2022 Subaru Forester Owners Manual - Light control switch



Light control switch

Precautions and tips

CAUTION

  • Use of any lights for a long period of time while the engine is not running can cause the battery to discharge.
  • Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the lights are turned off. If the vehicle is left unattended for a long time with the lights illuminated, the battery may be discharged.

NOTE

  • Even if the key is removed from the ignition switch, the lights can be illuminated by operating the light control switch from the Subaru Forester. Precautions and tips (off) position to the Subaru Forester. Precautions and tips or Subaru Forester. Precautions and tips position (models without “keyless access with push-button system”).
  • Even if the push-button ignition switch is turned off, the lights can be illuminated by operating the light control switch from the Subaru Forester. Precautions and tips (off) position to the Subaru Forester. Precautions and tips or Subaru Forester. Precautions and tips position (models with “keyless access with push-button start system”).
  • If the driver’s door is opened while the lights are illuminated and the key is removed from the ignition switch, the chirp sound will inform the driver that the lights are illuminated.

Headlights

Subaru Forester. Headlights

To turn on the headlights, turn the knob on the end of the turn signal lever.

Subaru Forester. Headlights position:

Instrument panel illumination, headlights, parking lights, front side marker lights, rear side marker lights, tail lights and license plate lights are on.

Subaru Forester. Headlights position:

Instrument panel illumination, parking lights, front side marker lights, rear side marker lights, tail lights and license plate lights are on.

Subaru Forester. Headlights position:

Auto on/off headlights

When the ignition switch is in the “ON” position, the instrument panel illumination, headlights, parking lights, front side marker lights, rear side marker lights, tail lights and license plate lights are automatically on or off depending on the level of the ambient light.

NOTE

  • The sensitivity of the auto on/off headlights can be changed by a SUBARU dealer. Consult your SUBARU dealer for details. Also, for models with a combination meter display (color LCD), the setting can be changed using the display. For details, refer to “Vehicle Setting”.
  • If the light control switch is in the “AUTO” position and the headlights do not turn on when it becomes dark outside, turn the light switch to the Subaru Forester. Auto on/off headlights position. If this happens, have your vehicle inspected by your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.

Auto-on/off wiper-linked headlights

While the light control switch is in the “AUTO” position, the headlights will automatically turn on when the windshield wipers operate several times. The headlights will automatically turn off when the wipers stop.

NOTE

The ON/OFF setting of this function can be changed by a SUBARU dealer. Consult your SUBARU dealer for details.

Subaru Forester. Auto-on/off wiper-linked headlights position:

The headlights are all off.

Only when the following conditions are fulfilled, instrument panel illumination, headlights, parking lights, front side marker lights, rear side marker lights, tail lights and license plate lights are automatically on or off depending on the level of the ambient light.

  • The engine is running.
  • The parking brake is fully released.
  • The select lever is in a position other than “P” position.

Welcome lighting function

The welcome lighting function turns on the low beam headlight for smooth approaching to or exiting from the vehicle at night or in a dark place.

The function is activated while all of the following conditions are met.

  • The light control switch is in the “AUTO” position.
  • It is dark enough to turn on the auto on/ off headlights.

When approaching:

While the welcome lighting function is activated, the low beam headlights, instrument panel illumination, parking lights, front side marker lights, rear side marker lights, tail lights and license plate lights will automatically illuminate when unlocking the doors and the rear gate by using the remote keyless entry system.

The lights will remain illuminated for 30 seconds*1 and then turn off. However, if any of the following operations is done, the lights will turn off.

The doors are locked.

The light control switch is turned to a position other than “AUTO”.

The ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position.

When exiting:

While the welcome lighting function is activated, the low beam headlights, instrument panel illumination, parking lights, front side marker lights, rear side marker lights, tail lights and license plate lights will remain illuminated even when either of the following operation is done.

  • The push-button ignition switch is turned to the “OFF” status (models with “keyless access with push-button start system”).
  • The key is pulled out from the ignition switch (models without “keyless access with push-button start system”).

The lights will turn off under any of the following conditions.

  • 3 minutes have passed since the lights were illuminated by the welcome lighting function.
  • 30 seconds have passed since the door is opened and closed.*1
  • The light control switch is turned to a position other than “AUTO”.
  • The locking procedure is performed twice. When performing the unlocking procedure after performing the locking procedure, perform the locking procedure twice again.

