H3 Automatic Headlight Question. Differences between model years

[Spike753]

New official registered member but long time hummer owner and lurker not sure why I never signed up before.


I have owned a 2006 Hummer H3 for a long time but recently found the Holy Grail of H3's and purchased that as well.
The new ride is a low mileage 2010 H3 Alpha with off road package featuring front and rear lockers. Same black on black as my 06 so I was happy.


My question revolves around the automatic headlight differences between my 2006 and 2010.
On my 2006 when in "Auto" mode, as soon as I turn the ignition on the the headlights come on when dark out.
On my 2010 when in "Auto" mode the headlights don't come on until the engine is running and the shifter is in Drive.


Question is if this is how others members hummers behave as well? I strongly prefer how my 2006 headlights operate and am now wondering what controls the difference?
If it is programmed into the main PCM then I guess I am stuck with it but if it is controlled by the headlight switch module itself I may be able to swap the modules to achieve the desired result?


Any thoughts are appreciated ?

 

[scoreh3]

First off , welcome to H40 from SoCal. Yes my 08 headlight only come on after you shift out of park. When I start it and have it in park only the driving lights come on.

 

[Spike753]

First off , welcome to H40 from SoCal. Yes my 08 headlight only come on after you shift out of park. When I start it and have it in park only the driving lights come on.

Thank you for the warm welcome! Looks like then my 2010 is operating the way it was designed at least. After some more home work it looks like switching the headlight control models between the two would do nothing as it is the same part numer across all years: 15101467.

I am guessing this was a change to the BCM over the years. I assume the headlights also use the neutral position sensor to determine when the vehicle is no longer in park. If it was a separate sensor just for the headlights you could likely defeat it by jumping it but of course you don't want to to that on the neutral position sensor due to its other important functions besides the headlights. Looks like I will just have to learn to live with it. First world problems i suppose...

 

[RamRod]

Welcome!

I noticed the same difference back in 2015 when I met up with H4O folks for a Washington wheeling trip.

For the record my '09 does the same thing as your '10

 

[EndeavoredH3]

Welcome from Arizona!

For my 07', after starting the rig, the headlights turn on once I shift into gear.

 

[Exodus]

well hmmmm,,on my 08 the headlights come on as soon as i turn the key on,neutral or in gear

 

[3rdH3]

If it's an 08 or newer that is probably the DRl's. The Park/Turn Signals were the DRL's on the 06 and 07's.

 

[svxr8dr]

My 2008 definitely needs to be placed in drive before they come. The fogs will come on while in park though.