During the night, when you need more lights while driving, street lights aren’t useful. This is particularly problematic when the weather is severe, with heavy rain, storms, or snow. Your regular headlights might do more harm than good with extreme glare. If another car approaches from the opposite side with blinding headlights, accidents are hard to avoid. To solve this problem, we got automatic high beams called IntelliBeam headlights. They are a special feature to control the brightness of the headlight beams and reduce the extra glare. Their purpose is to give you safety while driving. Usually, this feature is engineered for GM vehicles like the Chevy, but it can be installed in other cars as well.
While this automatic system is excellent for good vision and managing the beams, it becomes a problem in difficult weather like fog or rain, when you might need to control the beams. So, it is important to know how to turn off IntelliBeam headlights and have manual control over them.
The process is very simple, and here we have full guidelines on how to change from the auto mode whenever needed.
What is an IntelliBeam Headlight?
To ensure better vision during night driving, some cars, like the Chevrolet or GMC, use headlights with the perfect glow. But what are automatic high beams? This is an innovative technology to reduce glare and allow incoming drivers to see clearly, even with headlights. The headlights are automatic, and they give out beams when the area is dark. But when it gets any light, the beams lower, reducing brightness. So the drivers have better focus on the road, keeping everyone safe.
How do Automatic High Beams Work?
Since the feature is automatic, there are some sensors and controls engineered for it to work by itself without pressing any buttons. When the car is moving at a speed of about 25 mph, the beams activate. So, it is dependent on speed, since the beams go out when the speed is less than 12 mph. There is a camera mounted on the windshield to detect the brightness of any kind of lights, including taillights and street lights. If the sensor detects any light, the high beams will be turned off. But if there are no cars and no headlights or taillights nearby, then the beams will stay on.
Activate IntelliBeam Headlights
The activation process is super simple, and you need to enable it for the sensors to start working. When you start the engine, turn the headlamps to Auto or low beam, and keep the turn signal lever in neutral. Then, you can either quickly pull the lever twice within two seconds if it’s a manual car, or use the activation button if you have an auto system. When the green A icon appears on the panel, it means that the IntelliBeam headlights are now activated. They will continue to work unless you switch off the auto system and keep it manual.
How to Turn Off IntelliBeam Headlights?
Since the whole system is automatic, it is a bit tricky to turn it off when needed. Sometimes the whole headlight beam becomes unimportant or distracting, since you can’t control when it might turn on. Here is an easy guide to fix that problem, and use these headlights only in darkness.
1. Find the Intellibeam High-Beam Button
There is a button named high-beam icon and the letter A that stands for Auto in most Intellibeam systems. First, try to locate this button. You can find it either on the turn-signal stalk, the left side of the steering wheel, or in the headlight control panel.
2. Press the High-Beam Button
After you find the button, press it once. On the dashboard, you will get a message with options like Auto High-Beam Off, or the indicator light will disappear. This will disable the automatic beaming from the headlights temporarily until you turn it on again.
3. Make the System Manual
You still need those high beams, even if it’s off. Now you have the chance to control the system manually to get beams in dark highways. Find and push on the turn-signal lever forward button to switch on high beams manually. Now return to the low beams from the menu. You can now control modes to either turn the lights on and off or adjust brightness.
4. Test the Manual System
If you don’t get the menu by pressing just one button, then try the settings menu. Here you can get options like,
- Vehicle Settings
- Lighting
- Driver Assistance
- Exterior Lights
You need to select an option like Auto High-Beam Assist or IntelliBeam and toggle it OFF. Now the whole system will be turned off.
This permanently disables IntelliBeam until you turn it back on. But check the indicator light with an icon with the letter A. Make sure it’s not turned on. Otherwise, the automatic system will still be active.
IntelliBeam Headlights in Chevrolet
IntelliBeam Chevy will work the same way as in any other car, giving out beams in darkness, but lowering the beams when a vehicle is nearby to avoid glare to the other drivers.
This car has a forward-facing camera with a system that senses nearby lights to lower the beams. It’s a very simple system for safety with advanced sensors to detect vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles. You can only get this auto beam system on selected models of Chevrolet. Along with IntelliBeam, there are other technologies like Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert.
Keep the feature running by accelerating at 25 mph.
IntelliBeam Headlights in Buick
Buicks are also compatible with IntelliBeam headlights. The system is simple and quick to install. Set the lighting control to Auto or switch on the low beams manually. Keep the turn-signal lever centered, then activate IntelliBeam through the method your Buick model supports. It can be done either by pressing a button on the lever, toggling the lever forward and back, or enabling Auto High Beams through the menu you can find under the option Virtual Controls. You need to press the Lights button, and a green A icon will appear on your dashboard. You will also see a blue high-beam indicator when the beams are on.
IntelliBeam Headlights in GMC
GMC has the same technology and installation system as the Buick. The activation process will depend on the model. Some of them have a dedicated button on the stalk, but others will need you to push the lever forward, and then to the center. Certain models have the infotainment system’s lighting settings to switch on auto beams. Once active, the IntelliBeam adjusts automatically when your vehicle exceeds 25 mph. You can, of course, turn off the auto system and control IntelliBeam manually.
