
When the Lexus AFS-OFF light illuminates, it indicates that the headlight's adaptive front-lighting system (AFS) has been deactivated. To reactivate this intelligent headlight steering function, press the switch button located above the brake pedal. If the AFS indicator light remains steadily lit, it signifies that this function is turned off. If the indicator light flashes, it indicates a malfunction in the system. The Lexus AFS function is enabled by default, with the switch button positioned on the plastic cover above the brake pedal. In case of AFS malfunction, you can attempt to reset the vehicle's control system by disconnecting the battery's negative terminal. First, ensure all vehicle power is turned off, then open the engine hood. Locate the battery's negative terminal and use a wrench or appropriate tool to disconnect it. Wait approximately ten minutes before reconnecting the terminal to complete the system initialization.

Last time I was driving my Lexus, the AFS-OFF light also came on, which scared me into stopping to check immediately. I thought the system was broken, but it turned out I had accidentally hit the AFS switch on the turn signal stalk, turning the system off. I tried pressing the button to reactivate the AFS function, but it didn’t work, possibly because the sensors were dirty—dust on the lens might have been blocking the camera or radar. I had to wipe the headlight area clean with a damp cloth, then restart the engine and try several times before the light finally went off. Later, I took it to the dealership, where they found aged wiring and fixed it properly. I recommend everyone pay attention to road bumps, which may cause sensor loosening or short circuits—don’t ignore it. Driving on highways at night with limited visibility is dangerous, so it’s best to regularly maintain your car’s headlight system.

When the AFS-OFF light comes on, I usually first check if the system was manually turned off. The Lexus steering wheel has a dedicated button that might have been accidentally pressed, so try pressing it a few times to see if the original settings can be restored. If that doesn't work, inspect the area around the headlight sensor for any obstructions blocking the camera or radar signals. These sensors are prone to being affected by flying insects or mud on highways, which can cause the system to shut down automatically. Also, consider issues like aging wiring or a blown fuse. I tried DIY disconnecting the battery for a few minutes and then reconnecting it to reset, but the results were inconsistent. Finally, I took it to a professional repair shop where they used a diagnostic tool to scan for error codes. The specific fault was a failed speed sensor, which was replaced, and the issue was resolved promptly to avoid long-term system inactivity.

The AFS-OFF light being on makes me particularly anxious while driving, worrying that the headlights won't intelligently turn in curves and I won't see the road clearly. I drove straight to the Lexus 4S store to have it checked. The technician said common causes are sensor sensitivity issues or control module bugs. They fixed it quickly and recommended avoiding frequent use of the system in rainy weather to reduce the risk of short circuits caused by moisture. Safety comes first when driving at night; don't wait until it gets serious to address it.


