2021 Subaru WRX Owners Manual - Light control switch



Light control switch

CAUTION

  • Use of any lights for a long period of time while the engine is not running can cause the battery to discharge.
  • Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the light control switch is turned to the off position. If the vehicle is left unattended for a long time with the light control switch set to a position other than the off position, the battery may be discharged.

Models with “keyless access with push-button start system”:

The light control switch operates when the push-button ignition switch is in the “ACC” or “ON” position. Regardless of the position of the light control switch, the illuminated lights are turned off when the push-button ignition switch is turned off.

Models without “keyless access with push-button start system”:

The light control switch operates when the key is inserted in the ignition switch.
Regardless of the position of the light control switch, the illuminated lights are turned off when the key is removed from the ignition switch.

NOTE
The light control switch can be operated (except auto on/off headlights) even when under the following conditions.
When the push-button ignition switch is turned off (models with “keyless access with push-button start system”)
When the key is not inserted into the ignition switch (models without “keyless access with push-button start system”)
If the driver’s door is opened while the headlights are illuminated under such conditions, a chirp sound will inform the driver that the lights are illuminated.

Headlights

To turn on the headlights, turn the knob on the end of the light control switch.

“O” position:

The headlights are all off.

*1: When the light switch is switched to the “OFF” position while the vehicle is stopped, the lights turn off. Then the light switch will automatically return to the “AUTO” position.

*2: The headlights will automatically change to the AUTO mode when the following conditions are met:

  • The engine is running.
  • The parking brake is fully released.
  • For CVT models, the select lever is in a position other than the “P” position.

“AUTO” position: Auto on/off headlights

When the ignition switch is in the “ON” position, the instrument panel illumination, headlights, parking lights, front side marker lights, rear side marker lights, tail lights and license plate lights are automatically on or off depending on the level of the ambient light.

NOTE

  • If the light control switch is in the “AUTO” position and the headlights do not turn on when it becomes dark outside, turn the light switch to the “ ” position. If this happens, have your vehicle inspected by your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
  • The light sensitivity of the auto on/ off headlights can be changed by operating the center information display. For details, refer to “Car settings” �P195 (11.6-inch display models) or “Vehicle setting icons” �P208 (dual 7.0-inch display models). Also, the setting can be changed by a SUBARU dealer. Consult your SUBARU dealer for details.

“ ” position.” position: Instrument panel illumination, parking lights, front side marker lights, rear side marker lights, tail lights and license plate lights are on.

” position. ” position: Instrument panel illumination, headlights, parking lights, front side marker lights, rear side marker lights, tail lights and license plate lights are on.

Auto-on/off wiper-linked headlights

While the light control switch is in the “AUTO” position, the headlights will automatically turn on when the windshield wipers operate several times. The headlights will automatically turn off approximately 1 minute after the wiper stops.

The ON/OFF setting of this function can be changed by operating the center information display. For details, refer to “Car settings” �P195 (11.6-inch display models) or “Vehicle setting icons” �P208 (dual 7.0-inch display models). Also, the setting can be changed by a SUBARU dealer. Consult your SUBARU dealer for details.

Welcome lighting function

The welcome lighting function turns on the low beam headlight for smooth approaching to or exiting from the vehicle at night or in a dark place.

The function is activated while all of the following conditions are met.

  • The light control switch is in the “AUTO” position.
  • It is dark enough to turn on the auto on/ off headlights.

NOTE
If the engine is turned off after turning off the light switch, the welcome lighting function may not operate (for Canada models).

When approaching

While the welcome lighting function is activated, the low beam headlights will automatically illuminate when unlocking the doors by using the remote keyless entry system.

The low beam headlights will remain illuminated for 30 seconds*1 and then turn off. However, if any of the following operations is done, the low beam headlights will turn off.

  • The doors are locked.
  • The light control switch is turned to a position other than “AUTO”.

When exiting

While the welcome lighting function is activated, the low beam headlights will remain illuminated even when either of the following operation is done.

  • The push-button ignition switch is turned to the “OFF” status (models with “keyless access with push-button start system”).
  • The key is pulled out from the ignition switch (models without “keyless access with push-button start system”). The low beam headlights will turn off under any of the following conditions.
  • 3 minutes have passed since the low beam headlights were illuminated by the welcome lighting function.
  • 30 seconds have passed since the door is opened and closed.*1 . The light control switch is turned to a position other than “AUTO”.
  • The locking procedure is performed twice. When performing the unlocking procedure after performing the locking procedure, perform the locking procedure twice again.

