Automatic High Beams (AHB) on Honda vehicles are enabled by turning on the feature in the car’s Driver Assist settings and ensuring the headlights are set to Auto. Once activated, the system uses a forward-facing camera to switch between high and low beams automatically as traffic and lighting conditions change.
What Auto High Beams Do
AHB automatically toggles between high and low beams to improve nighttime visibility while avoiding glare for other drivers. It uses a windshield-mounted camera to detect oncoming vehicles and street lighting, dipping or raising the beams as needed. The system is part of Honda Sensing on many models and may not be available on all trims or model years.
How the system works
When the road is dark and no nearby vehicles are detected, AHB will keep the high beams on. If it detects an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle ahead, it will switch to low beams. It returns to high beams after the vehicle passes or the road is clear again. Conditions such as dirty cameras, heavy rain, or fog can affect performance.
How to Turn It On in Your Honda
Use these steps to enable Auto High Beams on most modern Honda models. The exact path may vary slightly by year and trim, but the general process is the same.
- Verify your model supports Honda Sensing and Auto High Beam (AHB). If your trim lacks these features, AHBeams won’t be available.
- Turn the exterior headlights to the Auto position. This is usually a dial or switch labeled Auto, Auto/On, or with an Auto icon.
- Open the vehicle’s Driver Assist or Settings menu on the instrument cluster or touchscreen. Look for Auto High Beam or Auto High-Beam settings.
- Toggle Auto High Beam to ON. Confirm the system is active via an indicator on the instrument cluster or the touchscreen display, which may show “AHB” or an Auto High Beam icon.
- Test in a low-light environment to confirm the system is functioning, observing how the beams switch automatically when approaching traffic.
Once activated, Auto High Beams should manage beam changes automatically while you drive. You can still manually override to high beams if needed by using the standard high-beam stalk function, though this may momentarily disengage AHB.
Model-Specific Notes
Civic (2020–present)
Path to enable generally follows Settings > Vehicle > Driver Assist > Auto High Beam, with headlights set to Auto. Some trims may place AHBeams under a combined Driver Assist menu on the touchscreen. If you don’t see the option, your trim may not support the feature.
CR-V (2020–present)
Enable AHBeams via Settings > Driver Assist (or Vehicle > Driver Assist) > Auto High Beam, ensuring the headlight switch is in Auto. The CR-V uses a forward camera; keep the windshield area clean for best performance.
Accord (2018–present)
In many Accords, you’ll find Auto High Beam under Settings > Vehicle > Driver Assist > Auto High Beam, once the exterior lights are in Auto. Availability can vary by trim and year, so check the owner’s manual if you don’t see the option.
Common issues and troubleshooting
If Auto High Beams aren’t engaging as expected, review these factors before seeking service.
- Windshield or camera obstruction: Clean the windshield and ensure the camera area near the rearview mirror is unobstructed by stickers, dirt, or ice.
- Feature not available on your trim: Some base trims or older models may not include AHBeams.
- Headlights not in Auto mode: AHBeams typically requires the headlight switch to be set to Auto.
- Weather or road conditions: Heavy rain, fog, snow, or glare can affect camera performance and AHBeams responsiveness.
- System may require calibration or a software update: If issues persist, consult a Honda dealer for a diagnostic.
If problems continue, contact your local Honda dealer or service center for a diagnostic and potential software update or camera calibration.
Summary
Automatic High Beams on Honda vehicles are designed to enhance nighttime visibility by automatically switching between high and low beams based on traffic and lighting. Enable AHBeams in the Driver Assist settings, ensure the headlights are in Auto, and keep the windshield camera area clear. Availability and exact menu paths vary by model and year, so consult your owner’s manual if you’re unsure. When functioning properly, AHBeams reduce glare for other drivers while helping you see more of the road ahead.