auto headlights and daytime running lights snafu

[squall]

How many of us have a Prius that shows an auto setting on the headlight switch?
How many of us have a Prius manual that shows an auto setting on the headlight switch?
How many of us have a Prius with Daytime Running Lights?
How many of us have a Prius manual that describes daytime running lights?

Both Auto Headlights and Daytime Running Lights are positive safety features. But from what I am gathering they only exist in this Hemisphere on Canadian model Prius's. Yet all manuals for the Toyota Prius show them as standard, and do not say anything about them being an "option" on the car.

My 2007 Prius touring model actually has a space in the dashboard for a sensor for Auto lights and Daytime running lights as well as a slot in the fuse panel for the fuse to operate them.

But my dealer says that they cannot install it because the wiring was not installed when the wiring package was laid in the car.

Does the fact that the manual describes these features and makes no distinction about "only available in Canada" not seem a bit misleading to you? I think Toyota may be liable to install these features in cars it has sold here in the US.

I would ask those of you that have some interest in these safety features to respond to this post. If you have never had Automatic Headlights that come on when it gets dark, you may not have a feel for how wonderful this feature is, and given the amount of highways now in the US that require headlights on during daytime hours, Daytime Running lights are also a very advantageous feature.

If I missed the place in the manual that makes a clear disclaimer about these features being available only I certain geographic locations I certainly can be corrected, but if not, I am interested in pursuing this issue further with Toyota and there is strength in numbers

[pmanza]

I've only had my prius for a week and a half, so haven't finished reading the manual yet, but just coincidentally I read the headlight portion last night and was quite pissed to see the section described auto on headlights and DRL's when it isn't an option for us. it definitely should be. So put me on your team.
Fernsmom

[David Beale]

DRLs may not satisfy you completely however. The tail lamps are not on. There are some minor "difficulties" with auto headlamps. For one, when you enter a tunnel there is a delay before the headlamps turn on. You really want them on when you enter a tunnel, as you eyes have not yet adjusted to the dark. So you have to remember where the switch is (that you may otherwise never use) and to use it (switch to manual on).

The Canadian cars have these functions, but don't have the maintenance reminder which is also described in the owners manual. It does state in the front of the manual that not all cars will have all described equipment, so I think Toyota is covered, if you were thinking of some sort of complaint.

[qbee42]

Your version of the Prius has HID headlamps, which do not work with the daytime running lights or auto features. Some people leave their headlights on at all times, which works as a daytime running light and precludes the need for auto-on lights (they are already auto-off, with some limitations). However, using HID headlamps as daytime running lights will shorten the lives of the expensive lamps.

Tom

[Allannde]

Both Tom and David are correct. Think about that before you act on your feelings of dismay.

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(squall @ Sep 11 2007, 12:50 PM) [snapback]510748[/snapback]</div>

How many of us have a Prius that shows an auto setting on the headlight switch?
How many of us have a Prius manual that shows an auto setting on the headlight switch?
How many of us have a Prius with Daytime Running Lights?
How many of us have a Prius manual that describes daytime running lights?

Both Auto Headlights and Daytime Running Lights are positive safety features. But from what I am gathering they only exist in this Hemisphere on Canadian model Prius's. Yet all manuals for the Toyota Prius show them as standard, and do not say anything about them being an "option" on the car.

My 2007 Prius touring model actually has a space in the dashboard for a sensor for Auto lights and Daytime running lights as well as a slot in the fuse panel for the fuse to operate them.

But my dealer says that they cannot install it because the wiring was not installed when the wiring package was laid in the car.

Does the fact that the manual describes these features and makes no distinction about "only available in Canada" not seem a bit misleading to you? I think Toyota may be liable to install these features in cars it has sold here in the US.

I would ask those of you that have some interest in these safety features to respond to this post. If you have never had Automatic Headlights that come on when it gets dark, you may not have a feel for how wonderful this feature is, and given the amount of highways now in the US that require headlights on during daytime hours, Daytime Running lights are also a very advantageous feature.

If I missed the place in the manual that makes a clear disclaimer about these features being available only I certain geographic locations I certainly can be corrected, but if not, I am interested in pursuing this issue further with Toyota and there is strength in numbers
[/b]

Simple. You're not the only country using that damn manual. We exist too :P

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(squall @ Sep 11 2007, 12:50 PM) [snapback]510748[/snapback]</div>

How many of us have a Prius that shows an auto setting on the headlight switch?
How many of us have a Prius manual that shows an auto setting on the headlight switch?
How many of us have a Prius with Daytime Running Lights?
How many of us have a Prius manual that describes daytime running lights?

Both Auto Headlights and Daytime Running Lights are positive safety features. But from what I am gathering they only exist in this Hemisphere on Canadian model Prius's. Yet all manuals for the Toyota Prius show them as standard, and do not say anything about them being an "option" on the car.

My 2007 Prius touring model actually has a space in the dashboard for a sensor for Auto lights and Daytime running lights as well as a slot in the fuse panel for the fuse to operate them.

But my dealer says that they cannot install it because the wiring was not installed when the wiring package was laid in the car.

Does the fact that the manual describes these features and makes no distinction about "only available in Canada" not seem a bit misleading to you? I think Toyota may be liable to install these features in cars it has sold here in the US.

I would ask those of you that have some interest in these safety features to respond to this post. If you have never had Automatic Headlights that come on when it gets dark, you may not have a feel for how wonderful this feature is, and given the amount of highways now in the US that require headlights on during daytime hours, Daytime Running lights are also a very advantageous feature.

If I missed the place in the manual that makes a clear disclaimer about these features being available only I certain geographic locations I certainly can be corrected, but if not, I am interested in pursuing this issue further with Toyota and there is strength in numbers
[/b]

Simple. You're not the only country using that damn manual. We exist too :P

[squall]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Sep 11 2007, 09:33 PM) [snapback]510997[/snapback]</div>

Simple. You're not the only country using that damn manual. We exist too :P
[/b]

i beg your pardon. are you in another country or from another planet.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(squall @ Sep 11 2007, 10:09 PM) [snapback]511034[/snapback]</div>

i beg your pardon. are you in another country or from another planet.
[/b]

[squall]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Sep 11 2007, 09:33 PM) [snapback]510997[/snapback]</div>

Simple. You're not the only country using that damn manual. We exist too :P
[/b]

i beg your pardon. are you in another country or from another planet.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(squall @ Sep 11 2007, 10:09 PM) [snapback]511034[/snapback]</div>

i beg your pardon. are you in another country or from another planet.
[/b]

[SW03ES]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(qbee42 @ Sep 11 2007, 04:53 PM) [snapback]510796[/snapback]</div>

Your version of the Prius has HID headlamps, which do not work with the daytime running lights or auto features.[/b]

This is not completely true. It is true that since the Prius has bi-xenon HIDs (which means the highs are HIDs also and are controlled by deflecting the same bulb's beam, most HIDs are just depowered high beams) the headlights cannot be DRLs. They could however rig the foglights to operate as DRLs, although that would be problematic since not all Priuses have foglights.

And who told you that auto headlamps couldn't be done wih HID lamps? MANY MANY MANY cars have auto HID headlamps, including my Lexus. Its a cost saving feature.