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2017 Volkswagen Beetle Owners Manual - Lights and vision – features



Lights and vision – features

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information firstIntroduction to the subject 

Daytime running lights (DRL)

Separate lamps are installed in the headlights or in the front bumper for the daytime running lights (DRL).

The daytime running lights are switched on whenever the ignition is switched on and the light switch is in position m/k/v042MK or m/k/v028MKm/k/v048MKm/k/v047MKm/k/v042MK.

When the daytime running lights are switched on, only these separate lamps come on ⇒ .

If the light switch is in position m/k/v028MKm/k/v048MKm/k/v047MKm/k/v042MK, a low-light sensor switches the low beams as well as the instrument and switch lighting on and off automatically.

Daytime running lights (DRL) parking feature

Some models are equipped with a daytime running lights (DRL) parking feature that switches the daytime running lights off when the parking brake is engaged and the ignition is switched on.

Function Action
Switching the DRL off: – Switch the ignition on.

– Turn the light switch to the m/k/v042MK position.

– Set the parking brake.
Switching the DRL back on: – Release the parking brake.
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 headlights (headlight switch in the m/k/v028MKm/k/v048MKm/k/v047MKm/k/v042MK position ⇒ Fig. 85 ), 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 m/k/v042MK position or when the fog lights themselves have been switched on ⇒ Switching lights on and off .

Automatic headlights (m/k/v028MKm/k/v048MKm/k/v047MKm/k/v042MK)

Your vehicle may be equipped with automatic headlights (m/k/v028MKm/k/v048MKm/k/v047MKm/k/v042MK), which are a convenience feature only and cannot always recognize all lighting and driving situations.

If the light switch is in the m/k/v028MKm/k/v048MKm/k/v047MKm/k/v042MK 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 or at dusk. If sufficient brightness is registered.
If the rain sensor recognizes rain and switches the windshield wipers on (if equipped). 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • If automatic headlights (m/k/v028MKm/k/v048MKm/k/v047MKm/k/v042MK) are 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.


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