*1: The setting for the period of time in which the low beam headlights remain on by the welcome lighting function can be changed by a SUBARU dealer. Contact your SUBARU dealer for details.

Sensor for the auto on/off headlights

Subaru Forester. Sensor for the auto on/off headlights

The sensor is as shown in the illustration.

CAUTION

If any object is placed on or near the sensor, the sensor may not detect the level of the ambient light correctly and the auto on/off headlights may not operate properly.

High/low beam change (dimmer)

Subaru Forester. High/low beam change (dimmer)

  1. High beam
  2. Low beam

When the headlights are on high beam, the high beam indicator light Subaru Forester. High/low beam change (dimmer) on the combination meter is also on.

Headlight flasher

Subaru Forester. Headlight flasher

CAUTION

Do not hold the lever in the flashing position for more than just a few seconds.

To flash the headlights, pull the lever toward you and then release it. The high beam will stay on for as long as you hold the lever.

When the headlights are on high beam, the high beam indicator light Subaru Forester. Headlight flasher on the combination meter also illuminates.

High beam assist function (if equipped)

NOTE

  • The high beam assist function utilizes the stereo camera installed at the position of the front map lights.
  • For details on how to handle the stereo camera, refer to the Owner’s Manual supplement for the EyeSight system.

The high beam assist function automatically changes the headlight from high beam to low beam (or vice versa).

When all of the following conditions are met, the headlight will change to high beam.

  • When the vehicle speed increases to or above 20 mph (32 km/h).
  • There is no preceding or oncoming vehicle.
  • The forward area of the vehicle is dark.
  • The road does not have a sharp curve.

When any of the following conditions are met, the headlight will change to low beam.

  • When the vehicle speed decreases to or below 10 mph (16 km/h).
  • When the forward area of the vehicle is bright.
  • When there is a preceding or oncoming vehicle.
  • When the EyeSight system is malfunctioning or is temporarily stopped.

NOTE

  • Do not overestimate the capacity of the high beam assist function. The driver always has the responsibility to understand the surrounding situation, to drive safely, and to change the headlight mode manually if necessary.
  • The factory setting (default setting) for this function is set as “operational”. This setting can be changed to OFF (non-operation) at SUBARU dealers. For more details, contact a SUBARU dealer.

 How to use the high beam assist function

The high beam assist function will be activated when all the following conditions are met.

  • The light control switch is in the “AUTO” position and the low beam headlights are on automatically.
  • The turn signal lever is pushed forward.

Subaru Forester. How to use the high beam assist function

High beam assist indicator light

When the high beam assist function is activated, the high beam assist indicator light on the combination meter will illuminate.

NOTE

If the high beam assist function is malfunctioning or is temporarily stopped, the headlight will be fixed at low beam.

How to temporarily lower the sensitivity of the high beam assist function

The sensitivity of the high beam assist function can be lowered by performing the following operations.

  1. Before turning the ignition switch to the “ON” position, set the light control switch to the “AUTO” position and push the signal lever forward (high beam position).
  2. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and within approximately 15 seconds, press the Subaru Forester. How to temporarily lower the sensitivity of the high beam assist function (following distance setting) switch more than 10 times consecutively.

When the sensitivity of the high beam assist function is lowered, the high beam assist indicator light Subaru Forester. How to temporarily lower the sensitivity of the high beam assist function on the combination meter will flash.

NOTE

  • The sensitivity of the high beam assist function cannot be lowered in the following conditions.
    • Cruise control or Adaptive Cruise Control indicator is illuminated.
    • The EyeSight warning indicator (yellow) is illuminated.
  • The sensitivity of the high beam assist function returns to normal level the next time the ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position and the engine is restarted.

How to change the headlight mode manually

Change to the low beam:

When you return the turn signal lever to the center position, the high beam assist function will turn off and the high beam assist indicator light will turn off.

Change to the high beam:

When you turn the light control switch to the Subaru Forester. How to change the headlight mode manually position, the headlight mode will be changed to the high beam. At this time, the high beam assist function will turn off, the high beam assist indicator light will turn off and the high beam indicator light will turn on.

