Headlight Illumination on Approach is a feature in some cars that automatically turns on the headlights when the vehicle detects that you are approaching. It uses sensors to identify when you’re getting close to the car, and in response, it activates the headlights to provide illumination.

Whether you should enable this feature depends on your personal preference and driving conditions. It can be useful in low-light situations or when approaching your car in a dark area, enhancing visibility and safety. 

However, some drivers may prefer manual control over their headlights and may choose to disable this feature. It’s a matter of individual comfort and convenience. 

If you like the idea of having your headlights automatically turn on as you approach your car, then enabling this feature could be beneficial for you.

Car companies are always trying to make driving safer and more convenient. Jeep, for example, has added a cool feature called “Headlight Illumination on Approach.”

This feature is designed to make it easy and personalized for drivers when it comes to lighting. With Jeep’s “Headlight Illumination On Approach,” your car’s headlights automatically turn on for a little while after you unlock the doors with your KeyFob. This helps you see better, feel more secure, and get into your car more easily.

Let’s take a closer look at how this feature works, why it’s useful, and how it makes the overall driving experience better for Jeep fans.

What is the Headlight Illumination on Approach feature?

The “Headlight Illumination on Approach” feature is a convenient technology in modern vehicles designed to enhance visibility when approaching the vehicle. When enabled, this feature activates the headlights as you approach your car, providing illumination in low-light conditions and making it easier to locate your vehicle in a parking area.

When you turn on this feature, if you use the remote key to unlock your car, the headlights will turn on and stay lit for a set amount of time.

After you press the unlock button on the remote key, the headlights will stay on for a specific duration. This helps you find your car more easily in busy parking lots, dimly lit areas, or places you’re not familiar with.

You can decide how long the headlights stay on. You can choose between 0 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, and 90 seconds.

This feature is helpful in the dark or when you’re getting to your car at night. It makes it easier to see and adds convenience. The “Headlight Illumination On Approach” feature ensures you feel secure and can see well in various situations by turning on the headlights automatically when you unlock the car. It makes driving a Jeep safer and more comfortable.

Where is the “Headlight Illumination on Approach” feature located?

Typically, you can find the “Headlight Illumination on Approach” feature in the vehicle’s settings menu. It is often part of the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) display, which is a digital interface that allows you to customize various vehicle settings.

In Jeeps, you can find this feature in the Uconnect system settings. To get there, follow these steps:

1. Start your Jeep and turn on the Uconnect system.

2. Look at the touchscreen display in the middle of the car (on the dashboard).

3. Tap the “Settings” button on the touchscreen.

4. In the settings menu, find the “Lights” section; it has all the lighting options.

5. Click on “Lights” to see the available choices.

6. Inside the “Lights” section, find the “Headlight Illumination On Approach” option; it’s usually at the top.

Remember, the exact steps might vary depending on your Jeep model and the Uconnect system version. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions for your Jeep.

Read also: Jeep Willys vs Willys Sport – Unveiling the Key Differences

How Do You Adjust the “Headlight Illumination on Approach” Feature?

Adjusting the “Headlight Illumination on Approach” feature is straightforward. Navigate to the vehicle settings on the EVIC display, locate the lighting or illumination section, and toggle the option to enable or disable the feature based on your preference.

• Find the “Headlight Illumination on Approach” option in your Jeep.
• Look for the adjustment menu next to the “Headlight Illumination on Approach” option.
• Inside the adjustment menu, choose how long you want the headlights to stay on after unlocking the doors using the KeyFob. Options may include “0 sec,” “30 sec,” “60 sec,” or “90 sec.”
• Use the ‘-‘ or ‘+’ buttons to pick your preferred duration. Selecting “0 sec” turns the feature off.
• If there’s a “Save,” “OK,” or “Apply” button, tap it to save your changes.
• Exit the settings menu to make sure the modified feature is active.
• Keep in mind that the Uconnect system’s terms and navigation might vary based on your Jeep model and Uconnect system version.
• For precise instructions, check your Jeep’s owner’s manual.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the “Headlight Illumination on Approach” feature?

Advantages:

The main advantage is improved visibility when approaching your vehicle in low-light conditions, enhancing safety. It also adds a layer of convenience, especially in crowded parking lots, making it easier to identify your car.

