Exterior Lights System Description - Control/Function

Basic Control/Function

The exterior lights are energized by the MICU based on input signals of the ignition switch or the engine start/stop switch and the combination light switch.

Headlights Auto-OFF Function

When the headlights auto-off function is selected, the exterior lights automatically turn off when the vehicle is in the OFF(LOCK) mode, and the driver's door is opened and closed. The timing for turning off the exterior lights can be customized to suit the customer needs.

LED Headlight Fault Detection Function

The LED headlight control unit sends a 10 Hz (duty 50 %) signal to the MICU when the headlight is on.
If the MICU receives of a 5 Hz (duty 50%) signal, the MICU judges abnormality of the LED assembly.
If the MICU receives of a 0 Hz signal, the MICU judges failure of the LED control unit.

Turn Signal/Hazard Warning Lights Function

During the turn signal/hazard warning lights operation, the turn signal lights are controlled by the MICU through input signals of the ignition switch or the engine start/stop switch, the turn signal switch, and the hazard warning switch. Activating the hazard flasher over-rides the individual turn signals, and will flash all turn signal lights regardless of the combination light switch input.

Disconnection Detection Function (Without LED Front Turn Signal Light)

Disconnection detection is performed by monitoring current value of the turn signal lights. After the turn signal switch is turned to on, the disconnection detection starts after 130 milliseconds, and sampled three times every 10 milliseconds. If the disconnection detection value is encountered three times, the blinking cycle of the turn signals changes.

Disconnection Detection Function (With LED Front Turn Signal Light)

Disconnection detection is performed by monitoring current value in combination with the feedback signal transmitted by the front turn signal lights. An abnormal value is registered as a disconnection (open) or faulty LED. When this occurs, the MICU increases the turn signal lighting frequency. If the disconnection detection shows that the current value or feedback signal has returned to the correct value, the MICU returns the turn signal lighting frequency to the normal frequency.

One-Push Turn Signal Light Function

When there is an input from the turn signal light switch to the MICU for approximately 40 milliseconds to below approximately 1 second when the vehicle mode is set to on, the MICU flashes the turn signal lights three times.

Fog Lights Function

The fog light is controlled by the MICU, based on switch input from the combination light switch.

Daytime Running Lights Function (LED Parking Light Type)

The daytime running lights are controlled by the MICU based on the combination light switch signal, the parking brake signal, and the automatic lighting signal. When the combination light switch is in the AUTO or the PARKING position at the time of the vehicle ON mode, and the parking brake switch is turned off, the MICU transmits an output signal to the daytime running light. When the combination light switch is in the ON position or the AUTO position, and the low beam output signal from the automatic lighting control unit is inputted to the MICU, the daytime running light control is not performed.

Daytime Running Lights Function (Headlight High Beam Type)

To control the daytime running lights, the MICU can provide power to the high beam based on inputs from the combination light switch signal, parking brake signal, and auto light signal. When on, the MICU provides reduced power to the high beam using duty control. With the ignition ON, the parking brake switch OFF, and the combination light switch in the OFF or PARKING position, the MICU turns on the daytime running lights. With the ignition ON, the parking brake switch OFF, and the combination light switch in the AUTO position, the MICU turns on the daytime running lights when the automatic lighting control system does NOT command the headlights ON. With the ignition ON, the parking brake switch OFF, and the combination light switch in any position, the MICU will not turn on the daytime running lights. Once the parking brake is turned OFF (automatic lighting control system OFF), the MICU commands the daytime running lights ON. The daytime running lights will then remain ON regardless of the parking brake switch position, until the next key cycle.

Automatic Lighting Function

Automatic Lighting ON/OFF Control

The output voltage from the automatic lighting control unit/sensor^*1 or automatic lighting/rain sensor^*2 varies depending on the brightness around the vehicle. After the delay time elapse, when the output voltage becomes less than light ON threshold, the parking lights, the side marker lights, the taillights, the license plate lights, and the headlights turn on. After the delay time elapse, when the output voltage becomes higher than light OFF threshold, the parking lights, the side marker lights, the taillights, the license plate lights, and the headlights turn off.

*1: Without automatic wiper
*2: With automatic wiper

Without automatic wiper

With automatic wiper

Wiper Linked Mode (USA model)

When the wiper switch is in a position other than OFF, the MICU counts and records the wiper motor ON to OFF signal (edge count) within 20 seconds from the windshield wiper motor (FR WIPER AS signal). After a total of 5 counts, it switches to wiper linked mode and turns on the headlights, the parking lights, the taillights, and the side marker lights. The ON/OFF signals at the time of windshield washer operation are not counted. When an edge count is not received for 30 seconds or more, the count is reduced by 1, and shifting to normal mode is done when the count reaches 0. The wipers return to normal when the vehicle is stopped, or when the respective switch is set to OFF.

Interior Illumination Brightness Change Function

Regardless of the AUTO position of the combination light switch, the daytime brightness/night brightness of the interior illumination is adjusted by the automatic lighting control unit. The automatic lighting control unit sends the signal for control to the gauge control module using the B-CAN.

Sensitivity Adjustment Function

Sensitivity adjustment function of the automatic lighting system can be customized by selecting from the sensitivity of 5 types (Min, Lo, Mid, Hi, Max) at the gauge control module.

Warning Function

When the vehicle is the ON mode, the automatic lighting warning will be indicated on the gauge control module for 2 seconds for the automatic lighting system check. If there is a fault in the system, the automatic lighting control warning will be displayed.