Headlights Position 3 Auto Switch? Missing?

[scwolfe]

Hi all,
I just completed reading cover to cover, all of the manuals that come with the Prius. In the 2005 Owner's Manual, page 102, it describes a "Auto" headlight switch, position 3. I only have the described positions 1 & 2, does anyone have the position 3 on their headlight switch? I have Package #3, so I would have assumed I would have all options. I have not asked the dealer yet, but I will.
Thanks, Steve

[Prolene]

I have wondered about Auto headlight myself. I read about it in the manual, and I have BC(#6) Option Package. I do not have Auto headlight in my Prius, and all option packages on Toyota's website make no mention of that option. Puzzling. Last year's option, or non North America, or...?

<Prius Option Packages>

[Tempus]

Short Answer - Yes, it's missing.

Long Answer - DRL (Daytime Running Lights) operate by running the bulb at reduced power. It's intent is to make you visible, not help you see.

HID Bulbs can not be run at reduced power, so without a second bulb you cannot use DRL on HID Vehicles.

The Prius does not have a second bulb.

So, for markets where HIDs are available, they had two options.

1) Put DRL on the Non-HID cars

2) Leave out DRL in that market.

They chose option 2.

The manual is wrong. What's surprising is that they haven't corrected it yet.

If you look up to the left on the front dash, you will see knockouts for two sensors, only one of which is occuppied. The empty one is where the DRL sensor would go.

Before you ask, No one has been able to figure out how to retro-fit DRL to cars that come without it.

[scwolfe]

Tempus, thanks for your comprehensive answer. Glad I asked. Steve

[Tideland Prius]

Automatic Headlights are standard in Canada but we don't get HIDs. Why auto-headlights can't be combined with HIDs is beyond me

[Erick]

I actually keep my headlights in the "ON" position all the time. When you open up the driver's door they automatically turn off. Is it bad to keep these on all the time? I figure it's safer to drive with them on during the day, especailly since I have a silver one.

[addison1062]

I wouldn't want to retrofit Auto On/Off DLRs, but if it was possible, I would love to retrofit it as Auto On/Off for my normal lights like I used to have in my old car. That was cool feature.

[Tideland Prius]

Well I don't mind DRLs since I can see the oncoming cars more easily but keep in mind that most drivers are considerate enough to use their headlights in poor weather. Proof? Yesterday on the way home from university, it just started to rain heavily and hail was mixed in it too. It was heavy enough that I had to leave the rear wiper on "HI" to keep it clear which as you all know is almost unnecessary in most weather conditions. While at a light, I counted 10 cars. 9 with headlights on, 1 without (it was a Pathfinder).

[Goughy]

A new California law effective from July 1, 2005 requires headlights whenever the wipers are in continuous use. See http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc24400.htm for details.

This would be a useful automatic switch to have.

-Richard

[Prolene]

There is a difference between DRLs and HIDs, I believe. DRLs remain on all the time, until the regular headlights come on. The Auto feature would turn on the regular headlights when sufficient darkness is sensed. Having the HIDs on and off when going through tunnels, cloudy days, etc., might be a problem?