Subaru Forester: Light control switch / 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.