How do you turn on the AFS light on a Toyota Crown?
You cannot manually toggle the AFS indicator on a Toyota Crown—the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) status light is designed to illuminate automatically when the system is active or to warn of a fault.
This article explains what AFS is, how the indicator typically behaves in Crown models, and practical steps to verify the system is operating or troubleshoot if the light does not behave as expected. The exact controls can vary by trim level and model year, so refer to your owner's manual for trim-specific details.
What is Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)?
AFS stands for Adaptive Front-lighting System. It adjusts the direction and angle of the headlight beam in response to steering input, vehicle speed, and other factors to improve illumination on curves and corners. In the Crown, AFS is part of the headlight and driver-assistance package and works alongside the standard headlight setup (often LED or HID headlights) to enhance nighttime visibility and safety.
AFS indicator behavior in the Crown
The AFS indicator on the dashboard serves as a status signal for the adaptive lighting system. In most Crown configurations, the light may:
Typical startup and active-phase behavior
Under normal conditions, the indicator may flash briefly during startup as the system runs a self-check, then settle off. When driving in low-light conditions and turning or steering, the AFS may engage and the indicator can illuminate to confirm active operation. If there is a fault, a warning light related to the lighting or a check-system message may accompany or replace the AFS indicator.
How to verify AFS is active
Use these steps as a quick checklist to confirm AFS is functioning in compatible Crown models. Note that not all trims offer a manual toggle; AFS tends to engage automatically when the headlights are on and driving conditions trigger it.
- Turn the ignition on and switch the headlights to Auto or Low Beam.
- Check the vehicle’s lighting or driver-assistance settings for an Adaptive Front Lighting option and ensure it is enabled if your trim provides a manual setting.
- Drive in conditions where AFS is designed to operate (nighttime or when navigating curves) and observe whether the headlights adjust with steering input. The AFS indicator should reflect active engagement if the system is functioning.
- If your Crown has a dedicated AFS on/off switch, make sure it is set to On; if your model lacks a switch, rely on the automatic behavior of the headlight system.
If the indicator does not light or you do not notice any headlight beam adjustment, the feature may be unavailable on your trim, temporarily disabled, or experiencing a fault. In that case, consult the owner's manual or contact a Toyota dealership for a diagnostic check.
Troubleshooting the AFS indicator
If the AFS light behaves abnormally, try these checks to determine whether a fault exists or if configuration is needed.
- Confirm that the vehicle’s headlights and AFS system are powered and that you are using a trim that supports AFS. Some lower trims may omit advanced adaptive lighting features.
- Look for all related warning lights in the instrument cluster. A fault in the lighting system or a sensor issue can trigger a warning alongside or instead of the AFS indicator.
- Review the owner’s manual for model-year and trim-specific steps to enable or troubleshoot AFS, as the location of settings and switches can vary.
- If the indicator remains off when conditions should trigger AFS, schedule a diagnostic with an authorized Toyota service center to check for sensor, wiring, or module faults.
Regular maintenance of the lighting system and timely diagnostics help ensure AFS functions as intended and can prevent false or misleading indicator behavior.
Summary
The AFS light on a Toyota Crown is a status indicator, not a manual toggle. It generally lights or activates automatically when the Adaptive Front-lighting System engages with the headlights on and driving conditions warrant directional headlight adjustment. If the light does not appear or you suspect a fault, explore the vehicle’s lighting settings for your trim, verify that the system is enabled, and consult the manual or a dealer for diagnostics. Keeping the system in good condition enhances nighttime visibility and safety.
