Toyota Corolla: Turn Headlights On/Off

Countries around the world have started adopting universal laws that require drivers to turn headlights on no matter the time of day. While the U.S. still hasn’t followed suit, you may still want to use the headlights when it’s raining or foggy outside. There are 20 states that have explicit laws requiring headlights in “adverse” conditions.

If you want to get a refresher on using your headlights in your Toyota Corolla, read on.

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Turn Headlights On or Off in Toyota Corolla 2018-2023

The newest models of the Corolla have streamlined the headlight system as much as possible. There are two main settings for the headlights:

  • Manual On: Turn the headlight lever (stalk) to the headlights icon (align the dot on the left with the icon on the right). This will turn on the headlights regardless of the weather conditions. It will keep them on even if you turn off the ignition.
  • Auto On: Turn the headlight lever to “AUTO.” The car will detect ambient light and turn on the headlights when it’s sufficiently dark outside.

With that in mind, there’s no OFF mode. If you want to turn the headlights off, you can set the system to AUTO, and the light might turn off if it’s very bright outside. AUTO should also turn the headlights off when you shut off the vehicle.

Turn Headlights On or Off in Toyota Corolla 1999-2000 and 2009-2010

In these four models, the Corolla has Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Automatic Headlamps. This means the headlights will automatically turn on with the ignition and stay on while driving.

You can use the “DRL OFF” setting on your headlight lever to turn the feature off. If the setting doesn’t exist, then you can only set the headlights between parking lights and regular headlights.

A qualified mechanic can rewire the system and disable DRL. The car will then revert to manual headlight settings. Use the headlight lever to turn the headlights On and Off. Your mechanic will likely need to modify how the lever interacts with the system, so the icons may no longer match what’s actually happening to the lights. Consult your mechanic for more details.

Toyota Corolla Turn Headlights OnOff

Turn Headlights On or Off in Toyota Corolla – Pre-2018

For all other systems, the headlight stalk contains the “OFF” or “DRL OFF” option. Here’s how to use the headlight stalk:

  • Turn the stalk to the headlights icon to turn on the lights. This may keep the lights on even if you turn off the ignition.
  • Put the stalk in “AUTO” to have the car’s photosensor determine when to turn the headlights on. This should also turn off the headlights with the ignition.
  • Go to “OFF” to turn off the headlights entirely.

In most Corollas, you can get the headlights system rewired to turn on the headlights constantly while you’re driving (DRL). Consult a Toyota mechanic or electrician to perform the rewiring. Note that this may affect how you use the headstalk, with the icons no longer matching the stalk’s function, so remember the new specifics.

Corolla Headlights Won’t Turn Off

In some models, removing the key from the ignition and opening the doors turns off the headlights. To ensure the headlights are off when you’re out of the car, put the headlights to “OFF” or “AUTO” and recheck.

An aftermarket alarm or another electrical system may also interfere with the headlights. Go to a professional service to have the car rewired properly.

Finally, if automatic headlights don’t turn off during the day, the photo sensor may have broken or been covered. In most cases, the sensor sits in the middle of the dash inside the car. Clear the dashboard and recheck, or drive the car to a mechanic to diagnose the issue.

3 thoughts on “Toyota Corolla: Turn Headlights On/Off”

  1. How can you set the headlights where they can be turned on and off as driver needs them instead of them running the whole time ignition is on. 2003 toyota Corolla the lever on the left only has two ways to turn it.

    Reply
  2. This article is either wrong or out of date. I have a 2019 Corolla hybrid and there is no “off” position on the headlight stalk. There is auto, side and main.

    Reply

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