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Steering wheel Controls

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by ReneGS, Jul 7, 2005.

  1. ReneGS

    ReneGS New Member

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    Is it normal for lights on the steering wheel controls to be very dim? I find myself having trouble seeing them at night. I don't know why Toyota didn't connect them to the dash lights so you could dim and brighten them. :cussing:

    Anyways just wanted to see if it was just my car or if all the Prius's came like that. Oh yeah is there any simple solution? I'm sure there are complex solutions but I'd rather live with the very dim lights than have to tear up my steering wheel.

    TIA,
    Rene
     
    #1 ReneGS, Jul 7, 2005
  2. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    [font=Comic Sans MS:f61df85c9f]The lights are dim. Live with it. :( [/font:f61df85c9f]
     
    #2 Bill Merchant, Jul 7, 2005
  3. Greyskye

    Greyskye New Member

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    There are lights on the steering wheel controls? I just remember which little bumps, divots, and pointy things control what. :lol: I'll have to look more closely next time I'm driving at night!
     
    #3 Greyskye, Jul 7, 2005
  4. Fredatgolf

    Fredatgolf New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant\";p=\"105220)</div>
    How cruel to poor little Rene. But then what does one expect from someone who uses a hybrid system for his brain. :wink: :D
     
    #4 Fredatgolf, Jul 7, 2005
  5. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    You'll quickly learn by feel. The only time I get thrown off at this point is if I'm making a turn and the steering wheel is upside down... :)
     
    #5 galaxee, Jul 7, 2005
  6. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Fredatgolf\";p=\"105246)</div>
    [font=Comic Sans MS:2f0780eea2] Now Fred, Rene did say "I'm sure there are complex solutions but I'd rather live with the very dim lights than have to tear up my steering wheel."

    I just told Rene to do what s/he would rather do...[/font:2f0780eea2]
     
    #6 Bill Merchant, Jul 7, 2005
  7. Fredatgolf

    Fredatgolf New Member

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    Bill: Very true. I am just trying to ascertain whether you were answering in stealth, full power or somewhere in between. :? :)
     
    #7 Fredatgolf, Jul 8, 2005
  8. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    [font=Comic Sans MS:0a5902c05d]I try to be polite. Many times I simply don't post.[/font:0a5902c05d] :evillaugh:
     
    #8 Bill Merchant, Jul 8, 2005
  9. ReneGS

    ReneGS New Member

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    Thanks for the replies. I pretty much figured I'd be stuck with dim lights. I just wanted to make sure that it was normal and nothing wrong with the lights. Actually I was hoping there was a switch I hadn't found.

    Just yesterday I found out about the drawer underneath the center console. :oops:

    I know that eventually I'll memorize where the button are but it'll probably take a while. I'm so used to the steering wheel controls from my previous cars. Sure was nice having a mute button. :|
     
    #9 ReneGS, Jul 8, 2005
  10. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    [font=Comic Sans MS:497f357557]I agree about the mute button. If you press the MODE button on the wheel it will turn on the audio and cycle through different inputs with each successive press. If you press and hold the button, it will turn the audio off, but it takes a few seconds.[/font:497f357557]
     
    #10 Bill Merchant, Jul 8, 2005
  11. skruse

    skruse Senior Member

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    The steering wheel "dim lighting" works well. I work with an Apple Powerbook with a dimly-lighted keyboard. You immediately get oriented and used to it - good ergonomics. The convex and concave portions of steering wheel buttons work well. You keep your eyes on the road and manipulate the audio system and AC.

    I even have an iPod in the lower glove compartment - and cycle to, from and through the iPod via the audio system and steering wheel. The iPod transmits to the FM radio via an unused frequency (107.9) and has good sound quality.

    I am much more confident driving the Prius at night - no fumbling in the dark. The controls are at your fingertips.
     
    #11 skruse, Jul 8, 2005
  12. shocker

    shocker Junior Member

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    I think I tried at one time dimming and brightening the speed display (wheel on dash to the left of the sterring wheel) and it effected the lights on the steering wheel. I know it affected the lights on the console for the audio. Again, it was awhile ago so I may be mistaken but try it and see...
     
    #12 shocker, Jul 9, 2005
  13. ReneGS

    ReneGS New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(shocker\";p=\"105794)</div>
    Doesnt work on mine. [​IMG]
    Thats actually why I started the post. To see if it was supposed to be like that. It obviously isnt but Toyota should have made it so it worked like that. :x
     
    #13 ReneGS, Jul 9, 2005
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