Back To Blog Academy

2016 Hyundai Elantra L4 1.8L_How to Operate the Exterior Lighting

By R&D
Published on June 17th, 2026

As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The Exterior Lighting system in the 2016 Hyundai Elantra L4 1.8L is designed to enhance both visibility and safety, ensuring clear illumination in various driving conditions. The vehicle is equipped with advanced headlights, including halogen or LED options depending on the model, which are controlled through the headlight switch located on the steering column. Proper use of the exterior lighting system ensures maximum effectiveness in all driving conditions, contributing to a safe and enjoyable driving experience. This guide provides an overview of the system's functionality and instructions for its proper operation in your 2016 Hyundai Elantra L4 1.8L.

Hyundai

How to set/use the feature

1. Lighting Control

To control the lights, rotate the knob at the end of the control lever to one of the following positions:

Type A

Lighting Control A

(1) Day-time Running Light (DRL) OFF position

(2) Parking light position

(3) Headlight position

(4) AUTO light position (if equipped)

Type B

Lighting Control B

(1) OFF position

(2) DRL ON position

(3) Parking light position

(4) Headlight position

2. Parking Light

Parking Light

When the light switch is set to the parking light position (1st position), the parking lights, taillights, license plate lights, and instrument panel lights illuminate.

3. Headlight

When the light switch is in the headlight position (2nd position), the headlights, parking lights, taillights, license plate lights, and instrument panel lights illuminate.

Headlight

Notice: The ignition switch must be in the ON position to activate the headlights.

4.  AUTO Light (if equipped)

  • When the light switch is in the AUTO position, the parking) lights and headlights turn on or off automatically, based on the external light conditions.
  • Although the AUTO light feature is active, it is recommended to manually turn on the lights when driving at night, in fog, or when entering dark areas such as tunnels and parking facilities.
AUTO Light

Caution:

  • Avoid covering or spilling anything on the sensor (1) located on the instrument panel.
  • Avoid cleaning the sensor with window cleaner, as the cleanser may leave a light film that can affect the sensor's operation.
  • If your vehicle has window tint or other metallic coatings on the front windshield, the AUTO light system may not function correctly.

Find the perfect scanner in 1 minute

5. High Beam Operation

High Beam Operation
  • To activate the high beam headlights, push the lever away from you. Pull the lever back to switch to low beams.
  • The high beam indicator illuminates when the high beams of the headlights are turned on.
  • To avoid discharging the battery, do not leave the lights on for an extended period when the engine is not running.

Warning: Avoid using high beams when other vehicles are approaching, as it could impair the other driver's visibility.

Release high beam

To flash the high beam headlights, pull the lever towards you and release it. The high beams will stay on as long as you hold the lever in the actuated position.

6. Turn Signals And Lane Change Signals

Turn Signals And Lane Change Signals
  • To indicate a turn, push the lever upwards for a right turn or downwards for a left turn to position (A). Once you complete the turn, the lever returns to the OFF position.
  • To indicate a lane change, gently move the turn signal lever and hold it in position (B). The lever returns to the OFF position once released.
  • One-touch lane change function: To activate the one-touch lane change function, move the turn signal lever slightly and release it. The lane change signal will blink three times.

Notice: If the turn signal indicator remains on without flashing, or flashes irregularly, it may indicate a burnt-out bulb or a poor electrical connection in the circuit. The bulb may need to be replaced.

7. Front fog light (if equipped)

Front fog light
  • Fog lights are designed to enhance visibility in conditions of poor visibility, such as fog, rain, or snow. To turn the fog lights ON and OFF, use the switch next to the headlight switch. The fog lights illuminate when the fog light switch (1) is turned to the ON position, following activation of the parking lights.
  • To switch off the fog lights, turn the switch to the OFF position.
  • The fog lights can only be used when the headlights are on low beam. When the headlight switch is set to the AUTO position, the fog lights can also be used when the headlights turn on automatically. The fog lights will turn off when the headlights are turned off.

Caution:

When in use, the fog lights draw a significant amount of electrical power from the vehicle. Only use the fog lights when visibility is low.

8. Battery saver function

  • This feature is designed to prevent battery discharge. The system automatically switches off the parking lights when the driver removes the ignition key or, in the case of a smart key, turns off the engine and opens the driver-side door.
  • This feature ensures the parking lights turn off automatically if the driver parks on the side of the road at night.
  • If needed, to keep the lights on after removing the ignition key or turning off the engine (for smart key), follow these steps:

- Open the door on the driver’s side.

- Switch the parking lights OFF and then ON again using the light switch located on the steering column.

9. Headlight escort function

  • If the key is removed from the ignition switch or set to the ACC or LOCK/OFF position while the headlights are ON, the headlights (and/or parking lights) will stay on for approximately 5 minutes. However, if the driver’s door is opened and then closed, the headlights will turn off after 15 seconds.
  • The headlights can be switched off by pressing the LOCK button on the remote key or smart key twice or by turning the light switch to the OFF or AUTO position. However, if the light switch is set to the AUTO position when it is dark outside, the headlights will remain on.

Caution:

If the driver exits the vehicle through any door other than the driver’s door, the battery saver function will not activate, and the headlamp delay function will not turn off automatically. This can lead to battery discharge. To prevent this, ensure the lamps are turned off before exiting 0the vehicle.

Back To Blog Academy

Explore Our Products

Innova 5610.png__PID:25b1434d-0da5-4c75-9e00-53f775f17ffd

OBD2 Handheld Scanners

Innova 1000 Dongle Render 7-8-2024.9 2 (5).png__PID:f7f46533-efbd-45f6-840d-97fd954ee238

OBD2 Bluetooth Scanners

Innova 1000 Dongle Render 7-8-2024.9 2 (5).png__PID:f7f46533-efbd-45f6-840d-97fd954ee238

OBD2 Tablet Scanners

05-0005_top 7.png__PID:6d6168a2-e747-4422-a97a-8763b9887396

OBD1 Tools

3340a_Main_Image_Front_Final (1) 2.png__PID:91e1e192-4adf-4d55-8f90-f2d9651f6458

Multimeters

3361_blue_240215-1183x2789-75c92773-54bb-4ee9-bfff-28c25483c339 2 (1).png__PID:d9651f64-5811-4038-8825-d1146b14e94e

Inspection Cameras

View All Products

Have Questions?

Hop in the discussion board on our community site!
It's a place where we help each other answer questions. Like Reddit but for automotive lovers.

Visit Community