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Is there a way to turn off the headlights?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by HarryK, Aug 31, 2009.

  1. HarryK

    HarryK Junior Member

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    When I am parking at night I don't like my lights on (shines in my neighbors windows), but there seems to be no way to turn them off on the Gen 1 Prius.

    Is there a trick, or do I need to map the circuits and install a physical switch?
     
    #1 HarryK, Aug 31, 2009
  2. LeviSmith

    LeviSmith Member

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    I agree, this would be really nice. But as far as I know, the only thing you can do is put the parking brake on. Then when you start the car, the headlights won't be on until you release the parking brake...
    (Short of installing a new relay/switch...)

    Levi
     
    #2 LeviSmith, Sep 1, 2009
  3. w2co

    w2co Member

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    I looked into this a while back, and found out that even if you were to put in a switch (non-standard equipment) to shut off headlights, it will most probably cause a DTC (head lamp failure) originating from the body ecu. So other than the above mentioned parking brake method, I don't think one can shut off the head lights. I have an 03 genI prius with the running light option which has the head lights on at 50% all the time, and of course 100% when switched on all the way. You would think that with a vehicle that uses electricity, you would not want to run it down with the head lights on, however the head lights are powered by the 12V system not the HV battery, so the worst case would be in winter, in a traffic jam or stop n go very slow traffic and when the ICE shuts down, now the lights are running solely from the 12V battery. If the 12V battery is marginal then the current draw from the lights could run the voltage down below 11.7V at which point a whole pandoras box of all kinds of false DTC's could happen due to all system sensors now out of cal. at the lower system voltage. Now whenever I'm in that situation I switch the lightswitch to the middle position to at least keep the head lamps at 50% only, this could buy you more time to exit the situation. But hey it's still a nice car.
     
    #3 w2co, Dec 21, 2009
  4. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Sounds like you've got the DRL option - those will stay on once you release the parking brake after the car is in IG-ON or READY mode. They'll only turn off once the car is turned to ACC or OFF. One could turn off the car, slightly engage the e-brake (just enough to get the BRAKE light on), then turn on and drive if it's THAT big of a deal.

    On the plus side, the DRL's are at 70% brightness, so turning the lights down to the parking light setting should keep them dimmer while retaining your parking lights, clearance markers, etc.

    You may also be able to remove the DRL relay to permanently disable them (only legal in the US), but I'm not sure if there's a jumper that needs to replace it.
     
    #4 HTMLSpinnr, Dec 22, 2009
  5. LeviSmith

    LeviSmith Member

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    I think you're misinformed on how the Hybrid system works...
    The ONLY time that the car is on ONLY 12V power(the little battery in the back) is if you are in ACC or IG-ON mode.
    As long as it says READY on the dash then your 12V side is powered by the HV side of things whether the engine is running or not.
    So no worries there.

    Levi
     
    #5 LeviSmith, Dec 22, 2009
  6. orange4boy

    orange4boy Member

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    There is a hack to shut off your DRLs without getting codes etc. I'm going to do this soon too. The instructions are not super clear but all the info is there.

    Prius DRL Hack

    Main site:PriusHybrid
     
    #6 orange4boy, Dec 22, 2009
  7. w2co

    w2co Member

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    "As long as it says READY on the dash then your 12V side is powered by the HV side of things whether the engine is running or not.
    So no worries there."
    Thanks Levi, that is a good point.
    Tom
     
    #7 w2co, Dec 24, 2009
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