Advantages	Explanation
Enhanced Safety	Automatically turns on headlights in low-light conditions after unlocking, improving visibility for safer navigation and hazard identification.
Convenience	It saves time and effort by eliminating the need to manually switch on headlights after unlocking, especially in quick-access situations like parking lots or at night.
Deterrent to Threats	Headlight illumination acts as a deterrent to potential threats and unauthorized entry by making the vehicle more visible, deterring unwanted attention or theft attempts.

Disadvantages:

Leaving this feature enabled can lead to a slight drain on the vehicle’s battery over time. Additionally, in certain situations, the automatic activation of headlights may not be desirable, potentially causing mild inconvenience.

Disadvantages	Explanation
Battery Consumption	Continuous use of headlights, even for a short time, uses a bit of battery power. Though usually not a big issue, it’s worth noting, especially if your battery is not in the best condition.
Light Pollution	Headlights on in residential areas at night might create light pollution, potentially disturbing nearby residents.
Personal Preference	Some drivers prefer having control over when the headlights are on. They may find automatic activation unnecessary or inconvenient, viewing it as a restriction rather than a helpful feature.

In the end, it’s essential for drivers to think about their own needs and preferences before deciding whether to use this feature.

How Do You Turn Off the “Headlight Illumination On Approach” Feature with No EVIC Display?

If your Jeep doesn’t have a fancy screen called the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), turning off this feature might require a different method.

Turning the Switch Off:

For vehicles without an EVIC display, you can manually turn off the “Headlight Illumination on Approach” feature using the headlight switch. Consult your vehicle’s manual to identify the specific steps for your make and model.

• Locate the buttons for your car’s lights on the stick attached to the steering wheel or the headlight switch.
• Before you start the engine, turn on the ignition.
• Find the setting on the light switch or stick that manages the outside lights or headlights.
• Search for a little symbol on the switch or stick that looks like a headlight or a car with lines coming off it. This symbol represents the “Headlight Illumination on Approach” feature.
• Switch the light setting or move the stick to “Off” or the setting where the feature is turned off.

Using the JScan Tool:

Alternatively, if you have access to a JScan tool, you can use it to customize and disable the feature. This tool provides advanced options for adjusting various vehicle settings.

Here’s a simple guide to turning off the “Headlight Illumination On Approach” setting in your Jeep using JScan:

1. Connect JScan to your Jeep’s diagnostic port.

2. In the JScan menu, select your Jeep’s make and model.

3. Choose the “Instrument Cluster” module.

4. Find the “Headlight Illumination On Approach” setting and switch it off.

5. Save the changes by pressing the “Write” button.

Note: JScan is a tool to check and adjust different Jeep settings. Be careful, and only change settings you understand.

If you’re not sure about using JScan, it’s okay to ask a qualified Jeep dealer for help disabling this setting.

Using the Key:

Some vehicles allow you to control the “Headlight Illumination on Approach” feature using the key. Refer to your vehicle’s manual to learn how to disable the feature using this method.

Here’s a simpler version:

If your car doesn’t have an EVIC display, you can turn off the “Headlight Illumination On Approach” feature by doing the following:

1. Press and hold the unlock button for 4–10 seconds.

2. After 4 seconds, press the lock button while still holding the unlock button.

3. Release both buttons.

4. Keep the key in the lock position, take it out, and check if it works by testing it from outside the car.

5. If it doesn’t work from outside, try the same steps while sitting inside the car with the door closed.

By following these steps, you should be able to disable the “Headlight Illumination On Approach” feature in your Jeep without an EVIC display.

Read also: Jeep Won’t Start When Hot: What To Do? [Solved]

FAQs

What is the “Headlight Off Delay” feature?

The “Headlight Off Delay” feature allows you to customize the duration for which your headlights stay on after turning off the vehicle. It is useful when you need additional lighting after parking.

When you turn on this feature, your car’s headlights will stay on for a set amount of time before turning off by themselves. This lets you decide how long you want the headlights to stay on.

You can change the “Headlights Off Delay” setting to pick the duration you prefer. Options range from turning off immediately to waiting for 30, 60, or 90 seconds after you turn off the engine.

