Subaru Legacy BN/BS (2015-2019) Owners Manual: High/low beam change (dimmer)

To change from low beam to high beam, push the turn signal lever forward. When the headlights are on high beam, the high beam indicator light " " on the combination meter is also on.

To switch back to low beam, pull the lever back to the center position.

High beam assist function (if equipped)

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.
•  Observe the following points in order to operate the high beam assist function properly.

•  Do not touch the camera or the lens.
•  Do not apply any strong impact to the camera or the inside mirror.
•  Do not disassemble the camera or inside mirror.
•  Do not spill liquid on the inside mirror and camera.
•  Do not place any objects over the dashboard.
•  Do not carry excessive luggage.
•  Do not modify the vehicle.
•  When replacing the windshield glass, use the genuine SUBARU parts (or equivalent products).

1. Camera for high beam assist function

NOTE Observe the following points in order to operate the high beam assist function properly.

•  Do not attach labels or stickers to the windshield glass near the camera.
•  Do not attach any accessories near the inside mirror and camera.

If it is necessary to attach a label, sticker or accessory in the position shown above, consult your SUBARU dealer.

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 vehicle.
• The forward area of the vehicle is dark.

When any of the following conditions is 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.

NOTE The factory setting (default setting) for this function is set as "operational".

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

High beam assist indicator (green)

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

Malfunction of the high beam assist function:

High beam assist warning indicator (yellow)

When the high beam assist function malfunctions, the high beam assist warning indicator on the combination meter will appear. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by your SUBARU dealer.

Temporary stop of high beam assist function: If the high beam assist function stops temporarily due to poor visibility or abnormal temperature, the message appears on the combination meter. When the condition is canceled, the system will be restored.

NOTE Even when the operation conditions of the high beam assist function are met, there may be a case in which the high beam assist indicator does not illuminate and an abnormal condition warning is given. In this case, turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK"/"OFF" position and then the "ON" position again. Check if the high beam assist indicator illuminates. If the indicator does not illuminate, have the vehicle inspected at a SUBARU dealer.

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

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

1.  Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position.

1) Automatic dimming on/off button

2.  Press and hold the automatic dimming on/off button for 15 to 20 seconds.

When the sensitivity of the high beam assist function is lowered, the LED indicator on the automatic dimming on/off button will flash.

NOTE

•  The sensitivity of the high beam assist function cannot be lowered while driving.
•  You can resume the sensitivity of the high beam assist function by using either of the following operations.

•  Turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK"/"OFF" position and then start the engine.
• Press and hold the automatic dimming on/off button for 15 to 20 seconds again.

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 will turn off.

Change to the high beam: When you turn the light control switch to the " " 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 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 " " position, the parking lights, front side marker lights, rear side marker lights, tail lights and license plate lights will turn on.

Tips for the high beam assist system

•  The high beam assist function recognizes the condition 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 driving of an 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 inside mirror or the camera is deformed or 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

•  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 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.

•  the vehicle condition (e.g., number of passengers or weight of loaded cargo)
•  surrounding situation (e.g., movement and direction of an oncoming vehicle or vehicle ahead)
•  detection limitations of the camera angle