The headlights can be controlled either manually by the driver or automatically, depending on the selected headlight switch position and the surrounding lighting conditions.
Operating instructions
Operating the
switch changes the exterior lighting functions as described below:
- U.S.A.
- Canada
-
The headlights, daytime running lights, and the other exterior lights listed below switch on or off automatically according to operating conditions and ambient light levels. -
The side marker lights, parking lights, tail lights, license plate lights, instrument panel lights, and daytime running lights illuminate. -
The headlights and the exterior lights listed above illuminate, except for the daytime running lights. -
(if equipped) The daytime running lights are switched off.
AUTO mode can be used when
AUTO mode is available while the engine switch is in ON. In this condition, the Toyota Tacoma can control the applicable exterior lights automatically according to detected ambient brightness.
Daytime running light system
- Vehicles equipped with bulb type front turn signal lights: The daytime running lights use the same lamps as the low beam headlights, but they illuminate at a lower intensity than the low beams.
Vehicles equipped with LED type front turn signal lights: The daytime running lights use the same lamps as the parking lights, but illuminate more brightly than the parking lights during daytime operation.
- To improve the visibility of the Toyota Tacoma to other road users during daylight driving, the daytime running lights illuminate automatically when all of the following conditions are satisfied.
The daytime running lights are intended for daytime visibility and are not designed to replace the headlights during nighttime driving.
- The engine is running.
- The parking brake is released.
- The headlight switch is in the
or
* position.
*: When the surrounding area is bright enough for daytime operation.
- Once the daytime running lights have illuminated, they remain on even if the parking brake is subsequently applied again.
- For U.S.A. models: The daytime running lights can be switched off by operating the headlight switch.
- Compared with operating the headlights continuously, the daytime running light system uses less electrical power and provides greater lamp durability, which can also contribute to reduced electrical load and improved fuel economy.
Headlight control sensor
The headlight control sensor may not operate correctly if an object is placed over it or if anything attached to the windshield obstructs the sensor's view of the surrounding light.
Blocking the sensor can prevent it from accurately detecting ambient brightness. As a result, the automatic headlight system may switch the lights at an inappropriate time or otherwise fail to operate as expected.
Automatic light off system
- When the headlights are on: If the engine switch is turned to OFF, the headlights and tail lights will switch off approximately 30 seconds after the driver's door is opened and then closed. The lights can be turned off immediately after all doors are closed by pressing
on the key. - When only the tail lights are illuminated: The tail lights switch off automatically when the engine switch is turned to OFF and the driver's door is opened.
To illuminate the lights again, turn the engine switch to ON. Alternatively, move the headlight switch to the off position once and then return it to
or
.
Light reminder buzzer
A reminder buzzer sounds if the engine switch is turned to OFF and the driver's door is opened while the exterior lights remain switched on. The audible warning alerts the driver that the lights have not yet been turned off.
When unlock the doors (welcome lamp) (If equipped)
When the doors are unlocked using the entry function or wireless remote control, the front parking lights and tail lights illuminate automatically to provide exterior lighting around the vehicle.
With the light switch in the AUTO position, the welcome lamp function operates when the surrounding area is dark enough for the automatic lighting system to respond.
Windshield wiper linked headlight illumination
When driving the Toyota Tacoma during daytime with the headlight switch set to
, operation of the windshield wipers causes the headlights to illuminate automatically after several seconds. This makes the vehicle easier for other road users to see when weather conditions require use of the wipers.
Battery-saving function
To reduce the possibility of battery discharge, the Toyota Tacoma includes a battery-saving function. If the headlights and/or tail lights remain illuminated after the engine switch has been turned to OFF, the function automatically switches all lights off after approximately 20 minutes. Turning the engine switch back to ON disables the battery-saving function.
If any of the operations listed below are performed, the battery-saving function is temporarily canceled and then starts its timing cycle again.
After the battery-saving function has been reactivated, all applicable lights will automatically switch off approximately 20 minutes later:
- When the headlight switch is operated.
- When a door is opened or closed.
Customization
Certain exterior lighting functions and operating characteristics can be customized through the available vehicle settings.
NOTICE
To prevent battery discharge
When the engine is not running, avoid leaving the headlights or other exterior lights illuminated longer than necessary. Prolonged electrical use can reduce the available battery charge.
Turning on the high beam headlights
- With the headlights illuminated, push the lever away from you to switch on the high beam headlights.
To return to the low beams, pull the lever back toward you until it reaches the center position.
- Pull the lever toward you and release it to flash the high beam headlights once.
The high beams can be flashed regardless of whether the headlights are currently switched on or off.
Manual headlight leveling dial
The vehicle is equipped with a manual headlight leveling system that lets the driver adjust headlamp aim according to the vehicle's loading condition.
The vertical aim of the headlamps can be changed by selecting the appropriate setting on the leveling dial. Different loading conditions can alter the angle of the vehicle and therefore the direction in which the headlights project their beam.
Whenever possible, keep the dial setting as close to the "0" position as the vehicle load permits. Correct adjustment helps maintain useful forward illumination without directing the headlights unnecessarily toward other road users.
- Raises the level of the headlights.
- Lowers the level of the headlights.
Guide to dial settings
*: Maximum load refers to the condition in which the permitted weight capacity of the rear axle or the overall vehicle has been reached.
