Automakers have always provided drivers with convenience features and Jeep drivers are not left out. One of the modern conveniences Jeep drivers enjoy is a headlight illumination on the approach display feature.
This feature marks one of the several recent improvements manufacturers have introduced, but is activating this feature a good idea?
Activating this feature is a good idea as you enjoy a customized lighting experience and extra convenience. This illumination feature creates a sense of calm security and entry ease as the feature light will come on as you approach your vehicle.
Furthermore, you can modify the system to light up anytime you unlock the key fob.
We want to dive deeper into what headlight illumination on approach, headlight off delay, and all aspects of the illumination feature for Jeep owners.
Keep reading to learn more to improve your overall experience.
What Is Jeep Headlight Illumination On Approach?
If you have never driven a Jeep before or are a new driver you may find the headlight illumination on the approach feature confusing but you shouldn’t be.
This feature is activated when you unlock your Jeep with a remote keyless entry system, otherwise known as a key fob.
Once you press the key fob to open the door of your Jeep, the headlights come on and stay so for a defined duration before they go off again.
That is the headlight illumination on approach meaning. There are also headlights with wipers and key-off power delay settings among other convenience features that drivers stand to enjoy.
The seconds or minutes that the headlights stay on is down to the settings of your vehicle but overall, it is put in place to help drivers
- Identify their cars in a filled car park
- Access their cars in dimly lit or dark areas
- Find their way in unfamiliar surroundings
The Warning And Pressure Monitoring System Functionality
The engineering behind the illuminated approach meaning is quite simple. For starters, Jeep makers provide drivers with four options namely, the 0, 30, 60 seconds, and 1:30 seconds options.
These timers stand for the duration the lights will stay in after pressing the key fob.
Once the fob is activated, the light feature comes up which is great for low-light conditions while approaching your vehicle, especially at night.
Subsequently, it offers drivers the comfort of knowing their cars are safe in unfamiliar areas. Beyond that, many find this feature to be a luxury addition that adds lifestyle value to the vehicle.
Location Of The Headlight Off Delay Feature
Many drivers do not know where this feature is located in their cars but it is not hard to find. This feature is found in the Uconnect System setting of your Jeep.
To access it, you must use the touchscreen interface on your dashboard.
How to Activate Illuminated Approach Dodge
To activate this feature, here are the steps to take.
- Switch on your Jeep and wait for your Uconnect System to start running
- Tap Settings on the display to unveil the different options
- Search for lights in the menu and once you find it select it to open
- Once it opens you will see the “Headlight illumination On Approach “ setting. Tap to activate
Note: The location of the headlight feature on your Uconnect System may differ based on your car’s model or version so you may need to consult the user manual to find the precise location. However, the above steps work for most Jeep models.
How To Adjust Your Headlight Illumination On Approach/Headlights With Wipers Jeep?
In a situation where you have activated the feature and you are not pleased with the level of light output do follow these tips to adjust the light to suit your preference.
- Follow the steps detailed above to find the setting.
- Locate the menu near the setting
- Open the menu to find the various durations for the headlight feature (this is the length of time the lights will stay active after using your key fob to open the door). Options include 0, 30, 60 and 90 seconds
- You will see the “+” and “-“ buttons on the side. Press the appropriate button to increase or decrease the duration.
- Note that the “0” timer means that the feature is deactivated so the lights will not come on at all anytime you activate your key fob.
- Tap your Apply, Save, or OK button depending on your Uconnect System to activate the exit menu.
Same as above, the approach to activating or deactivating the headlight off delay depends on the version of your Uconnect System. If the above steps don’t work, read your user manual to know more.
Advantages Of Headlight Illumination On Approach
Let’s take a look at the advantages of activating this feature for your Jeep.
Improved Safety
We can all agree that lights play a major role in improving security and safety in more ways than one. This feature gives you visibility in dark or low conditions so you can see your way through.
Once you press the key fob the headlights come on and stay on for a short while as you make your way to or away from your vehicle and guess what; your doors stay locked all through. This helps drivers navigate safely around potential hazards.
Convenience
You don’t have to turn your headlights manually which is only possible when you are inside the vehicle if this feature is not activated. The light makes it convenient for car owners to access their cars in a parking lot filled with so many cars or similar vehicles.
You can speedily identify your vehicle in crowded places in seconds.
Protection Against Threats
Carjacking and burglaries remain a big issue, especially in big cities and metropolitan areas but this feature can help ward off threats like unauthorized entry.
The visibility advantage makes robbers aware the vehicle is being watched. Add other security features like an alarm, and your vehicle will always be protected.
Suppose you have a sense of style and would like to upgrade your headlight aesthetics. In that case, you should consider placing orders for this u-Box Jeep Wrangler Headlight Mounting Bracket or this customized Hooke Road Wrangler Headlight Cover.
