shtaka Posted January 14, 2021 Share Posted January 14, 2021 I had the dealer check my headlights because I couldn't see any effect when I was turning. They ran a diagnostic that came back negative. But, I'm still not convinced they are working. Perhaps I don't understand what they're supposed to do. If I am parked with headlights on and turn the wheel, should I see some motion from the lights? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbf2530 Posted January 14, 2021 Share Posted January 14, 2021 (edited) On 1/14/2021 at 8:38 AM, shtaka said: I had the dealer check my headlights because I couldn't see any effect when I was turning. They ran a diagnostic that came back negative. But, I'm still not convinced they are working. Perhaps I don't understand what they're supposed to do. If I am parked with headlights on and turn the wheel, should I see some motion from the lights? Hi shtaka. No, they do not move while turning the steering wheel when parked. If you take a look in your Owners Manual, it explains the Adaptive Headlight operation. Short story: First...They will do a quick left/right operational check when you start your car (EDIT - If/when the headlights are turned on and it is dark enough for them to be on). The movement is not necessarily very noticeable, unless you are parked in front of a wall. Second...They do not operate in adaptive mode until about 5mph or so. Check your Owners Manual for the exact speeds etc. Third...So as previously mentioned, they do not move when you turn the steering wheel while sitting still. Even when driving above the designated operational speed, the effect is not dramatic, and can even be hard to discern. I find it easiest to see them operate in the last half turn to three-quarters of a turn or so, when returning the wheel to the straight ahead position. Good luck. Edited January 15, 2021 by bbf2530 17MKZ3.0TT and Robert Iggy Cerami 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shtaka Posted January 15, 2021 Author Share Posted January 15, 2021 Thank you for the reply. As you suggested I RTFM. Adaptive works above 3 mph. And I think you're pointing out that the effect is not dramatic kind of answers my original question. I was expecting more of an effect based on the adaptive lighting I had on a previous Car (an Audi IIRC) where the side markers would very visibly light up in the direction of the turn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbf2530 Posted January 15, 2021 Share Posted January 15, 2021 45 minutes ago, shtaka said: Thank you for the reply. As you suggested I RTFM. Adaptive works above 3 mph. And I think you're pointing out that the effect is not dramatic kind of answers my original question. I was expecting more of an effect based on the adaptive lighting I had on a previous Car (an Audi IIRC) where the side markers would very visibly light up in the direction of the turn. Hi shtaka.Yes, my father's 1970's and 80's Mercury and Lincoln vehicles had sidemarker lights that would light up when the turn signal was engaged. It lit up the immediate area of the turn, but not very far. They were handy in a parking lot, but obviously not of much use on the road at 30-40-50-60 mph etc. The Adaptive Headlamps in the MKZ are meant to illuminate far ahead of the vehicle and into the turn,, and at speed, as the diagrams in the Owners Manual show. I also forgot to mention: At least in my 2018, the Adaptive Headlamps only operate when the headlamps are set to Auto (as also mentioned the Owners Manual). So if a driver turns the headlamps on/off manually, the Adaptive Headlamps are disabled. At least now you can rest easy knowing yours are working correctly. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.