Daytime running lights (DRL)
Separate lamps are installed in the headlights or in the front bumper for the daytime running lights
(DRL).
When the daytime running lights are switched on, only these separate lamps come on
⇒
.
The daytime running lights are switched on whenever the ignition is switched on and the light switch is
in position
O
or
AUTO
.
If the light switch is in position
AUTO
, a low-light sensor switches the low beams as well as the
instrument and switch lighting on and off automatically.
Static cornering lights
Your vehicle may have fog lights under the front bumper, which on some models are also static
cornering lights. On some models the static cornering lights may be integrated in the headlights. At
speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h), the light on one side of the vehicle will come on automatically
when you turn a corner. If you turn to the right, the right fog light comes on; turn left and the left fog
light comes on. The light dims and goes out when the steering wheel is straightened out again.
When you move the selector lever to Reverse
(R)
, the static cornering lights on both sides of the
vehicle may come on so that you can see the area around the vehicle better when backing up.
The static cornering lights work only when the headlights are on. If you are using automatic headlight
control (headlight switch in the
AUTO
position
⇒
fig. 72
), they work only when the headlights have been
automatically switched on. The static cornering lights do not come on when the headlight switch is in
the
O
position or when the fog lights themselves have been switched on,
Switching lights on and off
.
Automatic headlight control (
AUTO
)
Your vehicle may be equipped with automatic headlight control, which is a convenience feature only
and cannot always recognize all lighting and driving situations.
If the light switch is in the
AUTO
position, both vehicle lighting and instrument and switch lighting are
automatically switched on and off in the following situations
⇒
:
Automatic activation:
Automatic deactivation:
If the low-light sensor registers
darkness
, for
example when driving through a tunnel.
If sufficient brightness is registered.
If the rain sensor recognizes rain and switches
the windshield wipers on.
If the windshield wipers have not moved for
several minutes.
WARNING
Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you
cannot be seen by other motorists.
x
Never use daytime running lights (DRL) to see where you are going. DRL are not bright
enough to light up the roadway and be seen by other motorists. You will not be able to see far
enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or when it is dark. Always switch on the low-
beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark.
x
The taillights do not come on when the daytime running lights are switched on. A vehicle
without taillights on cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.
x
If automatic headlight control (
AUTO
) is switched on, the low-beam headlights still may not
be switched on in fog or heavy rain. You have to switch on the low-beam headlights yourself.
In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, the rear lights, and turn signals can
temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.
