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 173.
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 transaxle 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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