Auto headlight shutting off and on

[DanSanDiego]

I've searched all the forums and am stumped (a few others described something similar but no solutions). My auto-headlights come on when I start the car, then shut off after 10 seconds, then turn on again after 1 minute. What I've also noticed is that when the auto headlights have shut the,selves off (between seconds #11 and 59) they do not work at all. Meaning that if I switch the headlights to on during this time they will turn on, but if I switch them back to auto they are off. After 60 seconds the auto lights work fine. So it may not be an issue directly with the auto-headlights but instead something my 2003 X5 3.0i is doing during the first minute of being turned on (initialization process of multiple systems). Very confusing. I did replace the sensor and the results are the same. Also the sensor knows when the sun is out (lights shut off accordingly). It is just an issue in the first minute of driving. Thank you for any thoughts on what I could troubleshoot.

[tmv]

The lights do it everyday, every time regardless of the weather/lighting condition?

[itscoo2pyopants]

You replaced the rain / headlight sensor?

[DanSanDiego]

Yes. The behavior is the same every time I start the X5 (no matter the weather or time of day). I changed the sensor behind the rear view mirror - behavior is exactly the same.
So I am thinking it may be more related to the vehicle startup process than to the RLS sensor.
Thank you for your knowledge in trying to help solve this issue.

[asingereanu]

I know this is very old, but could you update on if/how this was fixed? I have the same issue

[itscoo2pyopants]

take a look at your windshield, where the rear view mirror attaches. if there are any bubbles, that's the problem.

my first fix was to remove the sensor from the windshield, being very careful with a razor blade. you want to get all of the goo off of the windshield without damaging. then i used some clear silicon and glued the sensor back on, making sure there are no bubbles. that fixed my issue.

approx 6 months after my fix, a rock hit my windshield and cracked it. i replaced the windshield (that came with a new sensor). has been working fine ever since.

good luck with your fix

edit: if the above is not the problem, and you have software to scan your vehicle, there is a way to reinitialize the sensor. that fix did not work for me because there was a bubble where the sensor attaches to the windshield.

[E36X5er]

Any update on this fix? My auto headlights will not stay on after startup but then come on a minute later HOWEVER they will stay on if I turn my fog lights on. I can turn my fogs off after about a minute and the headlights will remain on.

[EODguy]

What codes does your scanner show?
How does your sensor look from outside?

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