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Prius Speedo Glare on dark country drives! Is it just me?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by PaulD76, Feb 4, 2011.

  1. PaulD76

    PaulD76 Junior Member

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    Hello

    I have noticed when driving at night through the countryside or poorly lighted areas that the green glare from the speedo (combination meter) is very distracting. It also seems to be in the exact spot in which I focus my eyes when driving so its really a pain.

    Ive never heard anyone mention this before so am wondering if i have ultra senstive eyes (unlikely) or the speedo is too bright (unlikely and it does dim when I put on the lights), or there is some missing anti glare film or cover?

    I find the car super relaxing to drive but this is just annoying me, espescially as most of my journeys are in such conditions at present.

    Hopefully someone can help!
     
  2. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    No. It is not just you. I've seen it as have many others here on Priuschat. However, I don't find it that distracting but then again I don't drive much in poorly lit areas.

    My "solution" is to turn down the brightness.
     
  3. PaulD76

    PaulD76 Junior Member

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    Am I able to turn down the brightness on the combination meter?

    I know I can adjust the brightness on main display (energy, climate control, audio etc) but not sure about this, it would be a quick and easy solution! I did look for some dial or setting but no luck.

    Its really slap bang in the middle of my view.. i get a bright green light and then a darker but still noticable green square above it.
     
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    You should be able to, when your headlights are on. On North America LHD models, there is an edge-mounted rotary knob that allows adjustment of instrument panel brightness, including the combination meter. It is located to the left of the steering column. Perhaps on your RHD car it will be located to the right of the steering column?
     
  5. PaulD76

    PaulD76 Junior Member

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    Thanks Patrick - I will go take a look when I get a chance. I was searching around as I drove home last night (not a good idea haha)

    Ive also found another thread about this, and might try getting a small peice of black foam and sticking it to the dash (if the above does not help out).

    Other than that, very happy wit the car. Cheers!
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    mine reflects off the windshield. i don't like it.:(
     
  7. PaulD76

    PaulD76 Junior Member

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    Had a quick look but couldnt find it... There is a dial between the power button and the key fob slot but i figured this was the headlight adjustment dial.

    Bisco - Its driving me mad as I do a 1 hour drive from work each evening in the dark thru the country and i find this distracting.. i ended up getting back ache trying to sit differently to avoid it.. making my head lower, higher and to the right (in a RHD car).. i hope to fix it tho..
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    let us know how the foam works out. i have not read that thread. are people saying it works well? i don't get it all the time, but when i do, it is very distracting.
     
  9. PaulD76

    PaulD76 Junior Member

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  10. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    Also it may help a bit to clean off dusts from the area around the speedometer to reduce scattering of light. Good luck!
     
  11. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I'm not aware that Prius headlights can be adjusted, other than low beam vs. high beam which is switched with the headlight stalk switch on the steering column. I suggest you play with that dial while the headlights are on, and see what happens.
     
  12. pEEf

    pEEf Engineer - EV nut

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    I finally figured out what's causing this after being unable to reproduce in my 2008. I saw it on a friend's 2004. It's the clear plastic lens that faces up and toward the windshield. If it's dirty or fogged by age/humidity you will get this reflection. You can't see this from inside the car, but if you go outside and look down you can. Get a clean towel and squirt some windex on the towel, then from inside the car, you can clean this lens. If it has been sun damaged and cleaning doesn't fix the foggy appearance, it must be replaced. I have instructions on how to remove the combination meter assembly, (where the lens lives) if anyone wants them.

    Once this lens is clean and clear you will not see the green glow.
     
  13. nerfer

    nerfer A young senior member

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    I had the same problem and taped down a black piece of paper, essentially the same as the foam fix. Here's a picture of my first attempt, which I later cleaned up a bit for a better appearance.

    People who drive on lighted streets don't really have this problem, but it was right in my line of sight, until I made this change.

    [​IMG]
     
  14. nerfer

    nerfer A young senior member

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    I'm not so sure. I've seen this from the first week I had the car, in all seasons. I tried reaching in and cleaning this lens, but it didn't seem to do much. Maybe they improved the glass in later models.
     
  15. Boo

    Boo Boola Boola Member

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    Yes. Building off of nerfer's good work, donee and I opted to go with a foam block. Here's my post and pics:

     
  16. mainerinexile

    mainerinexile No longer in exile!

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    If your Prius is wearing a speedo, I expect that people will glare, even on dark country drives!
     
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  17. Tekdeus

    Tekdeus Shifted to Green

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    Dimming the dash lights very low works to stop the glare, if you can live with dimmer lighting.
     
  18. nerfer

    nerfer A young senior member

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    That's been discussed. It works in city environments, but not on dark rural roads.
     
  19. PaulD76

    PaulD76 Junior Member

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    UPDATE:

    Patrick Wong - Yes the headlights can be adjusted in my UK 04/05 T4 model. If I set them on the lowest angle it only lights up the area immediately in front of the car.

    I managed to find the instrument panel brightness adjustment button (on mine it is the MPH/KPH button. On the lowest setting I can still see it but I have to go looking for it. I am hoping that once I forget about it, I just wont notice it. If i go back to default it seems very noticeable now.

    PS Just had my first proper tank of petrol with correct tire pressures and got 54MPG and I am sure i can improve on that... pretty pleased considering its winter. Thanks
     
  20. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Glad to hear you've figured out the problem.

    Variable headlight adjustment is not a common feature in the US.

    54 miles per Imperial gallon is great in the winter. I'm sure you'll see even better results in warmer weather. Good luck.