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.
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 taillight 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.
Removal & Installation (Electra)
Disconnect battery ground. Remove dash top cover. Disconnect electrical connector. Pinch photocell retainer and remove photocell by rotating retainer. Remove glove box shell. Remove ashtray. Remove amplifier retaining screws and amplifier. To install, reverse removal procedure.