I'm puzzled by my lights.
I mostly leave them on the auto setting on the light switch.
I realise that they are not designed to be on all the time, but why in brilliant sunshine do they come on and stay on for quite a while, yet in dull weather [associated with rain usually] I have to switch them on manually.
At night, they work as they should.
Any clues out there?

I always just leave mine on auto and let them do their thing. I've never had any issues, except in fog, where sometimes they seem to get fooled into staying off due to the brightness.

If the screen is dirty or wet with rain spots that can sometimes confuse the sensor as it scatters the light coming through to it.

Where is the sensor?
I used to leave mine on auto but unless it was a bright day, they would stay on even when it wasn't dark and with good visability LR Freelander 2 2014 metropolis SD4 auto in Loire Blue.
LR Freelander 2 2011 facelift HSE SD4 auto in Firenze Red + Premium pack & cold weather pack (affectionately known as Eve) Sadly written off in an RTA Insurance write off December 2022😢.
Vauxhall Astra 67 plate
Subaru Impreza 2008 (Sold 2016)
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at the top centre of the windscreen, housed in the rear view mirror casing along with the rain sensor.

I always used to think it was the little plastic dome in the bottom centre of the dashboard next to the windscreen vents but it turns out that is the daylight sensor, so if its really bright and sunny the air con (when its on auto) will adjust to allow for the cabin heating up.

Thanks RogB.

leave it on auto and waste electricity (so to speak) or having to bend forward and turn a knob every time its dark .........Decisions decisions  LR Freelander 2 2014 metropolis SD4 auto in Loire Blue.
LR Freelander 2 2011 facelift HSE SD4 auto in Firenze Red + Premium pack & cold weather pack (affectionately known as Eve) Sadly written off in an RTA Insurance write off December 2022😢.
Vauxhall Astra 67 plate
Subaru Impreza 2008 (Sold 2016)
Vauxhall Adam 1.4 Glam 2015 (sold 2017) (affectionately known as Adam)

RogB wrote:

at the top centre of the windscreen, housed in the rear view mirror casing along with the rain sensor.

This one.. Looks like a light sensor to me.. MY2011 Freelander 2 GS Santorini Black
MY2004 Freelander 1 Sport Java Black
MY1986 Defender 90 Stornoway Grey - Fully Rebuilt this Year

Just done a little research, People think its either (my bet) for the keyfob.. another mentioned was a sun/ heat sensor, but I find this one unlikely.. MY2011 Freelander 2 GS Santorini Black
MY2004 Freelander 1 Sport Java Black
MY1986 Defender 90 Stornoway Grey - Fully Rebuilt this Year

I queried it as well a while ago, cant remember which thread it was on.

I was told it was a sunlight sensor connected to the climate control, so if there was direct sunlight on it, and getting warm, then it would detect it and adjust the climate accordingly (raise the fan speed to circulate cooler air)

the headlight and rain sensor are both definitely housed in the rear view mirror casing.

RogB is correct - that's exactly what it is.

Easy to test where the light sensor is - switch the lights to auto (ignition on) and cover it and the lights will come on. Or shine a torch at it if the lights are already on and (after a delay) they'll go off.

I cant help but think thats unlikely.. (That its for the climate control)

Agreed that the wipers and headlights are the same sensor in the screen top middle..

on the Dash.. It looks to me like a light sensor, I work alot with temp sensors with Rolls-Royce and it certainly doesnt look like it could measure temperature.. plus there must be actual temp sensors around the interior and if it matches what temp you have set, not the amount of light coming in..

Today for example, the sun is shining here in sunny Birmingham, but its freezing cold, so one would not want extra cooling, just because the sun is shining, doesnt mean its warm..

I would place bets on it being for the key fob..

I will happily be proven wrong.. MY2011 Freelander 2 GS Santorini Black
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MY1986 Defender 90 Stornoway Grey - Fully Rebuilt this Year

Last edited by Browny90 on 8th Mar 2016 2:13 pm. Edited 1 time in total

where is Alex B when you need him ??


either way its a modern land rover so its just another sensor to potentially go wrong


wonder if its worth covering over the dash mounted (key fob) sensor with a reflective material and then trying the remote key to see if still works

Might try it tonight.. just so i know, I'll lose sleep otherwise..

In reality, its probably the government keeping an eye on Freelander owners with small cameras.. the truth is out there

Obviously if yo do try it, I would sit in the car and do it, otherwise it may find a way in and lock it, only to not let you back in....  MY2011 Freelander 2 GS Santorini Black
MY2004 Freelander 1 Sport Java Black
MY1986 Defender 90 Stornoway Grey - Fully Rebuilt this Year

Browny90 wrote:

I cant help but think thats unlikely.. (That its for the climate control)

Quote:

on the Dash.. It looks to me like a light sensor