The main headlights of my Macan always stay on when I set them to AUTO mode (I have xenon lights). The same goes for the speedometer panel, which is always lit, independently from the time and sunlight.


If I set the headlights to OFF, then the headlights go off, and the 4-point daytime lights go on. Again, the same goes for the panel, which also turns off when I set the headlights to OFF.


Thus, I need to switch manually if I want to turn off the headlights and use the DRLs.


If I understand correctly, the light sensor window is behind the rearview mirror base, against the windshield. So, if the windshield is clean, the sensor should also be clear.


I also checked outdoor and on sunny days, not just in the garage or with reduced light. My previous Macan would likely switch to the DRLs with the same lightning and weather conditions.


Is there something I am missing, or could it be some sensor issue? Would it be difficult/expensive to fix?

It’s likely to be a bad sensor. Will it be expensive? It is a Porsche.

Let’s replace “expensive” with “something likely difficult to spot even after thousands dollars of labor and replacements”, instead of just something that I could likely have easily replaced at the next service.

Your windshield isn't tinted by chance is it? Shine a light from the outside directly at the sensor and see it turns off the lights.