparantly on the Canadian vehicles, they disable the feature that allows you to override the headlights by turning it to the OFF position. Most of the time it is not a big deal, but I guess I would just like to be able to control this. My local dealer pursued this for me and says that GM won't let them change this unless it is a police vehicle. Has anyone else ever run into this or have a way around this?

I've heard about this. I believe the only workaround is to have a relay of some sort installed. I understand this isn't a major operation, but I'm not well-versed enough beyond that. An independent shop would probably be willing to do the work.

Just out of curiosity - does your instrument cluster have metric or English guages?

Take care,
Jerry

The speedometer is in mph. From what my dealer could tell me, this was a GM company vehicle. When the vehicle was converted to US after GM was done with it, the odometer was converted to miles from km. That's about all I know.

I believe it involves wiring in a resistor (don't know the exact value) to the light sensor in order to fool it into thinking that it's always daytime (i.e., plenty of ambient light)...

I have an '04 Yukon XL with automatic headlights. I bought this vehicle used, and I found out later that the vehicle had originally been sold/produced for Canada. Apparantly on the Canadian vehicles, they disable the feature that allows you to override the headlights by turning it to the OFF position. Most of the time it is not a big deal, but I guess I would just like to be able to control this. My local dealer pursued this for me and says that GM won't let them change this unless it is a police vehicle. Has anyone else ever run into this or have a way around this?
Depress the parking brake to the least possible level and the lights will go off. The brakes aren't on yet et voila. Unfortunately the dash light now shows brakes on. e Canadians like to be in the dark sometimes and that is the easiest way with the ignition on

markdpro

Hey SJB; I Have a 03 Yukon and I live in Toronto Canada. First off, TonyTone is absolutely correct!!!

You have to go to a good electronics guy who is familiar with General Motors wiring and get a resister into the sensor on the Dash. NOW, here in Toronto, I did attend a Police Vehicle Services Company and they wired my Yukon for me as well as putting a Stealth switch, also called a (Surveillance switch) in the vehicle which kills all lighting accessories including brake, reverse lights, headlights, dash and radio display. Now SJB can I say this to you…The approach I had taken was a low cost one at that and it was a real pain in the ass getting to the sensor in the dash, as there is a large steel bracket in front of the sensor which will cut your arm to crap. Also, one must be careful with the sensor, as it also has a few extra wires for the Heating and a/c. The sensor also monitors the strength of the solar rays hitting the dashboard and when the a/c and heater is in auto, it compensates accordingly with the strength of solar rays and heat. Therefore, one must know which wire to tap into and place the resistor, as TonyTone stated.

As you live in the States, and your Dollar goes further than my Canadian beaver, your best bet is to find a local Emergency lighting and wiring company that services Police cars and ambulances etc. ask them or get a hold of a little module made by Federal Signal or Whalen, which will connect, to the Yukon’s onboard BCM (body Control Module). This will be a little more expensive, but it’s the professional approach. You will be satisfied by now having full control of the lighting system as I have. Now, I am in Law Enforcement and use it quite often, but even if I was not, I tell you now I would be doing the same thing anyways; I like having control on what turns on and off. The way the General designed the Canadian Export lighting system to meet Canadian Highway standards is pathetic to say the least. The reason for this was too many people were forgetting to turn on lights at night and the Government found that with the advent of twilight sentinel, this feature was all too often being bypassed by the owner/operators. Therefore it was removed entirely as of 03 year.

By the way, the parking brake trick…that’s done with, the BCM (Body Control Module) is smart enough to not even fall for that anymore…LOL…bastards!!!

Sorry for the lengthy explanation, but I hope you have been helped here friend.

DAMien

Thanks for your input, that is the most helpful tip I've recieved so far! I will surely look into that. Does this device restore the functionality to the headlight switch, or is an add-on device?

Steve

Hey SJB; It actually would be an add on, as to keep the DOT happy and you will keep the OEM appearence by all means. For example, my control switch was placed next to the Factory ADL connector, next to the >E<brake release handle. It does not interfere with the OE look and more importantly, it does not get in my way. Keep in mind this switch will allow you to get FULL control over your lighting system and simply bypasses the OEM Light switch. When you want to set it back to the OEM switch...like when you loan the truck to the wife, she will have no extra swicthes to worry about(lol), because you would have toggled it back to factory.

Hey if you need any further assistence in this matter, be sure to let me know. I am always willing to help out a fello Yukon/General Motors Owner.

All the best my friend

DAMien

Damien0869, I certainly appreciate your help and input. My next task which hasn't been easy so far is to find one of those Emergency lighting companies. The yellow pages was no help, and a quick internet search didn't provide any further help. Do you happen to know how I can go about finding one? I would be indebted... I'm with you - I just want control of what goes on and off and when. It doesn't seem too much to ask! (lol).

Best regards,
Steve

Hey Steve,where do you live dude...tell you what that may be too personal here..email me at DAMIEN0869@aol.com...and mark Donot delete..I will speak with you in detail there. I hope that would be okay with you.

Now here is one from Code3..now keep in mind this one is a bit big and control all the lights in what ever sequence. You only hit the switch on the left of the device, not the individual knobs...I think this would be a bit big..we are looking for the smaller control unit with a seperate switch.

http://www.code3pse.com/productdtl.asp?grp=cd3&familyid=9&id=54
You may want to call them to find out a service dealer in your area. You can do that for Whelen as well.

What I will do as well Steve, once you email me with your location, I will ask the compnay rep of whom did my Yukon; if there is anyone in your area that can provide you with some assistance.

DAMien

I offer the headlight mod kit that just plugs in under the dash for $10.oo it includes picture instructions on how to install it. If interested email me at b3enterprise@gmail.com