Mine works fine...

Auto High Beam is only part of the Tech Pkg.

If you have the Tech Pkg, turn your headlight selector to "Auto" and push the lever forward. This enables the Auto High Beam function. The sensor behind the rear view mirror does all the work. It will turn on the high beams when it's really dark and no oncoming vehicles are present. It will also dim when approaching another vehicle from behind. It actually works quite well. I also leave the headlight selector in these positions the whole time. It will toggle to DRLs or headlights depending on the amount of sunlight.

 

That's how I have it set, and so far, I've had many folks flash their lights at me, because mine don't go down to low beams when they come towards me.

How about going onto high beams when there is no cars around, or when you get close to a car in front of you?

Skip

 

Auto High Beams

Absolutely am thrilled with this feature. Although many Cadillacs and Lincolns way back in the late 50s and then in the 60s had this option, there came a time when you could hardly get auto dimmers on any car. Am thrilled Toyota is offering now on several models.

Have read where the earlier systems had major defects with the futuristic electronic eye sitting on the dashboard, obstructing visibility. There were many complaints of light reflecting off of street signs being misread as oncoming traffic. Also in rainy weather, the electronic eye sometimes would constantly switch between high and low beam or didn't recognize oncoming traffic quickly enough even though some versions offered the ability to change the sensitivity settings.

Much to my amazement, the Avalon's automatic high beams work perfectly. It must take into account the angles and types of light because it's amazing how the system raises the high beams, sometimes even with street lights around yet never with a car approaching. Didn't think the rear taillights of a car I was behind would be bright enough, especially a half or more mile down the road, for the system to recognize, but it is dead-on. This is probably my favorite option on the car.

 

Skip,

Your description of how your auto high beams are working sounds like either they aren't turned, they aren't working and you need to return the car to the dealer, or your car does not have the auto high been accessory installed.

Check the window sticker for your car -- does it list the Technology Package that costs an additional $1750.00? If your car doesn't have the Technology Package your car does not have auto high beams. Granted, the instructions for auto high beams are in every owner's manual on page 201, but the bottom of that page indicates "if equipped," meaning that not all Avalons have the auto high beam option.

If you paid $1750.00 for the Technology Package and you do in deed have auto high beams, does the upper display between the gauges on your dash show the headlight icon and the word "Auto" (pictured in the bottom diagram on page 201) when your headlights come on? If the icon doesn't say "Auto" you don't have your auto high beam function turned on properly. You must push the headlight lever away from you to turn on the auto high beam function.

Finally, if you paid for the Technology Package and the icon on your dash shows the word "Auto," your auto high beams are not working properly and you need to take your car back to your dealer to have the problem fixed.

I have the auto high beam option and it works perfectly. The high beams come on when no cars are approaching, and they go off when a car is coming toward me.

I hope this helps, and good luck.

 

Skip,

Your description of how your auto high beams are working sounds like either they aren't turned, they aren't working and you need to return the car to the dealer, or your car does not have the auto high been accessory installed.

I have the auto high beam option and it works perfectly. The high beams come on when no cars are approaching, and they go off when a car is coming toward me.

I hope this helps, and good luck.

Well i did have the tech package, and this along with the cell phone not working, road noise, not as comfortable, cushy, floaty of a ride, are some of the reasons I traded the 2013 Avalon in, on a 2012, but thank you for the input. It sure seems like I got a Lemon, and should have seen about that optin for getting a new Avalon?

Skip

 

Remember the new auto high beams systems of today keep the lights dim at an speed less than 15 or 20 mph. Plus you have to be driving in an area without street lights to really see the system work. If you live in town, your high beams might not ever come on.

 

Mine work great. I have a colleague who has owned three Lexus' and I convinced them to drive the Avalon and showed them all the features etc. I think they are switching to the Avalon now.

 

Mine is always on (auto high).


The regular headlights are on AUTO
The turn signal stalk is "pushed forward"


The lights are auto high.
The auto feature is dependent on the camera in front of the rearview mirror.


I live in the city and if the camera detects lights (some street lights and any rear tail lights) and keeps them dipped (low).
I have a few streets that are not well lit and they come on high.
Traffic lights (RYG) shut them down to dip.
I drive with the auto on driving on the freeway and there are enough tail lights to keep them off.




I don't have proof, but suspect they may be adjusted by the (auto) headlights on adjustment (in car settings).
I didn't know about the under 15MPH buffer.
If they aren't working correctly, you could probably test it with a garage/darkened area and a flashlight. If the speed isn't an issue.

 

Mine is always on (auto high).


The regular headlights are on AUTO
The turn signal stalk is "pushed forward"


The lights are auto high.
The auto feature is dependent on the camera in front of the rearview mirror.


I live in the city and if the camera detects lights (some street lights and any rear tail lights) and keeps them dipped (low).
I have a few streets that are not well lit and they come on high.
Traffic lights (RYG) shut them down to dip.
I drive with the auto on driving on the freeway and there are enough tail lights to keep them off.




I don't have proof, but suspect they may be adjusted by the (auto) headlights on adjustment (in car settings).
I didn't know about the under 15MPH buffer.
If they aren't working correctly, you could probably test it with a garage/darkened area and a flashlight. If the speed isn't an issue.

I can’t prove it, either, but I think you’re right about the headlight on sensitivity adjustment affecting how the auto dimmer works as well. Mine worked fine and then suddenly started waiting until I was practically on top of oncoming vehicles before dimming. I remembered I had recently adjusted the headlights on sensitivity so I put it back where it was and dimmer started working fine again.

 

How do I turn off the auto dimming headlights

 

Tried some diagnostics and car must be above 15-25 MPH in mine to activate. They don't come on in park or under 15MPH