What does the Buick LaCrosse dashboard's AFL maintenance light indicate?
2 Answers
Possible causes are as follows: 1. Inside the headlight: The headlight's internal steering mechanism is stuck or the drive motor is damaged. 2. Sensor: The AFL steering sensor is damaged. 3. Wiring: Loose or disconnected wiring interfaces. 4. Battery: The front headlight high-speed adjustment control module's front axle sensor signal circuit is short-circuited to the battery. Additional relevant information: 1. Reset: The AFL light cannot be manually reset by the owner; it requires inspection at a 4S shop. The light will naturally disappear after repairs. Based on owner feedback, this phenomenon often occurs in older vehicles that have been driven for several years. Sometimes, it's not an issue with other circuits or sensors; the AFL light may also appear as a precursor to the headlights failing. 2. Problem-solving approach: Based on the car's steering wheel angle, yaw rate, and driving speed, the headlights can be dynamically adjusted continuously to adapt to the current steering angle, ensuring the light direction aligns with the vehicle's current driving direction. This provides optimal illumination of the road ahead and maximizes visibility for the driver, significantly enhancing driving safety in the dark.
Last time I drove a Buick LaCrosse, the dashboard also displayed a 'Service AFL Light' warning. I initially thought it was a burnt-out headlight, but upon checking, it turned out to be a sensor failure in the Adaptive Forward Lighting system. AFL stands for Adaptive Front Lighting, which automatically adjusts the beam angle to adapt to turns or road conditions. There can be various causes for this fault, such as sensor aging, damaged internal components in the lighting module, short circuits, or loose wiring. At the time, I first checked the fuses and headlight bulbs—both were fine. It wasn’t until I took it to a repair shop for diagnostics that the issue was confirmed. This fault needs immediate attention because driving at night without automatic light adjustment can be dangerous, especially during sharp turns when the road may not be properly illuminated. If you’re not familiar with repairs, it’s best to take it to a professional shop for inspection—don’t delay.
