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Headlights automatically go off or not?

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Dan in Buffalo

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I purchased my RAV4 a couple days ago, coming from a car with auto headlights. My 2011 Rav4 Sport does NOT have auto headlights.

This morning, I went to work (it was still dark), turning my headlights on during the trip. When I arrived, I forgot to turn them off.

When I went out to my RAV after work, I noticed the stick with the knob still on the main headlamp setting. I didn't notice (1) the green lightbulb indicating my headlights we on being illuminated or (2) leaving my vehicle and going into work with the lights on.

I cannot find a concise answer anywhere as to whether they shut down after a certain amount of time (if you forget). I can't find anything in the manual. Yes, the car did start when I got out of work, so the battery wasn't drained completely. Also, there's some vague reference in the manual about not leaving your lights on too long (to prevent battery drainage) after you shut the engine off. I took this to mean there is no precautionary system that will turn them off if you forget.

The most discouraging thing is after work, I took it into a Toyota dealer and they didn't seem to know (or couldn't find any documentation) if the RAVs are equip with any system that will power them down if you forget.

Again, I do NOT have auto headlights.

Does my 2011 RAV power off the main lights automatically, after a certain amount of time, if I leave them on accidently?:confused:

Thanks in advance,

-Dan
 
#2 ·
Yes, your RAV4 has auto OFF headlights. When you turn off the engine AND shut the door, the lights will turn off after 30 seconds. Or, if you press the lock button on the remote TWICE, that will turn them off immediately.


Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app
 
#4 ·
If your headlights had not switched off automatically and the car had sat with them on for, presumably, something like eight hours, your battery would not have been able to start the car.

The manual for my '11 refers to an automatic light shutoff function on vehicle equipped with the "auto" function, which it indicates is shown on the lights switch stalk. That information, like some other bits in the manual, is in error or out of date. My lights switch off automatically when the ignition is switched off and the light switch is left in the on position but there is no "auto" indication.

As for dealers providing accurate information, my selling dealer provided incorrect information about one function and their service department did the same with another situation. The second dealer service department I dealt with caused another problem. So far in these regards the Toyota dealer situation has been the worst since my 1960s Chevrolet days. If it weren't for JuneBug and others on this forum I would be in the dark about many issues.
 
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Discussion starter · #5 ·
Thanks for your reply guys.

When I took it to the dealership after work, one of the service managers turned on the car and lights, then turned it off with the lights still "on" and nothing happened. We waited a couple minutes. They remained on.

Is the 30 seconds/beep your remote twice anywhere in the manual?

Does the key fob still being near the vehicle have anything with them automatically shutting down (we were standing right next to the car when he tried this)?

Thanks,

-Dan

Just read your post, Blogson. Wow! I, too, looked at the diagram of the stick in the manual and assumed it was for cars with auto lights installed, only. Since mine doesn't have 'em, I presumed my lights were on all day and the 30 second rule didn't apply.
 
#7 ·
Dan in Buffalo said:
Thanks for your reply guys.

When I took it to the dealership after work, one of the service managers turned on the car and lights, then turned it off with the lights still "on" and nothing happened. We waited a couple minutes. They remained on.

Is the 30 seconds/beep your remote twice anywhere in the manual?

Does the key fob still being near the vehicle have anything with them automatically shutting down (we were standing right next to the car when he tried this)?

Thanks,

-Dan

Just read your post, Blogson. Wow! I, too, looked at the diagram of the stick in the manual and assumed it was for cars with auto lights installed, only. Since mine doesn't have 'em, I presumed my lights were on all day and the 30 second rule didn't apply.
Click to expand...
I''m wondering whether the lights switch off automatically only when the remote is used to lock the door when exiting the car? I haven't tested that. I do know that a week or so ago I parked my car in our garage and forgot to switch off the parking lights. They were not visibly on when I was working in the garage but I lock the car when it is inside. I didnt use the car for a few days and when I did, it started as usual and the parking lights came on.
 
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#8 ·
Blogson said:
The manual for my '11 refers to an automatic light shutoff function on vehicle equipped with the "auto" function, which it indicates is shown on the lights switch stalk. That information, like some other bits in the manual, is in error or out of date. My lights switch off automatically when the ignition is switched off and the light switch is left in the on position but there is no "auto" indication.
Click to expand...
In the description of the "Automatic light off system" in the Owner's manual, I think you will find that it is its own section that follows, but is not contained within, the "Headlight control sensor (with automatic light control system)" section.
 
