Is there a control to trigger the auto headlights earlier?

It is one of those settings that are set via the OBD2 connector. You dealer can do it, but, unless they are really nice, they will probably want to charge you for the service. If you have a OBD2 adapter, you can use something like Carista and modify it yourself.

 

There's an easy solution... just turn your headlights to "on" when you get in the car

it's what we've done for the better part of a century and it's worked out just fine so far

 

Stick a piece of paper over the sensor. That's how I did it in my Corolla on cloudy or rainy days. It was annoying having the lights cycle on and off constantly.

 

I found a headlight sensitivity setting in the Vehicle Settings menu of my US Four Touring. So it doesn't require a dealer visit or Carista.

I'm not near the car, so I don't have the exact steps to get to the setting.

 

I tried it on my UK car, and can see the option to change it. Using the car's touch screen, go to setup, vehicle, vehicle customisation, light settings, and you'll see it there.

 

So which way is more sensitive or less sensitive?

 

Sadly, the manual doesn't really make that clear. Someone is going to have to experiment and post results here.

 

Positive/higher values to make the lights turn on earlier, when there's still ambient light.

Negative/lower values to turn on the lights later, requiring more darkness.

 

Cranked the setting one bar in the positive direction so we'll see what happens. Thanks for the help...