Kia Picanto: Lighting / Lighting control. High beam operation

Lighting control

The lighting switch includes separate settings for the parking lights and headlights, together with OFF and, where fitted, automatic lighting.

Turn the knob at the end of the control stalk to select one of the following positions:

1. OFF (O): Off position.

2. AUTO: Automatic lighting position, where equipped.

3. Position and tail lamps: Selects the parking light setting.

4. Headlights: Selects the headlight setting.

Parking light position

With the switch in the parking light setting, identified as position 3 above, the tail lamps, position lamps, number plate lamps and instrument panel illumination switch ON.

Headlight position

With the switch in the headlight setting, identified as position 4 above, the headlights illuminate together with the tail lamps, position lamps, number plate lamps and instrument panel lighting.

NOTE

The ignition switch must be in the ON position for the headlights to operate.

Auto light position: (if equipped)

With the lighting switch set to AUTO and the vehicle switched ON, the system turns the lights on or off according to the ambient brightness measured by its sensor.

Automatic lighting assists the driver, but you remain responsible for selecting appropriate lighting for visibility and safety. Switch the headlights on manually whenever conditions require them, including in tunnels, underground car parks or poor weather, rather than relying solely on the sensor.

CAUTION

• Keep the ambient light sensor (1) on the instrument panel uncovered. Objects placed over it can affect the brightness reading and interfere with automatic lighting control.

• Fog, snow, rain and overcast weather can produce varying light levels around the vehicle. As a result, the timing of automatic switching can differ with the weather, season and surrounding environment.

• Do not use window cleaner on the sensor. Residue can leave a thin film on its surface and interfere with its ability to measure ambient light correctly.

• Tinting film or a metallic coating on the front windscreen can affect the sensor’s light input. If fitted, these treatments may prevent the automatic lighting system in your Kia Picanto from operating correctly.

High beam operation

With the headlights switched on, push the control stalk away from you to select high beam. Pull the stalk back towards you to return to low beam.

The high-beam indicator illuminates on the instrument cluster while high beam is selected. Avoid leaving the lights on for an extended period with the engine stopped, as this can discharge the battery.

To flash the headlights, pull the stalk towards you and release it when the flash is no longer required. The stalk returns to its normal low-beam position when released. This flashing function is available without switching the headlight control on.

WARNING

Do not use high beam when it could dazzle other road users. Its brightness can impair another driver’s vision, so return to low beam when other vehicles are present.