NOTE

  • After manually changing the headlight mode to the high beam, if you turn on the high beam assist function, return the light control switch to the “AUTO” position.
  • When manually changing the headlight mode to the high beam, if you turn the light control switch to the Subaru Forester. How to change the headlight mode manually position, the instrument panel illumination, parking lights, front side marker lights, rear side marker lights, tail lights and license plate lights will be on.

Tips for the high beam assist system

  • The high beam assist function recognizes the conditions surrounding the vehicle based on the brightness of illumination ahead of your vehicle, etc. Therefore, the headlight mode may switch in some situations that do not match to the driver’s sense.
  • A bicycle or cargo cycle may not be detected.
  • Under the following situations, the brightness of ambient illumination may not be detected correctly and the high beam assist function may not work properly. As a result, the glare of the high beam may disturb the oncoming vehicle or vehicle ahead. Also, the low beam mode may continue although there are no oncoming vehicles and vehicles ahead. In the such cases, change the headlight mode manually.
    • In bad weather (fog, snow, sand storm, heavy rain, etc.).
    • When the windshield glass is dirty or fogged.
    • When the windshield is cracked or damaged.
    • When the stereo camera is deformed or the stereo camera lenses are dirty.
    • If there are lights similar to the headlights or the tail lights in the surrounding area.
    • When an oncoming vehicle or vehicle ahead is driven without its headlights and tail lights on.
    • If the headlights of an oncoming vehicle or the tail lights of a vehicle ahead are dirty or discolored, or if the light beams are not aimed correctly.
    • When a rapid change of brightness continues while driving.
    • When driving on a road with many ups and downs or uneven surfaces.
    • When driving on a road with many curves.
    • When there are some objects that reflect light strongly, such as a road sign or a mirror in vehicle ahead.
    • When the rear part of the vehicle ahead, such as a container, reflects light strongly.
    • When the headlights of your vehicle are damaged or dirty.
    • When your vehicle is tilted, such as in case the vehicle has a flat tire or is being towed.
    • Immediately after the engine has started.
  • In the following conditions, the headlight mode will not be automatically changed from the high beam to the low beam.
    • When your vehicle passes an oncoming vehicle suddenly in a blind curve.
    • When another vehicle passes in front of your vehicle.
    • When an oncoming vehicle or vehicle ahead comes in and out of view because of continuous curves, median strips, roadside trees, etc.
  • If the stereo camera detects the light of the front fog lights of an oncoming vehicle, the headlight mode may change from the high beam to the low beam automatically.
  • The headlight mode may change from the high beam to the low beam, or the low beam mode may continue, when affected by a street light, traffic signal, illumination of an advertisement board, or a reflective object such as a road sign and signboard.
  • The timing of the change of headlight mode may differ due to the following factors.
  • Color or brightness of the headlights of an oncoming vehicle or the tail lights of a vehicle ahead.
  • The headlights of the oncoming vehicle or the tail lights of the vehicle ahead are covered with mud, snow, etc.
  • Movement and direction of an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle ahead.
  • When the headlights of an oncoming vehicle or the tail lights of a vehicle ahead illuminate on only one side.
  • When the oncoming vehicle or vehicle ahead is a motorcycle.
  • Conditions of a road (slope, curve, road surface, etc.).
  • Number of passengers and weight of loaded cargo.
  • Limitation of the detection ability of the stereo camera.
  • If the EyeSight traffic lane customization is not set to the actual flow of traffic.

Daytime running light system

WARNING

When the daytime running lights are illuminated, the tail lights do not illuminate. When it becomes dark outside, turn the light switch to the Subaru Forester. Daytime running light system position to illuminate the headlights and tail lights. This will improve visibility and allow other drivers to see your vehicle more easily.

The daytime running lights will automatically illuminate when the following conditions are fulfilled.

  • The engine is running.
  • The parking brake is fully released.
  • The light control switch is in the “AUTO”, Subaru Forester. Daytime running light system or off position.
  • The select lever is in a position other than the “P” position.

NOTE

When the light switch is in the Subaru Forester. Daytime running light system position, the instrument panel illumination, front side marker lights, tail lights and license plate lights are also illuminated.

 


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