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Turn on winshield wipers also turn on headlights?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by ggcc, Oct 24, 2010.

  1. ggcc

    ggcc Member

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    Would you please direct me how to make the headlights turn on when the windshield wipers are activated?

    The reason that I ask is in California, you must turn on the headlights when it rains, and I don't want to pay for tickets...:confused:
     
  2. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

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    DEI 545T auto headlight module has wiper input to activate the headlight.
     
  3. ggcc

    ggcc Member

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    Thank you very much for your help.
     
  4. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    i'd recommend using your fingers. having your lights turn on for a short period of time is rather bad if you have the HID lights.

    plus.. a little attention, and between your eyes, and fingers.. you'll never get a ticket.. has worked for me...

    plus.. in california there are usually always situations where that little automatic piece isn't going to have you covered. if the grounds are wet, and visibility is reduced by any amount, headlights get required... your sensors will not pick that scenario up...
     
  5. ggcc

    ggcc Member

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    Thank you for your suggestions; I would not 100% rely on the automatic thing. Perhaps, 99%. is ok to me.

    I tell you why. At least the oil part, I am checking my oil level at around 2K, or every time I have a chance to open hood. That mean I am not waiting for the check engine or low oil level indicator to come on.
     
  6. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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  7. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Waiting for a check engine light to come on is a very poor way to "check" for oil level since one or several error codes (of hundreds) could trigger it and most have nothing to do w/oil.

    The vast majority of cars have no "low oil level indicator". They're oil pressure lights. If you wait until that comes on, you are way low on oil or have an oil pressure problem.
     
  8. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    +1 They are called idiot lights for reason.:D

    They also come on at such a low pressure that if they come on while you are driving, it usually means you have already damaged your engine.
     
  9. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

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    The DEI piece will activate the headlight as soon as you turn on your wiper. It remains on for a minute after. I don't remember the exact time. I haven't use a 545T for over 10 years. I just remember the last one I installed had wiper trigger input to activate the lights.

    Another device that trigger the headlight when wipers are tiggered is the Rain Tracker. I installed one on my Prius recently and it works great. The headlight sensor is too sensitive. It turns on 30-60 min before the sun sets. during that time, if the sun is behind car, the headlight turns on. It will turn on when moderate over cast. I can't say the same with OEM auto lights or the 545T. It will only turn on the headlight if the auto wiper activates and not when you had to wipe a bug off the windshield. The wiper is fairly sensitive. If you're concerned about the grounds are wet, and visibility is reduced by any amount, the Rain Tracker will work better than OEM and 545T.