What does the AFL warning light mean in Cadillac maintenance?
2 Answers
AFL stands for Adaptive Front Lighting. When the maintenance warning appears, it usually occurs during U-turns or sharp turns when the steering wheel is turned to full lock (with automatic turn signal activation) for more than a few seconds. Occasionally, this warning may appear, but simply restarting the vehicle should resolve it, so there's no need for excessive concern. If restarting doesn't work, there might be an issue with the sensors or other components, and it's recommended to visit a 4S dealership or repair shop for inspection. Below are some driving precautions: 1. Check mirrors: Always use turn signals and decelerate when turning or changing lanes. Before turning, check the rearview mirrors - left turns mainly require checking the left mirror, right turns the right mirror, and both directions require checking the interior rearview mirror. 2. Avoid fixating on the front of the car: When driving on clear roads, keep your gaze level looking about 100 meters ahead, not focused on the immediate front of the vehicle. 3. Clutch operation: When decelerating at speeds above 40 km/h, there's no need to press the clutch immediately; wait until the speed drops to about 20 km/h before engaging the clutch. 4. Steering: Use slower steering movements for high-speed turns and quicker steering for low-speed maneuvers.
As a veteran mechanic with over a decade of experience, I can tell you that when the AFL warning light comes on in a Cadillac, it indicates a malfunction in the Adaptive Forward Lighting system. AFL stands for Adaptive Front-lighting Technology, which automatically adjusts the headlight beam direction based on your steering angle to improve visibility around curves. The illuminated warning light signals a system issue, with potential causes including faulty steering angle sensors, damaged control modules, or signal interruption due to bulb aging. In Cadillacs, this system is integrated with the electronic power steering system, and common problems involve sensors covered in mud/water or loose wiring. Having handled numerous similar cases myself, I strongly advise against ignoring this issue - when malfunctioning, the headlights won't adjust with steering, significantly increasing nighttime driving risks in curves. Immediately visit a dealership or professional repair shop to connect diagnostic scanners and identify the root cause through trouble codes. For maintenance, keep the headlight area clean and prevent water accumulation that accelerates aging, but complex issues ultimately require professional diagnostic tools for resolution.
