2021 Volkswagen Jetta Owners Manual - Headlights

Headlights

Switching the lights on and off

Fig. 85 Next to the steering wheel: light switch (one version).

Switching the lights on

1. Switch the ignition on.

2. Turn the light switch to the desired position :

The daytime running light is switched on.

AUTO

Automatic headlight control: the headlights will switch on or off depending on the brightness and weather conditions .

The side lights or parking lights and daytime running lights are switched on. The green symbol in the light switch turns on.

The low beam headlights are switched on.

Switching the lights off

1. Switch the ignition off.

2. Turn the light switch to the desired position:

The lights are switched off.

AUTO

The orientation lighting can be switched on .

The side lights or parking lights are switched on . 

The green symbol in the light switch turns on.

The low beam headlights are switched off.

Vehicles with ignition switch: As long as the remote control vehicle key is in the ignition switch, the parking light continues to light up.

Vehicles with starter button: As long as the driver door is closed, the parking light continues to light up.

Daytime running lights

The optional daytime running lights can increase the visibility of your vehicle in traffic during the daytime.

The daytime running light turns on automatically every time the ignition is switched on if the light switch is in the ,  or AUTO position (if brightness detected).

Daytime running lights parking function

Depending on the equipment, the vehicle may have a daytime running lights parking function to turn off the daytime running lights temporarily when the ignition is switched on.

Switch off the daytime running lights:

1. Switch the ignition on.

2. Turn the light switch to the  position.

3. Set the electronic parking brake.

Switch on the daytime running lights:

1. Switch off the electronic parking brake.

WARNING

Accidents and serious injuries may occur if the road is not well lit and the vehicle cannot be seen by others on the road, or is very difficult to see.

• The light assistance systems are only aids. The driver is always responsible for turning on the correct vehicle lighting.

• Always turn on the low beam headlight in the dark, when it is raining, and when visibility is poor.

• Regularly check that the lighting system and turn signals are functioning correctly.

WARNING

The parking lights or daytime running lights are not bright enough to illuminate the road sufficiently and to be seen by other road users.

• Always turn on the low beam headlight in the dark, when it is raining, and when visibility is poor.

• The taillights do not switch on with the daytime running lights. A vehicle without its taillights turned on may not be seen by other road users in the dark, in the fog, and when visibility is poor.

WARNING

Automatic headlight control AUTO only turns the low beam headlights on and off when there are changes in brightness.

• Turn on the low beam headlights manually in certain weather conditions, such as in fog.

When reverse gear is engaged, the cornering lights on both sides of the vehicle will turn on automatically to better illuminate the surroundings while maneuvering.

Light functions

Parking lights

If the  parking light function is switched on, both headlights will turn on along with the parking lights, sections of the taillights, the license plate lighting, and the buttons in the center console and in the instrument panel. When the ignition is switched on, the daytime running lights also turn on.

If the vehicle is not locked from the outside when the ignition is switched off, the continuous parking lights on both sides of the vehicle will turn on automatically after approximately ten minutes to reduce the load on the 12 V vehicle battery .

Automatic headlight control AUTO

If automatic headlight control AUTO is switched on, the vehicle lighting switches on and off automatically along with the instrument and switch lighting, depending on the lighting conditions. When the lights are turned on, the yellow indicator light turns on.

Automatic headlight control is merely an aid and cannot always accurately detect all driving situations.

If the vehicle is equipped accordingly, the activation time of the automatic headlights can be adjusted in the vehicle settings in the Infotainment system.

Cornering lights

The cornering light turns on automatically when turning slowly or around very tight curves.

Warning tones when lights are not turned off

If the vehicle key was removed from the ignition lock or the ignition was switched off with the starter button and the driver door was opened, the warning tones will sound under the following conditions:

• With the parking lights switched on.

• With the side lights switched on .

If the “Coming home” function is switched on, the warning tone to indicate that the lights are still turned on will not sound when leaving the vehicle.

Switching the high beam headlights on and off

1. Switch the ignition and the low beam headlight on.

2. Move the turn signal and high beam lever from the center position to the following position :

 or : High beam headlights switched on.

Activate the headlight flashers or turn off the high beam headlights. The headlight flashers will stay on as long as the lever is pulled.

If the high beam headlights or headlight flashers are turned on, the blue  indicator light or  will come on in the instrument cluster.

Light Assist

Depending on the equipment, high beam control (Light Assist) may be available .

WARNING

Using the high beam headlights incorrectly can cause accidents and serious injuries, because the high beams can distract and create glare for other drivers.

Light Assist

Light Assist switches off automatically if the system detects oncoming vehicles or vehicles driving ahead. Light Assist generally detects well-lit areas such as towns and deactivates the high beam headlights when driving through these areas.

The high beam headlights switch on and off automatically within the limits of the system, depending on the environmental and traffic conditions and the vehicle speed .

 Switching on Light Assist

1. Switch on the ignition and the automatic headlights AUTO.

2. Tap the turn signal and high beam lever forward out of the basic position.

When Light Assist is switched on, the  indicator light in the instrument cluster display will turn on. When high beam control (Light Assist) is active, the blue  indicator light for the high beam in the instrument cluster comes on.

Setting the main-beam control sensitivity

Depending on the country, the main-beam control sensitivity can be set in two stages:

• Increasing the sensitivity: press the turn signal and high beam lever forwards from its original position and hold it in this position for around 15 seconds. The  indicator light on the instrument cluster will blink three times to confirm that this has been applied.

• Setting the sensitivity back to its standard setting: press the turn signal and high beam lever forwards from its original position and hold it in this position for around 15 seconds. The  indicator light on the instrument cluster will blink three times in quick succession to confirm that this has been applied.

  Or: Switch the ignition off and on.

