AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAM SYSTEM SYSTEM DESCRIPTION


  1. AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAM SYSTEM


    1. General

      The automatic high beam system enhances the illumination of the area to the front of the vehicle to improve visibility for the driver. It works by detecting light from the front of the vehicle, using the forward recognition camera, and turns the high beams of the headlights on or off automatically.

    2. A01QOH3C03
      *a Automatic High Beam Indicator Light

      Function of Main Components

      Component Outline
      Forward Recognition Camera Determines when to turn the high beams on and off after identifying the lights of oncoming vehicles, preceding vehicles and other lights from the picture information of its camera sensor. Then, it sends high beam request signals to the main body ECU (multiplex network body ECU) via CAN communication.
      Airbag Sensor Assembly Outputs the yaw rate information to the main body ECU (multiplex network body ECU).
      Brake Actuator Assembly (Skid Control ECU) Outputs the information about the speed of the 4 wheels. This information is used by the forward recognition camera to turn the high beams on and off.
      Combination Meter Assembly

      Turns on the automatic high beam indicator light and displays a message on the multi-information display based on an indicator illumination request signal from the main body ECU (multiplex network body ECU).

      Tech Tips


      • When an automatic high beam system malfunction is detected, the automatic high beam indicator light turns off and "CHECK AHB SYSTEM" is displayed on the multi-information display.

      • The automatic high beam indicator light illuminates to inform the driver when the automatic high beam system is active.
      Main Body ECU (Multiplex Network Body ECU)

      • Determines whether the automatic high beam system is in standby mode based on a headlight dimmer switch high, AUTO position signal and sends an indicator illumination request signal and message display request signal to the combination meter assembly.

      • Receives the high beam illumination request signal from the forward recognition camera and changes between the high beams and low beams.

      • Performs illumination control for the automatic high beam system and stores Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) when the system malfunctions.
      ECM* Outputs a signal to indicate that the shift lever is in R. Based on this signal, the forward recognition camera turns the high beams off.

      *: except Manual Transaxle

    3. Basic Function


      1. Automatic High Beam System Activation Method

        When all of the following conditions are met, the automatic high beam system is activated and the automatic high beam indicator light turns on:


        • The ignition switch is to ON.

        • The headlight dimmer switch is in the AUTO position and the low beam headlights are on.

        • The headlight dimmer switch is in the high position.

        • The shift lever is in any position other than R (except Manual Transaxle).

      2. High Beam Operation Conditions

        When all of the following conditions are met, the high beams automatically turn on after a short delay:


        • Vehicle speed is more than approximately 40 km/h (25 mph)*1 or 30 km/h (19 mph)*2.

        • The area in front of the vehicle is dark.

        • There are no oncoming vehicles with headlights on.

        • There are no preceding vehicles with taillights on.

        • There are few streetlights along the street ahead.


        • *1: for G.C.C and Europe

          *2: except G.C.C and Europe

      3. Low Beam Operation Conditions

        When any of the following conditions are met, the high beams automatically turn off after a short delay:


        • Vehicle speed is less than 30 km/h (19 mph)*1 or 25 km/h (16 mph)*2.

        • There are oncoming vehicles with headlights on.

        • There are preceding vehicles with taillights on.

        • Light from streetlights ahead is higher than a specified threshold.


        • *1: for G.C.C and Europe

          *2: except G.C.C and Europe

      4. Cancellation Conditions

        When any of the following conditions are met, the automatic high beam system will be canceled and the indicator light will turn off:


        • The ignition switch is turned off.

        • The headlight dimmer switch is turned to any position except the AUTO position.

        • The headlight dimmer switch is moved to the low position.

      5. Additional Information


        • When changing the high beams controlled by the automatic high beam system to the low beams manually, move the headlight dimmer switch to the low position. The automatic high beam system will be canceled and the low beams will be turned on. To enable the automatic high beam system again, move the headlight dimmer switch to the high position.

        • The automatic high beam system monitors the area in front of the vehicle using the forward recognition camera and makes a judgment to turn on the high beams when the surrounding area is dark (there are no headlights from oncoming vehicles and no taillights from preceding vehicles). High beam control limitations:


          1. When the surrounding area is not dark enough, the high beams will not turn on even if the low beam headlights are turned on by the automatic light control system and the automatic high beam indicator light on the combination meter assembly illuminates. (The light level sufficient to turn the auto low beams on is not the same as the light level required to automatically change the low beams to high beams.)

          2. When an oncoming vehicle suddenly appears at a sharp curve or a vehicle crosses the path of the vehicle, the high beams may remain on.

          3. When the fog lights of an oncoming vehicle are detected, the high beams may be turned off.

          4. The timing of the high beams turning on and off may differ depending on the brightness of headlights or fog lights from oncoming vehicles or the taillights of preceding vehicles.

          5. The timing of the high beams turning on and off may differ between normal conditions (good weather) and when driving on wet, frozen or snowy roads.

          6. The timing of the high beams turning on and off may differ depending on the number of occupants and amount of cargo present.

          7. Be aware that on some occasions, the high beams may switch on and off unexpectedly.

        • The forward recognition camera continually monitors the light level in the area to the front of the vehicle. There is a delay in turning on the high beams. Even when there is no ambient light, the high beams will not turn on immediately. The delay will vary depending on the situation.