#9 ·
Dan in Buffalo said:
When I took it to the dealership after work, one of the service managers turned on the car and lights, then turned it off with the lights still "on" and nothing happened. We waited a couple minutes. They remained on.
Click to expand...
They probably left one of the doors open. All doors have to be completely shut after the engine has been turned off.

Is the 30 seconds/beep your remote twice anywhere in the manual?

Does the key fob still being near the vehicle have anything with them automatically shutting down (we were standing right next to the car when he tried this)?
Click to expand...
Yes, in the 2009 manual it's in section 2-3 Operating the lights and wipers:

Automatic light off system
Vehicles without smart key system:
The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds after driver’s door is opened and closed if the engine switch has been turned to “ACC” or “LOCK” position.
To turn the lights on again, turn the engine switch to the “ON” position, or turn the headlight switch off and then back to on.
All 4.3 RAV4's have the AUTO OFF headlights. Since 2009, the Limited has been equipped with the AUTO ON/OFF headlights using a photosensor on the dash.
 
#10 ·
Carbon said:
In the description of the "Automatic light off system" in the Owner's manual, I think you will find that it is its own section that follows, but is not contained within, the "Headlight control sensor (with automatic light control system)" section.
Click to expand...
Thanks for that post. I had read that section but because of the manner in which the lighting topic is presented in the manual it would appear that the notation about automatic lighting operaton which you are referring to follows on from the inital "Headlight Switch" section highlighted (in my 2011 manual) in grey. Toyota should clear up the matter by stating plainly and prominently in the manual that all vehicles are equipped with an automatic lights on and off function.

I've written instruction manuals as part of a prior occupation and it was essential that they be written so that there is as little opportunity for confusion as possible. Toyota missed the mark on that count as the thread indicates.
 
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#11 · (Edited)
In order for the auto off head lights to work, you have to have had the lights on while driving, stop the engine with the doors still closed, remove the key and then exit the vehicle, opening the driver door and then closing completely the driver's and any other door that may have been opened. After this specific sequence, and the last door has been closed, the lights will shut off after 30 seconds. I don't know if it works this way with the the other doors, i.e. if only one of the passenger doors is opened and closed.

When you go to start your car the next time, the lights will come back on because the switch is still in the ON position. This is different than the automatic lights that sense the darkness and can turn on or off while you're driving.

Any other sequence will cause the lights to remain on and drain the battery
 
#12 ·
My 08 will not turn of the headligts...Even if you lock the car it will keep them ON...It's an european version...But it will give you signal that they are on before you leave the car.
 
#14 ·
I had to do some digging to find a definitive statement in our Toyota printed materials - the lighting auto off feature is specifically noted on the new car window sticker in finer print on the right side under the "Convenience" heading.
 
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#17 ·
I believe it's also a customizable option for how long before the turn off. I believe it is turn off immediately, after 30sec, and after 1 min or something like that are the choices. I have a 2009 Sport V6 and it has auto on and off headlights. I never use that feature though as I prefer to turn it on or off myself. If I do accidentally leave my lights on, I just press lock a second time and it'll turn off.
 
#18 ·
WJBertrand said:
In order for the auto off head lights to work, you have to have had the lights on while driving, stop the engine with the doors still closed, remove the key and then exit the vehicle, opening the driver door and then closing completely the driver's and any other door that may have been opened. After this specific sequence, and the last door has been closed, the lights will shut off after 30 seconds. I don't know if it works this way with the the other doors, i.e. if only one of the passenger doors is opened and closed.

When you go to start your car the next time, the lights will come back on because the switch is still in the ON position. This is different than the automatic lights that sense the darkness and can turn on or off while you're driving.

Any other sequence will cause the lights to remain on and drain the battery
Click to expand...
yep, thats how my 06 base works. i tried one time turning the lights on before i shut the engine off the lights didnt turn off when i pressed the lock button twice.
 
#20 ·
Strangely, my Rav is the only vehicle that I've ever owned that doesn't have daytime running lights. Since the headlights turn off automatically, I just leave the headlights on all the time. Yeah, I'll probably go through a few more bulbs, but all in the name of safety...
 
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