Daytime running lights

I just got my beautiful blue 2010 Prius II and I absolutely love it! I found out it doesn't have daytime running lights. I thought they were a requirement for all new US vehicles....does anyone know?

There's a plug in the dashboard for a sensor, but it doesn't have auto-on lights either. I really miss that one!

Thanks!

Diane

Diane:


There are two possible solutions for this:

1. Leave your headlights turned on. They will switch off when you turn the car off, giving the feeling of DRLs.
2. You can add a module under the hood that will make your amber turn signals in the front DRLs. Module: Daytime Running Lights, Daytime Running Lamps - WebElectric Products

p.s. It is not a requirement in the U.S. to have DRLs. It is, however, a requirement in Canada, where they have DRLs standard.

The are required in Canada, but not the U.S.

DRL affects mileage

Just curious....how/why do DRL affect mileage?

Diane

Because the car is pushing against the beams of light? ROTFL

Anything that draws current causes the generator to work a little harder, even if it is an infinitesimal amount. I don't think that DRLs would cause any significant drop in mileage though.

I also would like daytime running lights and auto-on headlights, just like my 2000 Camry has...I miss these features very much. I have the Nav System, so leaving the headlights in the "on" position causes the Nav screen to be in "night" mode, and therefore not visible in sunlight. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Helllllooo Toyota engineers......is anybody listening!

Any Daytime running light hacks?

I want to install DRL's on a 2010 type V. I would like to use dimmed high beams - my insurance company does not consider the turn signal or foglight approach adequate for an insurance premium discount. My thought is to use the side marker as the indication that the headlights are on. I naturally want the high beams to be able to signal at full brightness when in DRL mode. I don't want to mess with the LED headlights. Does anyone have any ideas if either there is an existing system that will do this, or how to construct a system that will? I was hoping to install the Canadian DRL system but don't know if this could be done - no information available from my dealer or the Canadian dealers I have talked to.
Thanks.
BTW, my insurance company tells me that this will reduce my premium by about $50/year. I currently leave my headlights on all the time, but this does not count as DRL for insurance premium reduction purposes.

There is a kit for the Gen II that might be re-worked for the GenIII as you described. The tough part would be dimming/reducing the power.

Isn't it something the dealer can switch on by pluging their computer into the Prius or by going into a hidden service menu on the car?

I asked my dealer when I purchased my G3 pkg IV and I was told it was more work than it was worth to get Daytime running lights working on a model that did not come with them from the factory. Does anyone know if the package that is out for the G2 that turns on the parking lights will work for G3 as well?

I had a local car audio store fit the V fogs on my III with an independent switch. Serves the purpose.

If you want DRL using factory components it can be done with some work and some money. The factory DRL relay can be had for about $145 from autopartspeople.com. The part number for the "Relay" (really a solid state device) is 82642-47020. The Lexus HS250H uses this device so you can get it at the Lexus dealer but for a higher cost. I would recommend you subscribe to the TIS site and get the wiring diagrams. You will have to do some rewiring in the Engine Room Fuse Box. I don't think a dealer would touch it. This is not a kit you would be on your own. It turns out that the Main ECU does not service the pin that drives DRL. It can be tested manually using the TechStream but does not drive the pin it on its own. It seems to be disabled. Any info on enabling it would be great. You will have to use some relays for control logic instead.

Given that DRLs are required in Canada, how do Canadian Priuses/Prii accomplish it?

Yes my has DLRs not sure how it's controlled don't think there's a switch since we can't turn it off it's on once we start the car.
Does anyone know if the DLRs can be upgraded to a LED bulb or HID?

How does your car work? Is it the highbeam bulbs the are one at half power or the lowbeam? Or is there yet another bulb?