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Is there a control to trigger the auto headlights earlier?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Jim in NC, Nov 18, 2016.

  1. Jim in NC

    Jim in NC Active Member

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    I normally keep my AUTO headlights setting on, but under certain conditions it seems they don't come on when I'd like:
    • If it is darker because it's begun raining
    • At dusk when I'm heading into the sun
    If anyone knows how to adjust this, please let me know...
     
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  2. booke02

    booke02 Active Member

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    It is one of those settings that are set via the OBD2 connector. You dealer can do it, but, unless they are really nice, they will probably want to charge you for the service. If you have a OBD2 adapter, you can use something like Carista and modify it yourself.
     
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  3. Jim in NC

    Jim in NC Active Member

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    Thanks! I have a Carista so I will do some investigating this weekend and see if I can adjust it.

    :)
     
  4. first_superior_prius

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    There's an easy solution... just turn your headlights to "on" when you get in the car

    it's what we've done for the better part of a century and it's worked out just fine so far
     
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  5. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    Stick a piece of paper over the sensor. That's how I did it in my Corolla on cloudy or rainy days. It was annoying having the lights cycle on and off constantly.
     
  6. wrprice

    wrprice Active Member

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    I found a headlight sensitivity setting in the Vehicle Settings menu of my US Four Touring. So it doesn't require a dealer visit or Carista.

    I'm not near the car, so I don't have the exact steps to get to the setting.
     
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  7. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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    I tried it on my UK car, and can see the option to change it. Using the car's touch screen, go to setup, vehicle, vehicle customisation, light settings, and you'll see it there.
     

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  8. Jim in NC

    Jim in NC Active Member

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    Thank you! I just did it. Hopefully it triggers the headlights sooner for me now.
     
  9. Sooner Al

    Sooner Al Active Member

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    So which way is more sensitive or less sensitive?
     
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  10. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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    Sadly, the manual doesn't really make that clear. Someone is going to have to experiment and post results here.
     
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  11. wrprice

    wrprice Active Member

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    Positive/higher values to make the lights turn on earlier, when there's still ambient light.

    Negative/lower values to turn on the lights later, requiring more darkness.
     
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  12. Sooner Al

    Sooner Al Active Member

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    Cranked the setting one bar in the positive direction so we'll see what happens. Thanks for the help...
     
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