IntelliBeam Headlamp Control 

The IntelliBeam System is automatic headlamp control, and it only operates if your engine is running, and the headlights are on. [This is pure logic here because what would be the point otherwise?]

IntelliBeam can automatically turn the vehicle’s high beam headlamps On and Off according to surrounding traffic conditions.

Here is how you activate the system: Once the vehicle is running set the headlight control knob to AUTO or just turn the low beams on. [You didn’t really think this was going to be tricky, did you?]

If equipped, IntelliBeam can automatically turn the vehicle’s high beam headlamps On and Off according to surrounding traffic conditions.

Set the headlamp control knob to Auto or turn the low-beam headlamps on and make sure the turn signal lever is in the neutral. [ I don’t know about you, but that lever is always in neutral when I start my vehicle. It’s easy to tell if the turn signal lever is not in the neutral position because of the little flashing green light on the dashboard and a clever syncopated sound.]

Now, depending on your vehicle, you can activate IntelliBeam by pressing a button on your turn signal lever or pushing the turn signal lever forward and back to the neutral position.

A green “A” icon displays in the instrument panel when IntelliBeam is enabled. [This is a little complicated because the “A” throws some people off. Maybe they expect to see an “I,” for IntelliBeam or think that the “A” is their grade for turning the lights on. The “A” means that IntelliBeam is activated but GM calls that “enabled.” So, why don’t we see an “E” on the display? I don’t know. Perhaps some folks would think they were out of gas. Just go with it.]

IntelliBeam detects lighting conditions and other vehicles and turns the high beams on and off as needed, depending on vehicle speed. (Note: IntelliBeam will only turn the high beams on at speeds above 25 mph). [Don’t worry, you can turn the high beams on whenever you want if you are driving a twisting, turning mountain road in the dark and do not want to go 30-mph. Stabilitrac is great, but you still have to drive safely.]

When IntelliBeam activates the high beams, a blue icon displays in the instrument panel with the green “A” icon. [OK, it is a little redundant, but it is just satisfying to see the little blue thing come on. Thomas Edison would be proud.]

The high-beam headlamps remain On until:

• The system detects an approaching vehicle’s headlamps.
• The system detects another vehicle’s taillamps in front of you (or in front of your vehicle) [ I will leave it to you to decide how a vehicle could get in front of you but not in front of your vehicle. Just sayin’.]
• Exterior lighting is bright enough that high-beam headlamps aren’t required.
• The vehicle’s speed drops below 12 mph, [This would be in rainstorms, or a series of hairpin turns where your life flashes in front of your face at various intervals.]
• The turn signal lever is moved forward to the high-beam position, or the Flash-to-Pass feature is used. [The override feature puts you in control and that is a very good thing.]

Your vehicle’s high beams may not turn off automatically if the system cannot detect the other vehicle’s lamps because of any of the following reasons:

• The other vehicle’s lamps are missing, damaged, obstructed from view or otherwise undetected. [If the other guy does not have his lights on, chances are IntelliBeam will not have much to work with there.]
• The other vehicle’s lamps are covered with dirt, snow, or road spray. [Off-roaders understand this concept and you never hear a complaint from these guys. They adjust.]
• The other vehicle’s lamps cannot be detected due to dense exhaust, smoke, fog, snow, road spray, mist or other airborne obstructions. [Well, hurricane conditions will most likely limit this system but if you are driving in that you have bigger problems to deal with.]
• Your vehicle’s windshield is dirty, cracked or obstructed by something that blocks the view of the light sensor. [Obstructed by “something” that blocks the sensor. Flying debris like in the movie Twister will do it.]
• Your vehicle is loaded such that the front-end points upward, causing the light sensor to aim high and not detect headlamps and taillamps. [The good news is that your high beams will not be bothering anyone else either except for the Highway Patrol Officer about to pull you over.]
•  You are driving on winding or hilly roads. [Chances are you are not going very fast anyway unless you are channeling your inner Ayrton Senna at Monoco.]

IntelliBeam works great, allows you to be seen as a courteous driver and makes driving a little easier and safer for everyone. IntelliBeam’s best friend is a clean windshield. Do that, and the system is a happy camper, and the road ahead will be all miles and smiles.  

If you ever need help understanding the features of your new Buick or GMC vehicle, contact us at Eagle Buick GMC and we can set up an appointment to show you how things work. 

Get Directions to Eagle Buick GMC

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