*1: The setting for the period of time in which the low beam headlights remain on by the welcome lighting function can be changed by a SUBARU dealer. Contact your SUBARU dealer for details. Also, you can change the setting by operating the center information display. For details, refer to “Car settings” �P195 (11.6-inch display models) or “Vehicle setting icons” �P208 (dual 7.0- inch display models).

Sensor for the auto on/off headlights

The sensor is on the dashboard as shown in the illustration.

CAUTION
If any object is placed on or near the sensor, the sensor may not detect the level of the ambient light correctly and the auto on/off headlights may not operate properly.

High/Low Beam Change (Dimmer)

While the light control switch is in the “ ” or “AUTO” position in a dark place, the headlights will turn on. Pushing the lever forward and releasing it will activate the high beam. Pulling the lever rearward and releasing it will switch the headlights to low beam. When the light control switch is in the “AUTO” position, pushing the lever forward turns the High Beam Assist is on. Refer to “High Beam Assist Function”.

When the headlights are on high beam, the high beam indicator light “ ” on the combination meter is also on.

High Beam Assist Function

NOTE

  • The high beam assist function utilizes the stereo camera installed at the position of the front map lights.
  • For details on how to handle the stereo camera, refer to the Owner’s Manual supplement for the EyeSight system.

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.

  • The vehicle speed increases to or above 20 mph (32 km/h).
  • There is no preceding or oncoming vehicle.
  • The forward area of the vehicle is dark.
  • The road does not have a sharp curve.

When any of the following conditions is met, the headlight will change to low beam.

  • The vehicle speed decreases to or below 10 mph (16 km/h).
  • The forward area of the vehicle is bright.
  • There is a preceding or oncoming vehicle.
  • The EyeSight system is malfunctioning or is temporarily stopped.

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.
  • The factory setting (default setting) for this function is set as “operational”. This setting can be changed to OFF (non-operation) at SUBARU dealers. For more details, contact a SUBARU dealer.

Models with the EyeSight system

NOTE

  • The high beam assist function utilizes the stereo camera installed at the position of the upper side of windshield.
  • For details on how to handle the stereo camera, refer to the Owner’s Manual supplement for the EyeSight system.

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 or oncoming vehicle.
  • The forward area of the vehicle is dark.
  • The road does not have a sharp curve. When any of the following conditions are 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.
  • When the EyeSight system is malfunctioning or is temporarily stopped.

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

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

NOTE
If the high beam assist function is malfunctioning or is temporarily stopped, the headlight will be fixed at low beam. For details, refer to the Owner’s Manual supplement for the EyeSight system.

How to use the high beam assist function

You can lower the sensitivity of the high beam assist function by performing the following operations.

1. Before turning the ignition switch to the “ON” position, set the light control switch to the “AUTO” position and push the signal lever forward (high beam position).
2. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and within approximately 15 seconds, press the “ ” (following distance setting) switch more than 10 times consecutively.

When the sensitivity of the high beam assist function is lowered, the high beam assist indicator light “ ” on the combination meter will flash.

NOTE

  • You cannot lower the sensitivity of the high beam assist function in the following conditions.
    – The cruise control or Adaptive Cruise Control indicator is illuminated.
    – The EyeSight warning indicator (yellow) is illuminated.
  • The sensitivity of the high beam assist function returns to normal level the next time the ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position and the engine is restarted.

How to change the headlight mode manually

Change to the low beam:

  • Set the light control switch to “ ”.
  • Pull the lever while the high beam is turning on and release it.

Change to the high beam:
Push the lever forward and release it. 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, push the lever forward and release it.
  • 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 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.
    – 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.
    – When the stereo camera (models with the EyeSight system)/camera (models without the EyeSight system) is deformed or the stereo camera (models with the EyeSight system)/ camera (models without the EyeSight system) lenses are dirty.
    – 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 (models with the EyeSight system)/camera (models without the EyeSight system) 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 (models with the EyeSight system)/camera (models without the EyeSight system).

Headlight flasher

CAUTION
Do not hold the lever in the flashing position for more than just a few seconds..

To flash the headlights, pull the lever toward you and then release it. The high beam will stay on for as long as you hold the lever. The headlight flasher works even though the lighting switch is in the “ ” (off) position.

