Is It Possible To Add Headlight On/Off Feature On An LE?

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Main Forum' started by VelvetFoot, Oct 1, 2025.

  1. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Member

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    (I don't have the car yet.)

    It seems the LE version does not turn on its headlights when it gets dark.
    Is it possible to add this option, perhaps via the OBDC port and an app?
     
    #1 VelvetFoot, Oct 1, 2025
    Last edited: Oct 1, 2025
  2. Winston Smith

    Winston Smith Active Member

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    What is the DL version?
     
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    In gen 3 it involved studying the wiring diagram differences between the versions with and without, then adding some wires and changing a switch.

    After the first person figures it out, others can just follow the post. I don't know if the first person has done it for gen 5 yet.
     
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  4. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Member

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    Thanks. I forgot about the switch. It's on a steering wheel stalk, right? Might not be easy or cheap just to do that.

    edit: I found the thread, from 2009!
     
    #4 VelvetFoot, Oct 1, 2025
    Last edited: Oct 1, 2025
  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    When I did it on my gen 3 I found a Lexus stalk that fit perfectly and had both a headlight AUTO position and a fog light switch, for $40 at a recycler.
     
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  6. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Member

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    At this point there may be some higher end late model Prius-es at the junkyard. :)
     
  7. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Member

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    Fixed it, thanks.
    I have a lot of acronyms bouncing around in my head, I guess. :)
     
  8. Hammersmith

    Hammersmith Senior Member

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    There absolutely are. I've bought parts off of one, and trying to get more off another. They aren't plentiful, but they're out there. Use http://www.Car-Part.com to find them.
     
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  9. Eqcliu

    Eqcliu New Member

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    If you can't figure it out there is a viable-ish workaround.

    Keep the headlights on at all times and turn the headlight timer to 0 from the headunit. This will run your low beams at all times, turn them off automatically when you turn off the car, and stop the annoying buzzer from going off if you open the door without turning the headlight off.

    Downside is your miss out on your head light staying in for a bit after you leave your car.
     
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  10. Gokhan

    Gokhan Senior Member

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    I know that sucks. That is the only safety feature the LE/SE are missing. Never use the DRL-off position in case you forget to turn on the headlights.
     
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  11. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Member

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    My MINI has it. It also has cool looking DRLs, like the Prius. Be a shame to give them up.
     
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