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Auto-on Headlights: Why didn't my Prius have it?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Aaron, Mar 31, 2008.

  1. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Maybe...but on the Generation 3, a lot of systems that used to be belt powered by the engine were redesigned to allow for the beltless engine and are now fully electric.

    I can't imagine auto on/off headlights, since you NEED to use them at night anyway, whether you are turning them on or they are automatically turning on..would make a huge impact on MPG's. Infact the having an automatic system could be argued to be more efficient.
     
  2. Politburo

    Politburo Active Member

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    I wonder if it has to do with HID. I've seen auto-headlight systems in the past be right on the edge, so the lights cycle on and off. That's very bad for HIDs.

    You could circumvent this with some circuitry, and maybe modern cars already do this?
     
  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    True but the new Prius doesn't have HIDs so that's no longer an excuse.
     
  4. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    Neither does the Corrola, Yukon Denali, Chevy Tahoe, Caddy CTS w/non-HID just to name a few.

    But can the auto on feature still be added???
     
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I meant it's no longer a reason for TMS not to offer automatic headlights. The current gen Corolla has automatic headlights (even though it's not explicitly stated in the brochure for some reason).

    Probably but it might be costly. You'll need a headlight stalk, some wires, the dusk sensor off the top of my head.

    The cheaper solution is an aftermarket auto-headlight unit.