How to Turn Off Subaru WRX Steering Responsive Fog Lights: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you own a Subaru WRX, you might be familiar with the steering responsive fog lights feature. This innovative system automatically adjusts the fog lights’ direction as you steer, providing better visibility when driving in foggy conditions. However, some drivers find this feature distracting or annoying, especially when driving on curvy roads or in areas with changing visibility. If you’re one of them, you’ll be happy to know that turning off the steering responsive fog lights is an easy process that only takes a few minutes. In this article, we’ll explain how to disable this feature, the benefits of doing so, and some tips to remember.

What Are Steering Responsive Fog Lights?

Before we dive into how to turn off the steering responsive fog lights, let’s take a moment to understand what they are and how they work. As mentioned earlier, these lights are designed to adjust their direction according to the steering wheel’s movement. This means that when you turn, the fog lights pivot slightly to illuminate the area in front of the car more effectively. The system uses sensors and an electric motor to move the lights, which are mounted on swiveling brackets.

Steering responsive fog lights are a standard feature on all WRX trims, except the base model. When enabled, the system automatically turns on the fog lights when you activate the low beams, regardless of whether the other driving lights are on or off. This can be convenient when driving in areas with low visibility, such as fog, rain, or snow. However, the system can also be distracting or annoying for some drivers, especially if they’re not used to it or prefer to have more control over their lights.

Benefits of Disabling Steering Responsive Fog Lights

There are a few benefits to turning off the steering responsive fog lights feature in your Subaru WRX. Here are some of them:

• Less distraction: When driving on curvy roads or in areas with varying visibility, the constant movement of the fog lights can be distracting or annoying for some drivers. By disabling this feature, you can have a more stable light beam that doesn’t pivot with the steering wheel.
• More control: When the steering responsive fog lights are on, you don’t have much control over their direction or angle. This can be frustrating for drivers who want to adjust the lights manually or point them in a specific direction. By turning off this feature, you can have more control over your lights and customize them to your liking.
• Longer bulb life: The more the fog lights move, the more stress they put on the bulbs and the swiveling brackets. This can potentially reduce the lifespan of these components and require more maintenance or replacements over time. By disabling the steering responsive fog lights, you can extend the bulb life and reduce wear and tear on the brackets.

How to Turn Off Steering Responsive Fog Lights in a Subaru WRX

Now that you know the benefits of disabling the steering responsive fog lights, let’s see how to do it in your Subaru WRX. The process is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps:

1. Start your car and activate the low beams. Make sure the headlights and the fog lights are on. If you don’t have the fog lights on, you won’t be able to disable the steering responsive feature.

2. Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition. Wait for a few seconds to allow the system to reset.

3. Insert the key back into the ignition and turn it to the "on" position, but don’t start the engine yet. You should see a yellow "Fog Light" icon on the dashboard.

4. Using the steering wheel controls, navigate to the settings menu and select the "Fog Light" option. You should see a sub-menu with three options: "On," "Off," and "Steering Responsive."

5. Select the "Off" option and confirm your choice. The fog lights should turn off immediately, and the yellow icon on the dashboard should disappear.

6. Start your engine and activate the low beams again. The fog lights should remain off, even if you turn the steering wheel.

Congratulations, you have successfully turned off the steering responsive fog lights in your Subaru WRX! Remember that this process only disables this feature and doesn’t affect the regular fog lights. Also, keep in mind that disabling this feature might not be legal in some areas or might void your warranty. Check your local laws and consult your owner’s manual before making any modifications to your car.

Tips to Remember When Disabling the Fog Lights Feature

Here are some tips to keep in mind when disabling the steering responsive fog lights feature in your Subaru WRX:

• Be careful when driving in foggy conditions without the steering responsive lights. This feature was designed to provide better visibility in adverse weather conditions, and turning it off might reduce your safety margin. Make sure you use your regular fog lights and adjust your speed and following distance accordingly.
• Keep the fog lights clean and well-maintained. Even if you disable the steering responsive feature, your fog lights are still essential for driving in foggy or low-light conditions. Make sure you clean them regularly and replace the bulbs if they’re dim or burnt out.
• Don’t rely solely on the fog lights. While they can be helpful in some situations, fog lights are not a substitute for headlights or other safety equipment. Make sure your car is properly equipped and maintained, and use your common sense when driving in challenging conditions.

Troubleshooting Tips if the Feature Does Not Turn Off

In rare cases, some Subaru WRX owners might experience difficulties turning off the steering responsive fog lights feature. If this happens, here are some troubleshooting tips to try:

• Check if your car’s battery is fully charged. Low battery voltage might interfere with the fog lights’ operation and prevent you from disabling the feature. Try charging or replacing your battery and see if the problem persists.
• Reset your car’s electronics system. Sometimes, a glitch or a sensor malfunction can prevent the fog lights from turning off. Try disconnecting the battery cables for a few minutes or resetting the system manually, following the instructions in your owner’s manual.
• Consult a professional mechanic or dealer. If none of these solutions work, you might have a more severe problem with your car’s electronics. Don’t hesitate to contact a professional mechanic or your Subaru dealer for advice and assistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, turning off the steering responsive fog lights feature in your Subaru WRX is a simple and practical solution for some drivers who find this feature distracting or annoying. However, keep in mind that disabling this feature might have some drawbacks, such as reduced visibility in foggy conditions or potential legal and warranty issues. Use this guide as a starting point to make an informed decision and customize your car’s settings to your liking. Stay safe and enjoy your Subaru WRX driving experience!