Mazda 2011 CX-9 Owner's Manual page 236

Switch Position
Headlights
Taillights
Parking lights
License lights
Side-marker lights
Dashboard illumination
AUTO (Auto-light control)
When the headlight switch is in the AUTO position and the ignition is switched ON, the
light sensor senses the surrounding lightness or darkness and automatically turns the
headlights, other exterior lights and dashboard illumination on or off (see chart above).
CAUTION
Ø Do not shade the light sensor by adhering a sticker or a label on the windshield.
Otherwise the light sensor will not operate correctly.
Light sensor
Ø The light sensor also works as a rain sensor for the auto-wiper control. Keep
hands and scrapers clear of the windshield when the wiper lever is in the AUTO
position and the ignition is switched ON as fingers could be pinched or the wipers
and wiper blades damaged when the wipers activate automatically. If you are
going to clean the windshield, be sure the wipers are turned off completely ― this
is particularly important when clearing ice and snow ― when it is particularly
tempting to leave the engine running.
Type A
Type B
Off
Off
Switches and Controls
Off
Auto
On
Driving Your Mazda
On
Auto
On
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