When the headlights are on high beam, the high beam indicator light “ ” on the combination meter is also on.

Daytime running light system

WARNING
When the daytime running lights are illuminated, the tail lights do not illuminate. When it becomes dark outside, turn the light switch to the “ ” position to illuminate the headlights and tail lights. This will improve visibility and allow other drivers to see your vehicle more easily.

The daytime running lights will automatically illuminate when the following conditions are fulfilled.

  • The engine is running.
  • The parking brake is fully released.
  • The light control switch is in the “AUTO” (if equipped), “ ” or off position.
  • For CVT models, the select lever is in a position other than the “P” position.

NOTE
When the light switch is in the “ ” position, the instrument panel illumination, front side marker lights, tail lights and license plate lights are also illuminated.

Steering Responsive Headlight (SRH) (if equipped) 

1) The target area of illumination when SRH is activated
2) The target area of illumination when SRH is not activated

SRH is a function that automatically moves the headlight beam to the left or right in accordance with the steering angle and vehicle speed. This function helps to improve the visibility at night by illuminating the road ahead at corners and intersections.

NOTE
SRH only activates when the vehicle is traveling forward at the speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) and over.

To turn on/off the SRH

Operate the combination meter display (color LCD) to turn on/off the SRH. For details, refer to “SRH” F3-43.

SRH OFF indicator

The SRH OFF indicator on the combination meter turns off when SRH is turned on. The SRH OFF indicator on the combination meter illuminates when SRH is turned off.

If SRH is malfunctioning, the SRH OFF indicator on the combination meter flashes when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. It indicates that SRH has been deactivated. Contact a SUBARU dealer for an inspection.

NOTE
When you turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position, the SRH OFF indicator will illuminate and turn off after several seconds.

Turn signal lever

To activate the right turn signal, push the turn signal lever up. To activate the left turn signal, push the turn signal lever down. When the turn is finished, the lever will return automatically. If the lever does not return after cornering, return the lever to the neutral position by hand.
To signal a lane change, push the turn signal lever up or down slightly and hold it during the lane change. The turn signal indicator lights will flash in the direction of the turn or lane change. The lever will return automatically to the neutral position when you release it.

One-touch lane changer

To flash the turn signal and turn signal indicator light three times, push the turn signal lever up or down slightly and immediately release it.

The operational/non-operational setting of the one-touch lane changer’s can be changed by a SUBARU dealer. Contact the nearest SUBARU dealer for details.

Illumination brightness control

The instrument panel and the ambient lighting illuminate under the following conditions.

  • The light switch is in the “ ” or “ ” position when the ambient light is dark.
  • The light control switch is in the “AUTO” position and the headlights illuminate automatically.

You can adjust the illumination brightness for better visibility.

To brighten, turn the control dial upward. To darken, turn the control dial downward.

The multi-function display (color LCD) automatically adjusts its brightness to gether with the brightness level of the instrument panel. To adjust the display’s contrast, refer to “Contrast setting”.

NOTE
The brightness setting is not canceled even when the ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position.

Automatic dimming function
If you turn on the parking lights, the illumination brightness of the combination meter, the climate control panel or other functions will automatically darken.

NOTE
When you turn the control dial fully upward, the illumination brightness becomes the maximum level and the automatic dimming function will not work at all.

Auto dimmer cancel function
If you turn on the parking lights with the ambient light bright, the illumination brightness of such items will not darken.

The operational/non-operational setting and sensitivity of the auto dimmer cancel function can be changed by your SUBARU dealer. Contact your SUBARU dealer for details.

Headlight beam leveler (models with LED headlights)

Automatic headlight beam leveler

The LED headlights generate more light than conventional halogen headlights. Therefore, a driver of an oncoming vehicle may experience too much glare if your headlight beam height adjustment is high when the vehicle is carrying a heavy load. The automatic headlight beam leveler adjusts the headlight beam height automatically and optimally according to the load being carried by the vehicle.

Fog light switch (if equipped)

1) Headlight switch
2) Fog light switch

The front fog lights will turn on when the fog light switch is placed in the “ ” position while the headlights are on (e.g., the headlight switch is in the “ ” position).

To turn off the front fog lights, turn the switch back down to the “ ” position.

Front fog light indicator light

The indicator light on the combination meter will illuminate when the front fog lights are illuminated.

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