Newbie questions about a few odd things...

[scoot]

Hi -

First of all, I apologize if I am posting this to the wrong location, or if the answers are in a FAQ. I just bought a 2007 Prius w/ package 5. I have done some reading and already:

1. Have successfully turned off the beeping in reverse thing
2. Satisfied myself that I can't turn off the "I accept" requirement in the navigation.

So here are my questions that I haven't found the answers for:

1. Is there a way to increase the brightness of the illumination on the steering wheel buttons, hopefully without making everything else brighter too...

2. How do you make the modification so that the smartkey opens all the doors instead of just the driver's door?

3. Is there _really_ no coin holder???? (I realize that this isn't really a tech question, but I figured one post instead of three).

Thanks - super site!
Scott

[darelldd]

Howdy and welcome to the group.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(scoot @ Nov 28 2006, 07:31 PM) [snapback]355099[/snapback]</div>

1. Is there a way to increase the brightness of the illumination on the steering wheel buttons, hopefully without making everything else brighter too...[/b]

Not yet, though some folks are working on it.

2. How do you make the modification so that the smartkey opens all the doors instead of just the driver's door?[/b]

From my Prius Mods page, swiped from the PC FAQ: http://evnut.com/prius_smart_entry.htm. Slightly more confusing directions can also be found in your car's user manual.

3. Is there _really_ no coin holder???? (I realize that this isn't really a tech question, but I figured one post instead of three).[/b]

Really. But you can buy an $59 little tray from Sigma Automotive that'll do it for you. Look under "interior" at the bottom for "Armrest console organizer." It is a JDM part. I've found that after spending the $59 that I don't have much change left to hold!

Good luck.

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(scoot @ Nov 28 2006, 07:31 PM) [snapback]355099[/snapback]</div>

So here are my questions that I haven't found the answers for:

1. Is there a way to increase the brightness of the illumination on the steering wheel buttons, hopefully without making everything else brighter too...

2. How do you make the modification so that the smartkey opens all the doors instead of just the driver's door?

3. Is there _really_ no coin holder???? (I realize that this isn't really a tech question, but I figured one post instead of three).

Thanks - super site!
Scott
[/b]

Darell pretty much sums it up. I was disappointed that it didn't come with a driver's side compartment (like the Corolla/Camry and I suppose every other Toyota)

[Sarge]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(scoot @ Nov 28 2006, 10:31 PM) [snapback]355099[/snapback]</div>

1. Is there a way to increase the brightness of the illumination on the steering wheel buttons, hopefully without making everything else brighter too...
[/b]

Hi scoot,

You will probably find the steering wheel lighting will become a non-issue after a short while, since most drivers quickly learn the steering wheel buttons by feel after a couple weeks or months.

I agree with your point about the changeholder though... <_< myself I use a small pouch I bought at Walmart for like $2 which I keep in the upper glovebox, on that little shelf. FYI on that note, you should find a mysterious rectangular piece of plastic in the lower glove box, which fits in the slots between the hinges of the upper glovebox to make the shelf, in case you have not already discovered this.

[Oxo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(scoot @ Nov 28 2006, 10:31 PM) [snapback]355099[/snapback]</div>

3. Is there _really_ no coin holder???? (I realize that this isn't really a tech question, but I figured one post instead of three).

[/b]

Is there any objection to keeping coins in the cup holder on the front console? An alternative is to use 35mm film canisters stored in the little drawer on the front console but I suppose the objection to this is that you can't get them out so quickly.

[Renocat]

I put my change on the little shelf in the center console...but I also have EZ Pay and don't need change for tolls.

[scoot]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Oxo @ Nov 29 2006, 04:23 AM) [snapback]355165[/snapback]</div>

Is there any objection to keeping coins in the cup holder on the front console? An alternative is to use 35mm film canisters stored in the little drawer on the front console but I suppose the objection to this is that you can't get them out so quickly.
[/b]

Only a mild objection -- I prefer the coins sorted so I can get exact change easily.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Nov 28 2006, 08:46 PM) [snapback]355122[/snapback]</div>

But you can buy an $59 little tray from Sigma Automotive that'll do it for you. Look under "interior" at the bottom for "Armrest console organizer." It is a JDM part. I've found that after spending the $59 that I don't have much change left to hold!

Good luck.
[/b]

Thanks. I can't tell much from the tiny picture. Are the coins organized in separate little slots, or is it just a little coin cup for the coins to mix? I want (don't ask why) the quarters separate from dimes, etc.

[Stev0]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(scoot @ Nov 29 2006, 10:11 AM) [snapback]355198[/snapback]</div>

Only a mild objection -- I prefer the coins sorted so I can get exact change easily.
Thanks. I can't tell much from the tiny picture. Are the coins organized in separate little slots, or is it just a little coin cup for the coins to mix? I want (don't ask why) the quarters separate from dimes, etc.
[/b]

I got a nifty little coin holder at Target that keeps everything separate; it uses up one cupholder, but since I never use both at once this is a non-issue (and it's held in place by velcro in case it ever does become an issue).

What I wish for is a coin holder that just holds quarters, since that's really the only coin I need (for meters, since I also have an EZ Pass, or "Fast Lane" as they call them here in Massachusetts). My Echo had one built right in!

[Alnilam]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(scoot @ Nov 28 2006, 07:31 PM) [snapback]355099[/snapback]</div>

Is there really no coin holder???? [/b]

Prius owners are high class people. They use real folding money, not change! (Can you imagine Donald Trump fishing for a quarter?) But if you need to, you can use the little secret drawer on the lower front portion of the center armrest. This morning I ran an experiment and discovered it holds exactly $16.35. Results may vary!

Welcome to the site and enjoy the new car. I'm still dazzled by it a year later. I'm with you on wishing the steering wheel had better lighting. I never remember which telephone button to hit to answer a call ( I get so few) when it goes off in the dark. If they were reversed, I'd tell myself to remember the words, "Right on" but, unfortunately this is wrong so I have to remember that instead. But other than that I find that I have possibilities learning Braille.

[qbee42]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(scoot @ Nov 28 2006, 11:31 PM) [snapback]355099[/snapback]</div>

3. Is there _really_ no coin holder???? (I realize that this isn't really a tech question, but I figured one post instead of three).
[/b]

I use the driver's seat, mostly where the back and bottom come together. Sometimes I use the area under the seat and along the door.

Tom