The DRL system makes the low-beam headlamps come
on at a reduced brightness when the following
conditions are met:
• The ignition is on.
• The exterior lamps control is in AUTO.
• The exterior lamps control is in the parking lamps
only position (This applies only to vehicles that
are first sold in Canada).
• The light sensor detects daytime light.
• The parking brake is released or the vehicle is not
in PARK.
When the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker
lamps, parking lamps, and instrument panel lights
are not on unless you turn the exterior lamps control to
the parking lamp position.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when they are needed.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic headlamp
system turns on the headlamps at the normal brightness
along with other lamps such as the taillamps,
sidemarker, parking lamps, and the instrument panel
lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
Your vehicle has a light sensor on top of the instrument
panel that controls the automatic headlamp system.
Make sure it is not covered or the automatic headlamp
system will be on when it is not needed.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the DRL and the automatic
headlamp systems so that driving under bridges or
bright overhead street lights does not affect the system.
The DRL and automatic headlamp systems will only
be affected when the light sensor sees a change
in lighting lasting longer than this delay.
If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on immediately. Once you
leave the garage, it takes about one minute for
the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL if it is
light outside. During that delay, the instrument panel
cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure
the instrument panel brightness control is in the full
bright position. See “Instrument Panel Brightness
Control” under Instrument Panel Brightness on
page 3-16.
To idle your vehicle with the automatic headlamp
system off, turn the ignition on and set the exterior light
switch to the off/on position. For Canadian vehicles,
the transmission must stay in PARK (P) for this function.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamps when they are needed.
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