Confirm Light Sensor in IV or below?

[jayvee]

Could anyone verify that the light sensor is actually installed in their IV or below? I am referring to the ~3/4" sensor located on the right side of the dashboard, facing upward toward the windshield. My IV didn't come with Auto headlights (obviously) but I am considering installing fogs and a new headlight switch stalk which will have the fog light switch and the "Auto" headlight setting. However, I'm not sure if the sensor itself is actually already installed, and I'm not crazy about taking the dashboard apart to find out.

Anyone actually taken a dashboard apart on a II, III, or IV and noticed whether the sensor is actually present and connected?

Thanks!

[jaywolf]

Originally Posted by jayvee

Could anyone verify that the light sensor is actually installed in their IV or below? I am referring to the ~3/4" sensor located on the right side of the dashboard, facing upward toward the windshield. My IV didn't come with Auto headlights (obviously) but I am considering installing fogs and a new headlight switch stalk which will have the fog light switch and the "Auto" headlight setting. However, I'm not sure if the sensor itself is actually already installed, and I'm not crazy about taking the dashboard apart to find out.

Anyone actually taken a dashboard apart on a II, III, or IV and noticed whether the sensor is actually present and connected?

Thanks!

Isn't that the solar heat gain sensor?

[jim256]

Originally Posted by jayvee

Could anyone verify that the light sensor is actually installed in their IV or below? I am referring to the ~3/4" sensor located on the right side of the dashboard, facing upward toward the windshield. My IV didn't come with Auto headlights (obviously) but I am considering installing fogs and a new headlight switch stalk which will have the fog light switch and the "Auto" headlight setting. However, I'm not sure if the sensor itself is actually already installed, and I'm not crazy about taking the dashboard apart to find out.

Anyone actually taken a dashboard apart on a II, III, or IV and noticed whether the sensor is actually present and connected?

Thanks!

Why not cover it, turn on your headlights in a bright area, and see if the dash panel lights dim? Reverse and see if they brighten. I believe that controls it, based on another post.

[tumbleweed]

Post deleted, bad information. Sorry

[stream]

Originally Posted by jaywolf

Isn't that the solar heat gain sensor?

At first I assumed that's what it was, but the owner's manual says it for the automatic headlights (which we don't have in the U.S.)

[tumbleweed]

Originally Posted by stream

At first I assumed that's what it was, but the owner's manual says it for the automatic headlights (which we don't have in the U.S.)

Thanks stream that's what I was thinking also. I don't have my new Prius yet, can you confirm that the U.S. Prius (II throuth V) does not have true auto on/off headlights that turn on and off depending on ambient light? I have the impression that what Toyota calls auto headlights on our cars just come on when you start the car and go off 30 seconds (programmable) after you shut it down.

I am presently driving an '09 Corolla loaner car, it has the button on the dash too. It doesn't have auto headlights but it does have DTRLs and the button seem to make them dimmer or brighter depending on ambient light, I don't know why they did that.

[stream]

Originally Posted by tumbleweed

Thanks stream that's what I was thinking also. I don't have my new Prius yet, can you confirm that the U.S. Prius (II throuth V) does not have true auto on/off headlights that turn on and off depending on ambient light? I have the impression that what Toyota calls auto headlights on our cars just come on when you start the car and go off 30 seconds (programmable) after you shut it down.

I am presently driving an '09 Corolla loaner car, it has the button on the dash too. It doesn't have auto headlights but it does have DTRLs and the button seem to make them dimmer or brighter depending on ambient light, I don't know why they did that.

Correct--no auto on/off headlights in U.S., and there is auto headlight turn off (like follow me home lights on other cars I've owned) a certain time period after you turn the car off and open the driver's door (it's a variable time limit that can be changed by the dealer).

[jayvee]

Originally Posted by stream

Correct--no auto on/off headlights in U.S., and there is auto headlight turn off (like follow me home lights on other cars I've owned) a certain time period after you turn the car off and open the driver's door (it's a variable time limit that can be changed by the dealer).

Thanks stream,

But doesn't your headlight stalk in your V have an "Auto" position? If so, what does it do? Isn't that auto on/off? My IV stalk doesn't have the "Auto" position, but I do have the auto-off as you describe. Do you have a stalk that has the fog light switch (which I dont have on my IV) but still no "Auto" position?

J

[Judgeless]

This is a feature that I really would like to add to my IV. If anyone has any idea on how to make this work please post them.


I have not owned a car with out auto lights in 15 years. Why would they leave such a basic feature out?

[Edward Walsh]

Originally Posted by Judgeless

This is a feature that I really would like to add to my IV. If anyone has any idea on how to make this work please post them.


I have not owned a car with out auto lights in 15 years. Why would they leave such a basic feature out?

Hi Judgeless:

I am looking forward to my 2010 Toyota Prius arriving soon and I found out that the Canadian Models do have Automatic Lights!! I have had this feature on many other cars I have owned and it is a great feature.

That being said, here is a link with info from forum member Hawkmoon77 about his venture into creating Auto Headlights:

Automatic Headlights

Hopefully this is of some help.

Edward
Marystown, Newfoundland
Canada