Mazda 2: High Beam Control System (HBC)
The High Beam Control System (HBC) determines the conditions in front of the vehicle using the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) while driving in darkness to automatically switch the headlights between high and low beams.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-37 .
While driving the vehicle at a speed of about 30 km/h (18 mph), the headlights are switched to high beams when there are no vehicles ahead or approaching in the opposite direction.
The system switches the headlights to low beams when one of the following occurs:
- The system detects a vehicle or the headlights/lights of a vehicle approaching in the opposite direction.
- The vehicle is driven on roads lined with streetlamps or on roads in well-lit cities and towns.
- The vehicle is driven at less than about 20 km/h (12 mph).
The warning light fl ashes when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-38 .
CAUTION
Do not adjust the vehicle height, modify the headlight units, or remove the camera, otherwise the system will not operate normally.
NOTE
The timing in which the system switches the headlights changes under the following conditions. If the system does not switch the headlights appropriately, manually switch between high and low beams according to the visibility as well as road and traffi c conditions.
- When there are sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated signboards, and traffi c signals.
- When there are refl ective objects in the surrounding area such as refl ective plates and signs.
- When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions.
- When driving on roads with sharp curves or hilly terrain
- When the headlights/rear lamps of vehicles in front of you or in the opposite lane are dim or not illuminated.
- When there is suffi cient darkness such as at dawn or dusk.
- When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the rear passenger seats are occupied.
- When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle in front of you spraying water from its tyres onto your windscreen.
To Operate the System
The High Beam Control System (HBC)
operates to switch the headlights
automatically between high and low
beams after the ignition is switched ON
and the headlight switch is in the AUTO
and high beam position. At the same time,
the High Beam Control System (HBC)
indicator light (green) in the instrument
cluster illuminates.
The High Beam Control System (HBC) determines that it is dark based on the brightness of the surrounding area.
NOTE
- When the vehicle speed is 30 km/h
(18 mph) or higher, the headlights
automatically switch to high beams
when there are no vehicles ahead
or approaching in the opposite
direction.
When the vehicle speed is less than about 20 km/h (12 mph), the High Beam Control System (HBC) switches the headlights to low beams.
- The low beams may not switch to high beams when cornering.
- Operation of the High Beam Control System (HBC) function can be disabled. Refer to Personalisation Features on page 9-13 .
Manual Switching
Switching to low beams
Shift the lever to the low beam position.
The High Beam Control System (HBC) indicator light (Green) turns off.
Switching to high beams
Turn the headlight switch to the 
position.
The High Beam Control System (HBC)
indicator light (Green) turns off and the
is illuminated.
