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How to Map Headlights in Iracing

A calm, step-by-step guide for iRacing beginners on how to map headlights in iRacing. Map a button, test in practice, and run confident night sessions today.

If opening iRacing menus makes you pause, you’re in the right place. You don’t need to be an engineer to set up headlights—just a few clicks and a quick test. This short guide shows iRacing beginners exactly what to do and why it matters, without jargon.

how to map headlights in iracing (Quick Answer)

Mapping headlights in iRacing means assigning a physical button or control to toggle headlights from the Controls setup. Once assigned, the sim will respond in practice and race sessions, letting you turn lights on/off for night tracks or pit entry without digging through menus.

Why this matters for beginners

If you’re new to iRacing, you might wonder “how iRacing works” when it comes to extra controls like lights. Properly mapped headlights keep you focused on driving at night, help with pit timing, and avoid last‑second fumbling. For iRacing beginners, it’s a tiny setup step with a big payoff in confidence.

Simple step-by-step guide

Open iRacing and go to Options > Controls.
Select your car and the input device (wheel, button box, keyboard, or gamepad).
Click “Edit” or “Add” and search for the action named “Lights” or “Headlights” (naming can vary by car).
Press the physical button or switch you want to use; iRacing should capture that input. Save the profile.
Test immediately in a practice session: on many cars the HUD will show lights on/off or simply toggle in the cockpit view.

Tip: if the car uses a “Lights” toggle and also has separate “High Beam” or “Rain Lights,” map only what you need at first.

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

Mistake: Mapping the wrong input (e.g., axis instead of button). Fix: Re-open Controls, delete the unwanted binding, and reassign using a clear button press.
Mistake: Not saving the control profile. Fix: Always click Save and name the profile so you can reuse it for different cars.
Mistake: Expecting LED feedback from a wheel that doesn’t support it. Fix: Test in-sim visually or use a button box with confirmed LED indicators.

Quick pro tips (for a smoother start)

Use a simple, reachable button (not a rarely used hat switch) for headlights.
Create one profile named “Headlights” and copy it to other cars to save time.
If you’re new to iRacing, practice toggling lights in a quick practice session before your first night race.
Check car-specific setups: some prototypes and GT cars have separate commands for rain lights or daytime running lights.
For community help and fast answers, search iRacing forums or join an iRacing Discord (friendly drivers often share car-specific tips).

FAQs

Q: Can I map headlights to a keyboard key?
A: Yes. iRacing accepts keyboard, wheel, button box, and gamepad inputs—just press the key when assigning the control.

Q: Why don’t my headlights toggle in the race?
A: Make sure the mapping is saved for the car you’re driving and test in practice. Some cars only show effects at certain times (e.g., dusk/night).

Q: Do different cars use different names for the light command?
A: Yes — look for “Lights,” “Headlights,” “High Beam,” or “Rain Lights.” If unsure, check the car’s setup notes or forum posts.

Q: Will mapping lights affect other controls?
A: Not if you assign a unique button. Avoid using the same input for multiple functions unless you intend that behavior.

Final takeaways

Mapping headlights is quick, low-friction, and worth doing before your first night session. Next step: assign a reachable button, save the profile, and try toggling lights in a short practice—then race with one less thing to worry about. For car-specific quirks, community resources (forums or Discord) are great next stops.