DESCRIPTION
The twilight sentinel system automatically controls on-off operation of headlights, taillights and instrument panel lights in response to ambient light. A time delay control allows lights to remain on for a preselected period after ignition is turned off.
A photocell is mounted face up under speaker or defroster grille. An amplifier unit is mounted on lower instrument panel brace. A time delay and on-off switch is attached to the light switch behind light switch knob.
AUTOMATIC OPERATION
Twilight sentinel system will operate automatically when ignition switch is in "ON" position or headlight switch is in "OFF" position and the control ring pointer is turned on. System will automatically activate lights when level of available light corresponds to dusk
At daybreak, system will turn lights off. Sudden changes in lighting such as passing through tunnels or under bright lights will not cause system to cycle, due to a 10-60 second delay before amplifier switches system on or off.
A variable time-delay switch control permits the driver to select a delay period before headlights turn off. This can be a few seconds to a maximum of 4 1/2 minutes after ignition switch is turned off.
Additional lighting may be provided (during this period) by turning on cornering lights (if equipped). All lights will turn off automatically at end of time-delay period selected by driver.
MANUAL OPERATION
If lights are to be used during daylight hours, 2 methods may be used. If photocell assembly is covered, lights will turn on. This allows lights to be turned off in normal manner when ignition is off. Lights can also be turned on using regular light switch after turning time-delay switch to "OFF" position.
SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT
Note. Sensitivity adjustment is possible on Toronado models only.
Toronado
- Adjusting screw is reached through a hole in right side of amplifier. Each mark around the hole represents about 5 minutes of daylight. Turn screw clockwise to make lights turn on earlier and counterclockwise for later (darker) in the evening.
- To test photocell, measure voltage to ground with a digital meter at the White wire of the photocell. It should vary from less than 2 volts with the photocell covered to more than 9 volts in bright light.
HEADLIGHTS TURN ON LATE OR EARLY IN EVENING OR MORNING
Sensitivity adjustment incorrect.
LIGHTS DO NOT TURN ON IN DARKNESS
Improper alignment of wiring harness connector at amplifier. Loose connection at light switch. Open wiring between fusible link and light switch. Inoperative light switch (circuit breaker). Open ground path through on-off switch of time delay control assembly. Inoperative photocell or amplifier.
LIGHTS DO NOT TURN OFF IN DAYLIGHT
Amplifier sensitivity control out of adjustment. Inoperative photocell or amplifier. Poor contact between photocell and socket, or socket disengaged from mounting hole.
LIGHTS DO NOT TURN OFF AFTER IGNITION IS OFF
Ignition wire has power with key off. Fuse blown. Inoperative time delay control. Open wiring in circuit. Inoperative amplifier. Malfunctioning photocell.
LIGHTS DO NOT STAY ON PROPER TIME SPAN AFTER IGNITION IS OFF
Inoperative time delay control assembly. Blown tail light fuse. Improper resistance at amplifier connector. Short in wiring circuit. Inoperative amplifier.
WARNING CHIME WILL NOT OPERATE
Open wire in chime circuit. Inoperative door jam switch. Poor connection at light switch. Inoperative amplifier. Blown fuse. Time delay control malfunction.
WARNING CHIME SOUNDS WHEN IT SHOULD NOT
Open wire to ignition light switch. Open ground wire to chime module. Malfunctioning amplifier.
TESTING
Note. With time-delay control in "ON" position and headlight knob in "OFF" position, check that photocell is not obstructed. Lighting system will work properly when manually operated. Check all fuses for continuity.
SYSTEM TEST
- With sentinel in "OFF" position, check for proper operation of parking lights, headlights and taillights, using light switch. Place light switch in manual "ON" position with ignition off. Open a door. Warning chime should operate. Turn lights off.
- Turn sentinel on after covering photocell. With ignition on, lights should come on automatically within 10-30 seconds. Remove cover and shine a bright light onto the photocell.
- Light should turn off after a 10-60 second delay. Cover photocell and wait for light to turn on. Wait 15 seconds and turn ignition off. Lights should turn off after a few seconds when control is in off position and after 1 1/2-4 1/2 minutes when control is in maximum position.
- Satisfactory performance of steps 1) through 3), indicates unit is operating properly. If unit is operating properly but turn-on time is incorrect, make minor sensitivity adjustment (Toronado only).
Removal (Century)
Disconnect battery ground. Remove left side sound absorbing panel screws and nut. Remove 2 amplifier retaining screws. Disconnect electrical connector and remove amplifier. Remove defroster-speaker grille and photocell.
Removal (Electra & LeSabre)
Disconnect battery ground. Remove dash top cover. Disconnect electrical connector. Pinch photocell retainer and remove photocell by rotating retainer. Remove glove box shell. Remove ash tray. Remove amplifier retaining screws and amplifier.
Removal (Riviera)
- Disconnect battery ground. Remove glove box shell and lower right side sound absorbing panel retaining screws to gain access to lower trim panel screws. Remove center trim panel by pulling straight out.
- Remove right trim panel. Disconnect electrical connector and remove amplifier retaining screws and bolts. Disconnect photocell electrical connector. Pop up and rotate retainer. Remove photocell.
Removal (Regal)
Disconnect battery ground. Remove instrument panel top cover. Remove spacer on back side of retainer. Pinch retainer to remove from panel, and rotate retainer to separate from photocell. Remove lower right sound absorbing panel and support bracket. Flip glove box shell down. Disconnect electrical connector and remove amplifier.
Removal (Eldorado & Seville)
- Disconnect battery ground. Remove lower right sound absorbing panel. Remove lower instrument panel cover. Unclip relay panel from amplifier and cruise control module mounting bracket.
- Remove 2 hex screws attaching mounting bracket to instrument panel. Remove screws attaching amplifier to mounting bracket. Disconnect electrical connector and remove amplifier. Remove instrument panel top cover. Disconnect photocell from bracket and remove.
Removal (Toronado)
Disconnect battery ground. Remove lower right sound absorbing panel. Remove 2 screws attaching amplifier to tie bar. Disconnect amplifier electrical connector. Remove amplifier. Remove left speaker grille. Remove photocell socket from speaker grille by rotating counterclockwise. Remove photocell by pulling out of socket.
Removal (Fleetwood & DeVille)
Remove instrument panel top cover, photocell mounting bracket and electrical connector. Remove photocell. To remove amplifier, remove lower left sound absorbing panel. Remove amplifier module from air duct. Remove electrical connectors.
Note. Removal procedures for Cimarron and Ninety Eight models are not available from manufacturer.
Installation (All Models)
To install, reverse removal procedure.