Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic Headlamp System - Pontiac 2005 Montana Owner's Manual

Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic
Headlamp System
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional
daytime running lamps are required on all vehicles
first sold in Canada.
A light sensor on top of the instrument panel makes the
DRL work, so be sure it is not covered. The DRL
system will make front parking and turn signal lamps
come on in daylight when the following conditions
are met:
•
The ignition is on.
•
The exterior lamps control is off.
•
The parking brake is released.
When the DRL are on, only your front parking and turn
signal lamps will be on. Your instrument panel will
not be lit up.
3-16
When it is dark enough outside, the exterior lamps will
come on automatically. When it is bright enough
outside, the exterior lamps will turn off and the DRL will
turn on. Of course, you may still turn on the headlamps
any time you need to.
If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately. Once
you leave the garage, it will take approximately
one minute for the automatic headlamp system to
change to DRL if it is light outside. During that delay,
your instrument panel cluster may not be as bright
as usual. Make sure your instrument panel brightness
control is in the full bright position. See Instrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-17 .
To idle your vehicle with the DRL and automatic
headlamps off, set the parking brake while the ignition is
in OFF or LOCK. Then start the vehicle. The DRL
and automatic headlamps will stay off until you release
the parking brake.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.