The best part is, this car has a feature for you to manually switch the beams. Just push the stalk forward for high beams, and back to lower the beams. There is also a Flash-to-Pass function. You can keep the system manual at all times, by simply choosing on and not auto in the main headlamp settings.
IntelliBeam Headlights in Cadillac
For Cadillac models, keep the turn-signal lever in the neutral position. Then you can either press a button on the level or select Auto High Beam through the infotainment settings. To disable the system, press the IntelliBeam button on the turn-signal stalk or tap the Auto High Beam control from the vehicle’s center display.
Cadillacs also have the same features as GMC to temporarily disable the auto system using Flash-to-Pass or by moving the stalk forward and backward to control brightness. You can also permanently make it manual by pressing the on button instead of the auto button in the headlamp control.
When Do You Need to Turn Off IntelliBeam?
While automatic high beam headlights are very useful to avoid accidents during the night, there are times when the automatic system might become disruptive. Since they are automatic, it’s not easy to control them and monitor when the beams will come out or turn off. So, making the system manual at times is more convenient. You should turn it off when certain problems are seen.
- There is fog, snow, or heavy rain, especially at night.
- You are on roads where the camera may misread conditions.
- The places you are driving have lots of lights, so your car’s beams are extra and unnecessary.
- You are driving or towing in places where the beams might reflect and cause blindness rather than clear vision.
Tips to Consider for Using Automatic High Beams
If you are using automatic high beams, you need to be aware of some unavoidable situations. They have sensors to detect lights and then switch the beams on and off. However, there might be problems where its functions become ineffective. This happens if the other vehicles oncoming or nearby have damaged or missing lights, or are covered with snow or dirt. Your sensor might also become a victim of dirt, mist, snow, or smoke as it stays on the windshield. So, here are some tips to make your headlights effective on the road.
- Always keep the center of the windshield clean and wipe away any dirt, snow, or debris.
- Check road conditions to drive accordingly. Remember that on snowy or rainy days, headlights might become ineffective or damaged.
- Regularly check that your Intellibeam headlights are clean and functioning well. Be mindful to inspect this before driving in bad weather.
- Ensure that there are no cracks or any other damage to the windshield, as this might cause problems for the systems to function well.
- If you are driving in hilly or sloppy areas, then use a manual headlamp as the auto system might become ineffective.
- You can use other features with Intellibeam headlights, like Adaptive Cruise Control, to maximize safety.
How to Turn IntelliBeam Headlights Back On?
If controlling the system manually becomes a burden and you are in favorable conditions to use the automatic high beams, then you can turn the auto mode on again.
- Find the headlamp control knob and set it to auto. You can also turn on the low beam headlamps.
- Turn the signal lever to the neutral position.
- If your car is an auto, then you can just press a button on the turn signal lever. Otherwise, push the turn signal lever forward and again to the neutral position.
- For newer models, you can select the Virtual Controls app and tap the Lights. Then turn on auto high beams.
Now your auto beams will work automatically when the green A icon arrives, whenever the sensor detects darkness. It will only lower or stop the beams if other vehicles with headlights are approaching, detects taillights, or if the speed is below 12 mph.
Fix IntelliBeam Auto Headlights
Before you run to the mechanic, if you find out problems with the auto beams, you can try some simple troubleshooting techniques to make them work again.
- Go to the system’s settings to check that the IntelliBeam headlights are activated and the sensor is working.
- Clear out dirt, debris, or snow from the sensors and headlights, and see if they are working again.
- This system usually comes with frequent updates. Make sure you have updated the software whenever a new one comes up to make the auto beams work effectively.
If the sensor is still not working properly, better to visit your nearest mechanic or a professional dealer to check for the problem.
Final Thoughts
IntelliBeam headlights are designed to help you drive in conditions that make vision difficult. The feature is especially useful as the thing is automatic, and you don’t need to worry about adjusting the brightness. It also ensures that there is no glare for any drivers, which makes it prone to accidents. However, sometimes you need to turn off the auto mode. The ability to switch them off gives you full control when needed. If you find the IntelliBeam headlights useful and own a GM vehicle, then contact a local dealer to get them installed. It’s worth your every penny.
FAQ
What is the difference between auto high beams and regular headlights?
The main difference is that one of them is an automatic system, and the other one is manual. While regular headlights are either low beams for normal driving and high beams for unfavorable conditions, IntelliBeam headlights can automatically adjust the brightness, depending on the light conditions around the vehicle.
Do automatic headlights drain the battery?
Usually, the headlights don’t cause any problem to the car battery, since they turn on when the car is running, and stop when the car is no longer in ignition. However, the sensor might drain the battery if it misreads nearby lights due to conditions like rain or snow, or if it’s damaged.
Do auto high beams have a fuse?
There is a fuse for allowing the auto high beams to work by relaying to a circuit. So, by installing a fuse, the automatic system continues unless you switch to manual mode. If it’s not working, that would mean the fuse is blown.
Can IntelliBeam headlights be turned off permanently?
Unless you switch back to the auto mode, the IntelliBeam will remain turned off. Yes. So, keep the headlight control to On instead of Auto, which prevents IntelliBeam from activating automatically.
Why do IntelliBeam headlights turn back on even after disabling them?
IntelliBeam may reactivate when you restart the vehicle or switch the headlight control back to Auto. If you want to keep the headlights off, then switch the modes every time you start the car.
