Question about Daytime Running Lights on Prius V

Do please let me know how this turns out. I am very curious to hear the outcome (both for the DRLs and for the AUTO function)!!!

 

So the idea is to keep the headlights on at 100% (rather than the normal 50% for DRL) at all times (since it has auto-off and will turn off on their own) and fool the inspection people into thinking it has DRL?

 

It's been reported here and elsewhere that true DRLs do not run at full intensity, but you don't need to worry about this if all the inspection people care about is if they're always on and can't be turned off by the driver.

 

Can't you install some LED strips like the Audi's have in addition to your normal lights? Or is that not allowed under canadian legislation?

 

I have been trying to find a DRL solution for my V as well. In normal, tungsten based headlights, they are run at 60% to lengthen their life. This is not necessary for the LED headlights.

 

I have had HID-equipped cars in the past. HIDs were NEVER used as DRL. However, the secondary headlights (maybe the ones used for high-beams) were on at half intensity. This is the case with my Sienna (which has factory HIDs and DRL). So, i don't think that you can use the LED as DRL at lower intensity. Doesn't LED make horrible dimmers in homes?

 

On my truck I just bought an eBay set for $10. Simply make your own loom with a bit of wire, wrap self almalgamating tape around it to neatly waterproof it, add a 5a inline fuse holder and tap it directly into ignition live.

Took me 5 minutes. Some sets of led strings can even be cut to length so I had a perfect fit along the main lights and due too the bodywork gaps it is neatly recessed as well.

I would guess that any local car audio shop would do the install for you for a nominal amount if you are not confident enough.

Hope that helps.

 

Very clever idea!

 

Is there an easy path to DRL for US vehicles -- since the "cannot be turned off" issue doesn't come into play?

For my Sebring, to get DRLs, you buy a Canadian part which plugs into a pre-set receptor in the fuse box. After that, you have DRL running at the proper reduced brightness.

Is there anything along these lines of a plug-in part which US Prius (without LEDs) could use to duplicate this?

 

Try this place. Sequential Turn Signals, One Touch Turn Signals, Challenger Sequential Taillights, Sequential Tail Lights, Mustang, Dynamite Stick Sequential, Pulsing Brake Light Pulser Flasher, One Touch Convertible Top, Dynamite Stick, One Touch Turn Signals, Dayt I know someone if not a few people have done it already. They had to extend a couple of wires, but no big deal. I emailed them awhile back and they said they will have a plug and play kit for the Gen III's by this summer. It's not for the headlights, instead it's for the turn signal lights which I prefer anyways. Will be getting the kit once they have the actual one for our cars as it will be easier and I just don't have the time these days to be getting too involved with mods at the moment.

 

Try this place. Sequential Turn Signals, One Touch Turn Signals, Challenger Sequential Taillights, Sequential Tail Lights, Mustang, Dynamite Stick Sequential, Pulsing Brake Light Pulser Flasher, One Touch Convertible Top, Dynamite Stick, One Touch Turn Signals, Dayt I know someone if not a few people have done it already. They had to extend a couple of wires, but no big deal. I emailed them awhile back and they said they will have a plug and play kit for the Gen III's by this summer. It's not for the headlights, instead it's for the turn signal lights which I prefer anyways. Will be getting the kit once they have the actual one for our cars as it will be easier and I just don't have the time these days to be getting too involved with mods at the moment.

 

ooops. Sorry about the double post.

 

Seriously? Dude, you're so lucky! :rockon:

I brought my 2008 Prius from the US to Ontario about 2 years ago. The local Ontario Toyota dealership could not install the DRLs. But, they recommended this aftermarket place that installed them for about $200.

When I had the car inspected, the CT guy has never seen a Prius before. I watched him for about 5 minutes trying to figure out how to turn on the ignition. I came over and turned it on for him. He seemed embarrassed and confused that he just checked off on everything. If I had known that was going to happen, I would not have installed the DRLs and saved my $200.

I've been having problems with my 12V battery since I moved to Canada. The dealership has replaced my 12V battery twice. The DRLs were the only aftermarket items installed on my 2008 Prius. But, the dealership could not find the source of the draw. In fact, the draw is so minuscule that they've ruled out the DRLs and concluded that the 12V batteries were defective (which means, the factory installed and one brand new 12V battery replacement in the last 2 years). I'm on my third 12V battery which I'm hoping is not "defective".

I never had this problem before the DRLs were installed. I could leave my car idle for 2 weeks or more without being fully discharged.

Oh well, I'm hoping this battery does not die on me again while I'm gone next month for a week long business trip.

 

I just sent them a note as well asking if they had plans for the One Touch Turn Signal. Having come from 13 years' of driving German cars, I miss this functionality.

I also am thinking of installing a Rain Tracker module as I do miss my rain-sensing wipers...