What is that black, round plastic dome between my dash and the windshield on the drivers side? It looks like a mini spy camera? My gf has one on her corolla and I think hers controls when the auto headlights come on and go off...kind of like a photo-cell does with street lights? If this what it is...is it functional? I can not find anything about it in my manual...My lights just go off when I open the door and come on when I turn the key to "accessory" hmmm?

 

Never heard of it or seen one. I have a Taco though so maybe mine's different, but my sister has a 96 4runner Lmt and she doesn't have one. I dunno sorry

 

Yes, that's what it is, and yes, it is functional.

 

how does it work? if i have my headlights in the "OFF" position shouldn't they come on automatically when it gets dark out? if so mine do not. am i missing something here?

 

Check your light switch and see if you have an "Auto" setting. Having it in the "Off" position will not let them come on when it gets dark.

 

is this an option on the Limited...i can not find information on this anywhere. do you have the "auto" selector on your headlight/turn signal post? thanks!!!

 

Yes, I have it, but I also have an '03 Limited. The earliest Yota I can check is a '00 Avalon. It too has the "Auto" option on the headlight post. I'm sorry I can't help you anymore, but in all the manuals I have read, that thing is the sensor for your headlights.

Are you saying you don't have the "Auto" selector?

 

I do but it operates in the fashion that I described in the original post. Thanks!!!