What no auto headlights in 2006?

chinook-hybrid · 01-08-2006, 12:11 AM

First, this is a great site. I already saved $1,400 (compared with my dealer) by purchasing the discounted Prius extended warranty offered by Troy (Toyota of Greenfield, MA) through PriusChat's special member's only offers. I am glad I hesitated at the dealership when they attempted to offer me an aftermarket brand warranty for $2,400 (7/100K with $100 deductible). For any member who was skeptical I verified the authenticity of the offer via the Better Business Bureau online at WWW.BBB.ORG. Thank you Troy and thank you PriusChat.com

On to my question/observation:

My wife and I have noticed that our 2006 Prius (P#8) is not equipped with automatic headlights. Initially we had been in the habit of turning the headlights on and off after powering on and prior to powering down the car. This was our routine until I mistakenly left the headlights on after powering down the car and noticed that when the driver door was opened the headlights turned off automatically. Since, I am in the habit of driving with the headlights on during the day it is convenient for me to not have to turn the headlights on or off... I just leave them in the on position and they turn off automatically when I exit the car. My question is (I apologize if this was mentioned in a previous post) since the headlights do shut off am I causing any long term harm or waste of battery by doing this. I appreciate your sharing of resources and look forward to offering my "pearls" of wisdom as I acquire them. Thanks for your time.

**Tideland Prius** · 01-08-2006, 01:50 AM

Nope. Unless you leave your car unattended for a long period (e.g. 2 weeks+) then it'll be safer to leave it in OFF.

chinook-hybrid · 01-08-2006, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tideland Prius@Jan 7 2006, 11:50 PM
Nope. Unless you leave your car unattended for a long period (e.g. 2 weeks+) then it'll be safer to leave it in OFF.

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Thank you for the reply. Out of curiosity why would it be an issue if it were left in the "on" position for longer than two weeks? After reading the owners manual I recalled reading something to the effect that if the car is left unattended for a long time (I would assume 2 weeks +) that you should disable the Smart Key System. Since the owners manual doesn't mention anything specifically about leaving the headlights on and powering down the car I wasn't sure. I assumed that since it was not physically on after powering down and opening the driver’s door that essentially it would be "off." I don't have to tell you about our short days in winter being north of me, but I amazed at all the innovation in this car they would not include this minor feature. Thanks for your time.

**Tideland Prius** · 01-08-2006, 02:24 AM

Well there's still a small drain (maybe Dan or others can chime in on this) on the battery. The same goes for the dome lights in DOOR position, and the vanity lights and cargo lights that are left in the ON position but auto-shut off. Canadian Priuses get automatic headlight.

01-08-2006, 12:11 AM	#1
chinook-hybrid Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: South Sound, WA Posts: 43 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	First, this is a great site. I already saved $1,400 (compared with my dealer) by purchasing the discounted Prius extended warranty offered by Troy (Toyota of Greenfield, MA) through PriusChat's special member's only offers. I am glad I hesitated at the dealership when they attempted to offer me an aftermarket brand warranty for $2,400 (7/100K with $100 deductible). For any member who was skeptical I verified the authenticity of the offer via the Better Business Bureau online at WWW.BBB.ORG. Thank you Troy and thank you PriusChat.com On to my question/observation: My wife and I have noticed that our 2006 Prius (P#8) is not equipped with automatic headlights. Initially we had been in the habit of turning the headlights on and off after powering on and prior to powering down the car. This was our routine until I mistakenly left the headlights on after powering down the car and noticed that when the driver door was opened the headlights turned off automatically. Since, I am in the habit of driving with the headlights on during the day it is convenient for me to not have to turn the headlights on or off... I just leave them in the on position and they turn off automatically when I exit the car. My question is (I apologize if this was mentioned in a previous post) since the headlights do shut off am I causing any long term harm or waste of battery by doing this. I appreciate your sharing of resources and look forward to offering my "pearls" of wisdom as I acquire them. Thanks for your time. __________________ [i][b]<span style="font-family:Arial">2006 Toyota Prius, Super White, Package #8 Accessories: Full Window Tint, 3m Clear Bra, Fumoto Valve, BT Tech stiffener plate, and Zaino'd Bi-Monthly </span>

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01-08-2006, 01:50 AM	#2
Tideland Prius Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 13,765 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: B Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 11	Nope. Unless you leave your car unattended for a long period (e.g. 2 weeks+) then it'll be safer to leave it in OFF.

01-08-2006, 02:24 AM	#4
Tideland Prius Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 13,765 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: B Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 11	Well there's still a small drain (maybe Dan or others can chime in on this) on the battery. The same goes for the dome lights in DOOR position, and the vanity lights and cargo lights that are left in the ON position but auto-shut off. Canadian Priuses get automatic headlight.