Switching off Light Assist

1. Switch off AUTO automatic headlights.

   Or: When high beam control (Light Assist) is switched on and active: pull the turn signal and high beam lever backwards.

   Or: When high beam control (Light Assist) is switched on and not active: tap the turn signal and high beam lever forwards to switch the high beams on manually. Pull the turn signal and high beam lever backwards to switch the high beam off manually if necessary.

   Or: Switch off the ignition.

System limitations

The high beams must be switched off manually in the following situations, because Light Assist may not switch them off at the right time or at all:

• In poorly lit towns which cannot be recognized as a town by the system.

• On poorly lit roads with strongly reflective signs.

• If there are others on the road who have inadequate lighting, such as pedestrians or cyclists.

• On tight curves where the view of traffic is partially obstructed, on steep rises, or in dips.

• When there are oncoming vehicles on roads with a center barrier and the drivers in the oncoming vehicle can clearly see above the barrier, for example truck drivers.

• In fog, snow, and heavy rain.

• When there are dust and sand in the air.

• If the windshield is damaged in the camera's field of vision.

• If the camera visual field is fogged over, dirty, or covered by a sticker, snow, or ice.

• If the camera is faulty and the power supply is interrupted.

WARNING

Do not allow the increased convenience provided by the Light Assist to tempt you into taking risks. The system cannot replace the driver's attention.

• Always control the headlights yourself and adapt them to the lighting, visual, and traffic conditions.

• Light Assist may not detect all traffic situations correctly and the function may be restricted in certain situations.

• If the camera lens is dirty, covered, or damaged, the Light Assist function may be limited. This is also the case if the vehicle lighting system is changed, such as by adding auxiliary headlights.

NOTICE

To avoid impairing the function of the system, note the following points:

• Regularly clean the camera view area and keep it free of snow and ice.

• Do not cover the camera view area.

• Regularly check the windshield for damage in the camera lens area.

Switching the continuous parking light on both sides of the vehicle on and off

When the continuous parking lights on both sides of the vehicle are switched on, both headlights will turn on as well as the parking lights and sections of the taillights.

Switching on the continuous parking lights on both sides of the vehicle:

1. With the ignition on, turn the light switch to the  position.

2. Switch the ignition off.

3. Lock the vehicle from the outside.

Automatic side or parking light deactivation

The vehicle can detect when the 12 V vehicle battery is running low, and switches off the side or parking lights in good time (but after no less than two hours) to leave enough power to restart the engine.

If the battery capacity is not sufficient for the side or parking lights to run for two hours, the 12 V vehicle battery may drain to such an extent that the engine may not be able to start .

WARNING

If the vehicle is stopped without enough lighting so that the vehicle cannot be seen or is difficult for others on the road to see, this can cause accidents and serious injuries.

• Always stop the vehicle safely and with enough lighting. Follow the country-specific legal regulations.

“Exit lighting” and “Entry lighting” function (orientation lighting)

When you are entering and exiting the vehicle in the dark, the “Exit lighting” and “Entry lighting” function illuminates the immediate area around the vehicle.

The “Coming home” function is switched on manually. The “Leaving home” function, on the other hand, is controlled automatically by a rain/light sensor.

The lighting time can be adjusted in the vehicle settings in the Infotainment system and the function can be activated or deactivated.

Switching the “Exit lighting” function on

1. Switch the ignition off.

2. Operate the headlight flasher for about one second.

The “Coming home” lighting switches on automatically when the driver door opens. The switch-off delay begins when the last door or the trunk lid is closed.

Switching the “Exit lighting” function off

• Turns off automatically after the set lighting time has elapsed.

• Or: Automatically if a vehicle door or the trunk lid is still open approximately 30 seconds after switching on.

• Or: Switch off the light.

• Or: Switch on the ignition.

Switching the “Entry lighting” function on

• Unlock the vehicle when the automatic headlight control AUTO is switched on and the rain/light sensor detects darkness.

Switching the “Entry lighting” function off

• Turns off automatically after the lighting time has elapsed.

• Or: Lock the vehicle.

• Or: Switch off the light.

• Or: Switch on the ignition.

Headlight range control

Without headlight range control

The beam of the low beam headlights must be adjusted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to take into account the vehicle's load. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. This provides the driver with the best possible visibility and oncoming traffic is not dazzled .

WARNING

Heavy objects in the vehicle can cause the headlights to dazzle and distract other road users. This can cause accidents and serious injuries.

• Always adjust the light cone to the vehicle load so that other road users are not dazzled.

Adjusting headlights (travel mode)

When traveling in countries that drive on the opposite side of the road from your home country, the asymmetric low beam headlights can dazzle oncoming traffic. Therefore, when traveling in these countries, the headlights must be adjusted.

Depending on the vehicle equipment, the headlight alignment can be adjusted in the Infotainment system via the Vehicle settings menu .

On vehicles whose headlights cannot be adjusted via the menu, mask certain areas of the headlight lens with film or have the headlights converted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Travel mode may be used only for a short period of time. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for permanent conversion. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Troubleshooting

 Turn signal indicator light

The green indicator light blinks.

If a turn signal light on the vehicle is not working, the indicator light will blink twice as fast.

1. Check the lights and replace any bulbs as necessary .

2. If the malfunction persists, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

 Exterior lighting malfunction

The yellow indicator light turns on.

The headlights have completely or partially failed.

1. Check the lights and replace any bulbs as necessary .

2. If the malfunction persists, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Dynamic cornering light

When travel mode is activated, the dynamic cornering light does not function.

The swinging behavior of the bulbs can be influenced by the selected driving mode in vehicles with driving mode selection.

If the dynamic cornering light malfunctions, this is indicated on the instrument cluster display. Contact a suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.