Have a TLX-SHAWD with Advance Package which was delivered on January 31, 2015. Both puddle lights failed and dealer replaced both assemblies today. This is a well known problem with the earlier production vehicles. My question is......how are the puddle lights supposed to work? I seem to recall that when they were working for the first few months, all I needed to do was to walk up to the car with the fob and they came on. Now, after repair, they only come on when I open either front door. However, I may be wrong about the earlier understanding. The instruction manual does not mention the puddle lights as if they don't even exist. In the bulb replacement section, they tell you to go see the dealer for replacement.
Can someone who has this feature please explain how and when the puddle lights should work. Thanks

 

You first impressions are correct. Approach the car with the fob and they light up. There is no setting to control this action.

I have an early build and the right side light failed twice in the first five months but has been fine since.

 

Along with the puddle lights, the front map lights also light up.

 

The manual show lights on the rear door as well, so is that the Canadian model?

 

Many thanks to you folks who responded. They now do work with just the fob when I approach the car after all. Apparently when I came home from the dealer and parked the car in my garage, I didn't wait long enough. When I received Quandry's response above, I went out into my dark garage with the fob and those lights instantly did go on. So all is now well with the puddle lights. Now if they could only get the tranny to shift right, all really would be well. It's not really bad but it does have a jerk to it as others have complained about. No vibration problems either. Have driven 7800 miles since February 1st and it has been a wonderful experience especially with the ACC and LKAS. No driving fatigue after 7 hours on the road.

 

Also incase it helps I think the car has to be locked when you approach it, if its already unlocked im not sure if the puddle lamp/map lights will come on as you get closer. Maybe thats why it didnt work the first time for you.

 

The puddle lights are located under the side mirrors. There is no side mirror on the rear doors.

Pretty sure it they still come on if the doors are unlocked, but that's easy to check.