As installed in the Lexus RX 450h, Lexus’ Intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting System is a driver assistance that modifies the direction of the headlights in reaction to steering inputs and vehicle speed, effectively pointing the low-beam headlights towards the corner and improving your view.
The system is set to be activated by default, but if you’d like to temporarily turn it off, follow the instructions in the tutorial video below or continue reading for a step-by-step ‘how to’.
- Press the “MENU” button on the Lexus RX’s steering wheel, then use the arrow buttons to cycle through the options until “AFS” appears on the dash display.
- By pressing the “ENTER” button on the steering wheel, the system is turned off and the dash display indicator changes to “AFS OFF.”
- To return to the main display, click the “MENU” button one more time.
- Repeat the process to change the display from “AFS OFF” to “AFS ON” to re-activate the system. Resuming operation is the Intelligent Adaptive Front-Lighting System.
In This Article...
How is the AFS on a Lexus ES 350 activated?
Turn the ignition to the ON (II) position and turn on the headlights to activate the AFS. When it is safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine if the AFS indication illuminates and begins blinking while you are driving.
How can I determine if I have AFS?
When you start the car with the lights on, if your lights move left and right before immediately returning to the center, you have AFS. According to my recall, the AFS won’t work when the car is at a stop; following initial calibration, the lamps must move when the car is going.
What does the Lexus AFS light mean?
The term “adaptive front-lighting system” (AFS) refers to headlights that turn in the direction a car is turning, illuminating more of the road in that direction rather than straight ahead.
Many automakers, including Honda, Mazda, Toyota, and others, refer to adaptive front illumination. They are also known as adaptive headlights or curve-adaptive lights, and other manufacturers have their own brand names for them, like the Genesis Adaptive Cornering System and the Porsche Dynamic Light System.
What does AFS on an automobile mean?
A well-illuminated field of view is one of the most crucial elements in reducing driver tiredness and enhancing safety during nighttime driving. According to the conditions of the road, the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) improves the distribution of headlight light. The device directs the low-beam headlights in the direction the driver desires to go based on vehicle speed and steering input.
The technology improves the driver’s field of vision and visibility around curves and at intersections during nighttime driving by illuminating a greater distance and brighter than halogen headlights do. When combined with auto-leveling, the technology provides a consistent light distribution that is unaffected by the location of the vehicle. When a car’s back is loaded down with a lot of people or luggage, its position varies when driving over a bump or up a slope, and the system maintains the lighting axis, it helps keep drivers of incoming vehicles from being blinded.
What does VSC on a Lexus stand for?
VSC, or “Vehicle Stability Control,” is a safety function in your Lexus ES that aids in preventing skidding if you lose traction when driving through Long Beach.
What is control of adaptive lighting?
To increase the safety of nighttime transportation, a new lighting concept called Adaptive Light Control (ALC) is being developed. By continuously adapting the headlamps to the current driving situation and environment, ALC enhances the headlamp lighting. The transition from offline to online (real-time) simulation of light distributions in the driving simulator has been completed successfully in order to ensure rapid prototyping and early testing. The interactive creation of novel light distributions in various driving scenarios and environments was made possible by this real-time simulation. To enable additional testing under real-world driving situations, the solutions are immediately ported to actual vehicles.
Results of the development of moveable headlights are reported in this study. Path prediction based on vehicle dynamics and navigation system route vectors is used to regulate these headlights. An introduction of the fundamental idea behind the Adaptive Light Control system is provided, along with an illustration of the differences between static and dynamic light distributions.
What automobiles feature headlights that can curve?
ten vehicles have adaptive headlights
- 2 Door MINI Hardtop.
- Jetta from Volkswagen.
- Toyota Mazda3.
- The Mazda6.
- Elantra by Hyundai.
- Q50 Infiniti.
- Outback Subaru.
- CC Volkswagen
What is adaptive lighting in cars?
Adaptive headlights typically have bulbs that rotate in the direction of the vehicle’s movement or speed, expanding the driver’s field of vision by pivoting up to 15 degrees as the steering wheel is turned or embedded sensors detect a change in the environment. However, the technology is complicated and may vary between auto manufacturers.
THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND IT
Adaptive headlights are not permanently locked in place like regular headlights, which are only able to illuminate the area directly in front of you. These headlights use electronic sensors that use your steering angle to determine which way to swivel in accordance with the direction of your car.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Use these headlights as you normally would, and be aware of any objects or other cars they may be shining on, especially when driving around curves. Always look ahead when driving to check for potential risks or impediments.
TIPS FOR USING IT
- As you approach a curve, slow down and exercise caution.
- Avoid oversteering at all costs or you risk losing control if you don’t respond quickly enough to a hazard.
- It’s a good habit to look toward the white lines on the side of the road in front of you when approaching oncoming automobiles with your high lights on to assist protect you from being blinded.
Does front adaptive lighting merit the cost?
Do adaptable headlights make financial sense? According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, adaptive headlights could contribute to the avoidance of up to 90% of nighttime curve crashes. For the cars that have them, insurance firms observe a 510% decrease in crashes.
What distinguishes headlights that are adaptive from those that are not?
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the great majority of vehicles do not currently have adaptive headlights (IIHS).
“According to David Aylor, manager of active safety testing at IIHS, many automakers still view good headlights as optional bonuses rather than mandatory safety measures. ” Sunroofs and leather chairs are lovely, but to prevent accidents, you need good headlights.
If you get them used, you may pay close to $1,000. The cost should decrease as more automakers start to include adaptive headlights as standard equipment in new models, and adoption should increase.
Are adaptive headlights therefore worthwhile? That is ultimately up to each motorist to decide. Even if the technology isn’t perfect, if you have the extra cash, it’s always worthwhile to invest in your safety and the safety of those you care about.
Even when the vehicle travels around a bend or ascends a steep climb, conventional headlights illuminate the area directly in front of the driver. Standard headlights are grossly insufficient at night, especially on highways with poor lighting and when navigating curves. They can also blind careless drivers, which exacerbates dangerous driving circumstances.
Additionally, it is the responsibility of the driver to operate the vehicle safely and sensibly. Those who drive too quickly, imprudently, or while they are drowsy, drunk, or otherwise preoccupied cannot be predicted by adaptive headlights.
Nevertheless, adaptive headlights outperform conventional headlights in terms of road danger illumination and can improve driver sight at night. However, the headlights won’t help the driver if he is distracted and has a slower reaction time. However, for drivers who take driving seriously and always follow safe driving habits, adaptive headlights can completely change the way they see the road. Adaptive headlights are an advancement in automobile technology that have the potential to make our roads safer, decrease accidents, and save lives by improving visibility at night and in low light conditions.
Fix Auto Campbell, a renowned industry professional and collision repair facility serving all clients in the Campbell and Santa Clara County neighborhoods, contributed to this blog post.
When the VSC light is on, can I drive?
Vehicle Stability Control, or VSC as it is commonly known, is the stability control system used in Toyota automobiles. By lowering or eliminating the power provided to your wheels, stability control aids in the maintenance of traction and control in your vehicle. By automatically providing brake pressure to up to three wheels, it achieves this. The system’s main objective is to keep your car traveling in the direction of its wheels. Since 2012, at least in the USA, it has become a necessary safety requirement. Naturally, VSC OFF denotes that your Toyota’s stability control is turned off.
VSC Light Easy Fix
Depending on the model year of the Toyota, a button with the same icon as the light in your gauges will be located either next to your shifter or next to your steering wheel. When you’ve found it:
- Ensure that you have come to a complete stop. If you can, put the car in park.
- For a few seconds, hold down the VSC button.
- The indicator lights for TRAC OFF and VSC OFF will turn on. Now both systems are off.
- Once more, press the VSC button. As soon as both lights go out, the systems are back in operation.
If the VSC OFF light is still on, there can be a glitch in your car’s computer or a problem with the VSC system. Bring your car to a Toyota service location near you so a qualified technician can check the codes and identify the problem. Although it is safe to drive your Toyota even with the VSC OFF light on, we advise caution, especially in bad weather.
In Need of Repair?
Bring your car to the Toyota of Arlington servicing facility if you live close to Chicago and need repairs. We can install OEM parts for you because we have access to them. Get a free estimate from our outstanding collision facility if you need body work.