How to disable auto headlights & antenna??

[lexington01]

Hello all,
I just bought a 2000 Firebird V6 convertible. My first F-body and I love it!

I've already decided on a couple projects I'd like to do:
1) disable the auto headlights (I don't like them popping up everytime I start the car in the garage). I'd like to wire in a switch so the fix isn't permanent.
2) disable the auto antenna. I usually listen to CDs and don't need it going up and down everytime I turn the car on and off. I'd like a switch for this too.

Does anyone know where I can find how-to guides for these? I've found a couple very basic guides, but they start with the assumption that I know how to get the dash apart. I'd like a step by step if anyone knows where to find one.

Thanks!!!!

~Brandon

[Joe 1320]

These cars do not have an auto headlight system. You have a problem that is triggering them to pop up. My bet is that your light switch is bad. It contains a bi-metallic strip that over time, loses it's ability to pass the proper current and sticks in the on position.

The antenna is simple..... splice a remote switch into the activation wire going to the motor.

[lexington01]

Not to argue with you, but I'm quite sure the car has an auto headlight system. That or by some freak chance they turn themselves on eveytime its dark or I'm in the garage.

As far as the antenna. I'd really appreciate a little more info. Do you know of a guide you could point me towards (hopefully with photos)?

Thank you!

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

Here's one way to do the antenna:
Pull open the rear passenger side panel to get to the antenna. You will see that one of the wires goes to ground. Snip that wire in two, then run a wire from the antenna side ground wire to your ashtray or wherever you are going to put the switch. Then hook the wire to the switch and the other side of the switch to ground. Then when the switch is enabled, the radio can raise and lower the antenna. When you are going to pop a CD in there, just disable the switch and the antenna won't activate.
The other way is to cut the power wires and set up a +12V switched source to activate the antenna whenever you want, but it is more complicated.

[TruckMuddr]

Wouldn't be easier to pull the radio out and to spice it there, instead of the back of the car?!? alot less wire also.

[Steel2686]

Not to argue with you, but I'm quite sure the car has an auto headlight system. That or by some freak chance they turn themselves on eveytime its dark or I'm in the garage.

As far as the antenna. I'd really appreciate a little more info. Do you know of a guide you could point me towards (hopefully with photos)?

Thank you!

These cars definitely don't have an auto headlight system from the factory. I guess it's possible the previous owner may have somehow installed one in your car, but it's very doubtful. I'd try the switch as Joe stated above.

[Joe 1320]

Not to argue with you, but I'm quite sure the car has an auto headlight system. That or by some freak chance they turn themselves on eveytime its dark or I'm in the garage.

Then it was custom installed........ it wasn't offered from the factory.

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

Wouldn't be easier to pull the radio out and to spice it there, instead of the back of the car?!? alot less wire also.

Why don't you do it that way and let us know how easy it is.

[fastTa]

Guys, the 1998 and up F-bods did in fact have an auto headlight option.

It seems to be much more prevalent in 1998+ Camaro's but nevertheless it is a common mod for guys to disable the auto headlights and DRL's. Here is a site that will help with both:

http://www.xse.com/leres/ss/drl.html

[Joe 1320]

Straight from the quoted page: "Pontiac does not have automatic headlights."

[fastTa]

I assumed he knew it was only on the Chevy's and hence had a chevy. Guess I should have read his entire post.

But yes, the Camaro's, and apparently the Canadian Pontiac's, did have DRL's and an auto headlight system with a photoelectric sensor to control when the headlights come on.

[lexington01]

Yep, FastTA knows his stuff. I read through my owners manual. It does say that Canadian Firebirds have automatic headlights, Americans do not. My car is Canadian, so that makes sense!

Thanks for the link too!!!


Joe: my ex-girlfriend's (American) Grand Am had auto headlights too. I'm sure of it. I'm not trying to start an argument.


Anyone have a guide that shows how to get the dash apart?

Thanks again!

[Joe 1320]

Many cars have auto headlights. American Firebirds did not. There isn't any arguement, that's how it is.

[lexington01]

I agree with you 100%.

[99 Fir3bird Chick]

i think i have a Canadian Pontiac and my lights dont automatically pop-up..hm oh well..im glad they dont lol