Disadvantages Of Headlight Illumination On Approach
Here are the disadvantages of this feature:
Battery Consumption
This feature consumes battery power especially if it is used often. Anytime the headlights come on and remain active for a while the battery feels the impact: if you activate the 90 seconds options the power consumption increases.
One may argue that the impact is negligible and they will be right but imagine if this is done several times a day over several months, the impact on the battery will be profound. If the battery is already weak, it will degrade sooner than normal.
Pollution
Light pollution remains a thing, especially in areas where your lights may annoy your neighbors and others in surrounding areas. If the lights are too bright expect complaints and insults from motorists and passers-by.
Restrictive Feature
Car manufacturers have not given users the option to have full control of the light duration. If you want to exert control over how long your light stays on you only have the four options available on the menu. If none of them suits you there isn’t much you can do about it.
At the end of the day, you will have to make do with what is available as far as the duration and intensity is concerned.
How To Turn Off Headlight Illumination On Approach
Just in case you’ve decided that you don’t need this feature to be active in your Jeep you can turn it off by using the JScan tool.
You must connect the Jscan tool to the diagnostic port and then choose Keep from the menu. The location will depend on your vehicle’s model.
Also, choose the model with the name “Instrument Cluster” and then scroll to the illumination on the Approach menu to switch it off. After doing this save the changes press your “Write button “and then save the changes you have made.
Note: The Jscan is used for diagnosis and helps you modify various settings in your vehicle but this tool should be used with caution. Don’t fiddle with settings you don’t understand lest you create complications in the system that will ruin the user experience.
How To Use Your Key Fob
To use the key fob on a car that has EVIC here are the steps to take.
Hold down the “Unlock” button on the dashboard for about 4-10 seconds then press the lock button without taking your hand off your unlock button.
Now, release both but keep your ignition locked. Remove key then try testing it from outside to see if the lights come on.
If this fails do it again while sitting inside the Jeep with the doors closed.
This action will lead to the disabling of the Illumination approach.
Illuminated Approach Dodge With No EVIC
If your Jeep doesn’t have EVIC which stands for Electronic Vehicle Identification Center the disabling process will be different and here are the steps to take.
Firstly, you want to locate the light controls of the car which should be located on the multifunction stalk on the headlight or steering wheel. Once located make sure that the car is off but the key should be inside the ignition.
Look for an indicator or symbol that has the shape of a headlight with lines on the stalk or switch which represents the Headlight Illumination on Approach function.
Toggle the switch by moving it to the “off” position to disable the feature.
Turning Off Day Running Lights
In a bid to conserve battery power you may want to turn off day running lights but how you do this will depend on the model of your vehicle. Here are the methods:
Automatic
If your model has lights that can be turned off automatically when inactive despite the engine running you can do so easily. While there may be no switch for manual control you can
Use the Brake: The brake may turn the running lights off once you apply it. Note that this technique may cause the indicator to illuminate.
Headlight Switch: Another method is to use the control switch for the headlight. This switch has different positions from Parking lights to headlights.
Change to Headlights to override the running lights to try and go off. But note that this will activate regular lights so be careful.
Manual
If your Jeep doesn’t have to use the automatic option to turn off running lights the other option is to go the manual route. The manual option works just as well as the automatic option and here is how you do it.
Headlight Switch: Check your switch for the headlight to check if is on the right running to check out. If it is in the “On” position, change the switch to the “Off” position. This action will kill the running lights.
Setting: You can also use the settings menu to kill running lights. Do this by accessing the light settings on the Uconnect System. You will find different settings but navigate to the lighting setting. Select “ Running Lights” and disable it.
Turning Off The Sound Horn Setting
This setting triggers car horns to make a sound when you lock it with the key fob. You can also disable it with Uconnect.
Press Menu settings in the Uconnect System and choose settings. Select doors and locks then locate the “Sound horn lock” menu and select “Off”.
- Then press “OK” to save changes.
- This action will disable the sound.
The above method will not work if your Jeep doesn’t have EVIC. This is how you lock the sound without EVIC.
Link your JScan with the port and select your car’s model and make.
Select “Control Module” and scroll and select “Sound Horn Lock” and switch it off. Then save changes by pressing the “Write” icon.
Once the icon is disabled your vehicle will not make any sound anytime you open it with your key fob.
All these measures are battery-saving measures. If you cancel the headlights with wipers Jeep, sound horn and other light settings with or without EVIC display your battery power will be extended.
Conclusion
In this article, we have been able to clearly explain the purpose and functionality of headlight illumination.
Headlight Illumination on approach is a feature that lights up your headlights anytime you open the door with your key fob.
This setting helps you identify your vehicle in a poorly lit area and also creates a sense of security to ward off carjackers.
Apart from convenience and security the feature also adds a sense of style and elegance to the vehicle.
Now that you know the illuminated approach meaning we believe that you are in the best position to decide whether you want to use the feature or not.
Last update on 2025-10-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
