Daytime running lights

[ninalr]

My 1st Prius was a 2003...it came with daytime running lights. Then I got the 2004 which didn't have that feature (the dealer told me they all went to Canada where that's a legal requirement). Sadly, I was in a crash which totalled my less than 1yr old baby. So now I have a 2006 which still doesn't have daytime running lights. Meanwhile my husband is still driving the original model with DRL!
Does anyone know why this feature is not available on current models?

[IsrAmeriPrius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(spanielsmum @ Jul 5 2006, 04:58 PM) [snapback]281690[/snapback]</div>

Does anyone know why this feature is not available on current models?
[/b]

Because the U.S. government does not mandate it.

[seasalsa]

Yes, lots of us miss that feature. There is a work around, if you just turn your lights on and leave them on they will go off when you open the door after shuting the car down.

[tdub1974]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(seasalsa @ Jul 5 2006, 08:52 PM) [snapback]281718[/snapback]</div>

Yes, lots of us miss that feature. There is a work around, if you just turn your lights on and leave them on they will go off when you open the door after shuting the car down.
[/b]

This is what I do as well. I think the owner's manual turned me to this making it out to be the same as daytime running lights

[roopesh]

I, personally, am glad DRL is not enabled by default. Though it may seem insignificant, think about the extra battery drain those headlights are placing on your car.

I don't like DRL. I had a truck with that and had to find a way to disable it... different strokes for different folks, I guess...

[sdsteve]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(roopesh @ Jul 5 2006, 06:14 PM) [snapback]281733[/snapback]</div>

I, personally, am glad DRL is not enabled by default. Though it may seem insignificant, think about the extra battery drain those headlights are placing on your car.

I don't like DRL. I had a truck with that and had to find a way to disable it... different strokes for different folks, I guess...
[/b]

so can the dealer program this feature on??

[TJandGENESIS]

I don't like DRL's at all. I think they serve little purpose.

I had them in my '02 nB and I disabled them. My MPG actually went up. You do use some power for lighting them.

To each her/his own.

[blfuller]

I was reading the manual of my '09 and they are disabled on the US models but I would think they could be enabled if desired by the dealer or if you know how to do it yourself

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by blfuller

I was reading the manual of my '09 and they are disabled on the US models but I would think they could be enabled if desired by the dealer or if you know how to do it yourself

No, this is not the case. The better U.S. models feature HID headlamps, which are not compatible with reduced wattage use as daytime running lights. To have real daytime running lights, the cars would require the addition of another headlamp assembly, not simple configuration from the dealer. This is also the reason that U.S. models of the Prius lack auto-on headlamps.

Tom

[KK6PD]

Originally Posted by qbee42

No, this is not the case. The better U.S. models feature HID headlamps, which are not compatible with reduced wattage use as daytime running lights. To have real daytime running lights, the cars would require the addition of another headlamp assembly, not simple configuration from the dealer. This is also the reason that U.S. models of the Prius lack auto-on headlamps.

Tom

AMEN, with all the problems folks have had with HID, I would rather not just waste them away in the daytime. The only exception, at least here in CA if your windshield wipers are on, your headlights have to be on. New safety law enacted Jan 2007!! If wipers are off, off with the HIDS!

Safety First!!!
73 de Pat KK6PD