This feature is designed to give you extra light and visibility when you’re getting out of your car in low-light places. It ensures you have enough light while walking away from your Jeep, especially in areas with few streetlights or where it’s not very bright.

How do I turn on and off the daytime running lights?

When the car is in drive, the automatic daytime running lights (DRLs) turn on. Usually, the light sensor in the car controls them.

Turning your Jeep’s daytime running lights (DRLs) on and off might be a bit different depending on the Jeep model you have. Here’s how you can do it:

Some Jeeps have DRLs that come on by themselves when the car is running and the regular headlights are off. If there’s no specific switch to turn them off, you can try these methods:

Parking Brake: Try applying the parking brake. This might turn off the DRLs, but keep in mind that it could also make the parking brake light on your dashboard come on.

Headlight Switch: Check your headlight switch. If it has positions like “Parking Lights” and “Headlights,” switch to “Headlights.” This should turn off the DRLs, but be cautious because it may also turn on the regular headlights depending on driving conditions.

Manual DRLs

Some vehicles allow you to manually control DRLs. Refer to your vehicle’s manual to learn how to enable or disable this feature.

For some Jeep models, you might have a manual control option to handle DRLs. Here’s how:

Headlight Switch: Look at your headlight switch. If there’s a specific setting for DRLs like “Off,” “DRL,” or “Auto,” switch it to “Off” to turn off the DRLs.

Settings Menu: If your Jeep has a Uconnect system, go into the settings. Find the lighting or light settings, then look for “Daytime Running Lights.” You can enable or disable the DRLs from there.

Remember, the process might vary a bit depending on your specific Jeep model, so it’s always good to refer to your Jeep’s manual for accurate instructions.

How do I turn off the “Sound Horn with Lock” feature?

To disable the “Sound Horn with Lock” feature, access your vehicle’s settings through the EVIC display or refer to the manual for alternative methods, depending on your vehicle model.

It’s a safety thing that makes your car’s horn honk when you lock it with the KeyFob. If you don’t like it, you can turn it off using your car’s Uconnect system.

Here’s how:

1. Press the “Menu” button on your car’s Uconnect system.

2. Choose “Settings.”

3. Go to “Doors & Locks.”

4. Find “Sound Horn with Lock” or something like that.

5. Change it to “Off.”

6. Press “OK” to save.

For Jeeps without a display, you can use a tool like JScan.

1. Connect JScan to your Jeep’s diagnostic port.

2. Select your Jeep model from the JScan menu.

3. Choose “Body Control Module.”

4. Find “Sound Horn with Lock” and turn it off.

5. Press “Write” to save.

Once you do this, your car won’t honk when you lock it with the remote keyless entry.

What is a headlight-off delay?

Headlight off delay is a feature that keeps your car’s headlights on for a short period of time after you turn off the engine or lock the doors. It helps illuminate your path as you exit the vehicle, providing additional safety and visibility in low-light conditions.

How far should you be able to see with low beams?

With low beams, you should be able to see the road ahead for about 160 to 250 feet. This distance allows you to react to potential hazards or obstacles promptly, ensuring a safe driving experience at night.

How much distance can you see in the headlights of your vehicle at night on a straight road?

The distance you can see in your vehicle’s headlights on a straight road at night depends on various factors, including the type of headlights and their brightness. 

Generally, headlights illuminate the road ahead for a range of 200 to 300 feet, giving you a clear view of the path in front of you.

How do you adjust JK headlights?

To adjust JK headlights, follow these steps:

• Park your Jeep on a level surface facing a wall.
• Measure and mark the height of the headlights on the wall.
• Locate the headlight adjustment screws on the back of the headlights.
• Turn the adjustment screws counterclockwise to lower the headlight beams.
• Check the new beam height on the wall and adjust as needed until it aligns with your initial marks.
• It’s crucial to make these adjustments carefully to avoid blinding oncoming drivers while ensuring optimal visibility for yourself.

Final Words

Headlight illumination on the approach feature is a practical addition to modern vehicles, offering advantages in terms of safety and convenience.

Understanding how to adjust and, if necessary, disable this feature based on your preferences ensures a personalized driving experience tailored to your needs.

Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s settings and take advantage of the customization options available for a more comfortable and efficient driving experience.