The Ford Mondeo / Ford Fusion automatic high beam system automatically switches on the high beams only if it is dark enough and no other traffic is present. The system will revert from high beam to low beam if it detects an approaching vehicle’s headlights or tail lights, or street lighting up ahead.
The system works by continuously monitoring the road ahead by use of a camera centrally mounted behind the windscreen of the vehicle. When auto high beam is activated, high beams will switch on:
- only if it’s dark enough to benefit from the use of high beams
- if there’s no traffic or street lighting that can be detected
- if the vehicle speed is greater than 25 mph (40 km/h)
Automatic high beams will switch off if:
- there is an ambient light increase and is deemed high enough to not require high beams
- an approaching vehicle’s headlights or tail lights are detected
- street lighting is detected
Activating Automatic High Beam
- Switch on automatic high beams by accessing the information display
. Using the navigation buttons on the steering wheel, on the menu, go to settings – Auto High beam – check enabled or uncheck disabled. - Using the lights switch, turn it to the automatic high beam position
. - You’ll receive an illuminated symbol
indicating that the system is active and ready to use. - When necessary, manual override of the system is required. To do this, push or pull the lever to switch between
high and low beam
. This manual override is temporary and the system will return to automatic operation shortly after. - To turn off automatic high beams, either enter the information display to uncheck the option, or turn the lighting control switch to the headlamps position.
Ford Mondeo Auto High Beam Limitations and Warnings
There are certain situations where the system may not switch from high beam to low beam. In this circumstance, you will need to manually override the system to switch off high beams to low. For example, a manual override may be required when approaching cyclists.
Certain weather conditions may cause the system not to function correctly. Avoid using the system in fog. In severe weather conditions such as when it’s very cold, the system may fail to function.
Other instances where the system fails to deactivate high beams are if the lights of oncoming vehicles are hidden by obstacles such as trees or fences.
Basic maintenance is required for keeping the system in optimal condition. Keep the windscreen clean and free from obstructions that prevent the camera from optimal view. these include bird droppings, insects, snow and ice. To ensure the camera sensor has a clear view and that the windscreen is kept clear during rain, replace wiper blades regularly ensuring the correct length and type are used.
There may be instances where reflective road signs are mistaken by the camera sensor for oncoming vehicles. The system may switch from high to low beams.
Automatic High Beam Faults
The information display will alert you when there are operating issues that require maintenance or system faults. The information messages are as follows:
| Message | Action |
|---|---|
| Front Camera Low Visibility - Clean Screen | The front camera sensor has reduced visibility. Clean the windshield. |
| Front Camera Malfunction - Service Required | The system requires service due to a malfunction. Contact an authorised dealer. |
| Front Camera Temporarily - Not Available | The front camera sensor has malfunctioned. Wait a short period of time for the sensor to cool down. |