In most Subaru Impreza trims, you turn on the headlights with a rotary control on the left side of the dash, choosing either ON or AUTO. If your model supports automatic headlights, AUTO will switch the lights on as lighting conditions require. High beams and fog lights are controlled separately.
The Impreza lineup spans several generations and trims, so the exact switch layout can vary slightly. The basics—where the control lives, how to engage low beams manually, and how to use high beams—remain consistent across most versions. This guide walks you through the common setup and variations you might encounter, with practical steps and safety tips.
Where to find and identify the headlight control
The headlight control is typically a round knob on the left side of the instrument panel, just below or near the steering column. It usually offers positions for Off, Parking Lights, Headlights On, and Auto (if equipped). Some models also allow fog-light activation via the same control when the headlights are on.
Manual operation: turning on the headlights
To turn on headlights manually, follow these steps:
- Locate the headlight control knob on the left side of the steering wheel.
- Rotate the knob to the Headlights position (the icon that looks like a headlamp). If your model supports it, you can stop at AUTO to enable automatic headlights.
- Verify the headlights are illuminated by checking the exterior lamps and the dashboard indicator.
In most cases, the headlights stay on until you rotate the knob back to OFF or switch to AUTO. If you only want parking lights, rotate to the Parking Lights position if your model shows that option, and remember that this is typically dimmer than full headlights.
Understanding the control positions
Common positions and what they do include:
- Off: No exterior lights are active (except possibly instrument lighting).
- Parking Lights: Dim lights suitable for parked or minimal-visibility situations.
- Headlights On: Low-beam headlights active for normal nighttime driving.
- AUTO: Automatic headlights, if equipped, that switch on/off based on ambient light conditions.
Knowing these settings helps you choose the right level of lighting for the situation and manage power use.
Automatic headlights: what to know
Many newer Impreza trims include automatic headlights. When you set the control to AUTO, the system uses a light sensor to turn on or off the headlights as needed and sometimes to adjust the level of lighting with other vehicle systems. You can override Auto by turning the dial to ON if you prefer manual control, such as in heavy rain or fog where you want consistent illumination.
Limitations and reminders for Auto headlights
Automatic headlights are convenient, but they aren’t perfect. They may not activate in very bright but shadowed conditions, and they may not switch off as soon as you arrive somewhere bright. Always verify that the lights are on when you’re driving after dusk and in poor visibility, and switch to manual if you’re uncertain about sensor performance.
High beams and signaling
High beams are operated with the turn signal stalk on the left side of the steering column. Use these guidelines:
- Push the stalk away from you to engage the high beams. The high-beam indicator on the instrument cluster will illuminate when active.
- To flash the high beams briefly, pull the stalk toward you and release.
Switch back to low beams when you encounter oncoming traffic or driving in illuminated areas to avoid blinding others and to comply with safety norms.
Fog lights and other available lighting features
Some Impreza models are equipped with fog lights. If yours has them, you typically activate fog lights after the headlights are on, either by pulling the headlight control knob outward to the first notch or by using a dedicated fog-light switch, depending on the trim. If your vehicle doesn’t have fog lights, this feature simply won’t be available.
Tips for using fog lights
Fog lights are designed to cut through dense fog and mist at low speeds. Use them in conditions where visibility is severely reduced by fog, rain, or dust, and remember to switch them off when visibility improves to avoid glare for other drivers.
Safety and troubleshooting tips
If your headlights aren’t functioning as expected, try these quick checks:
- Ensure the ignition and/or accessories are in the correct position and that the headlight switch isn’t left in OFF.
- Inspect for blown fuses or burned-out bulbs per your owner’s manual’s guidance and fuse box diagram.
- If Auto headlights aren’t turning on, clean or shield the light sensor from direct bright light or obstructions, and consider a manual override by setting the switch to ON.
- If problems persist, schedule a service check with a Subaru technician to ensure the lighting system is safe and compliant.
Regularly testing your headlights, especially before long drives, is a simple but essential safety check for night driving and adverse weather conditions.
Summary
The Subaru Impreza typically uses a left-dash rotary headlight control to power the headlights, with options for OFF, Parking Lights, Headlights On, and AUTO on many models. Manual operation involves rotating the knob to the Headlights position, while AUTO relies on ambient-light sensing. High beams and fog lights are separate controls—the high beams on the steering stalk and fog lights on the same switch or via a dedicated control if equipped. Always verify lighting function in low-light conditions and consult your owner’s manual or a dealer if you encounter issues.