? Daytime Running Lights on 2007 Touring - Pkg. 5 ?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ May 19 2007, 07:43 AM) [snapback]445612[/snapback]</div>

I think after doing some research myself (and others can correct me) that the daytime running lights are on the Canadian models and not available on US models.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(John6012 @ May 19 2007, 07:06 AM) [snapback]445615[/snapback]</div>

Toyota in the US has made all models with daytime running lights, so has GM.

I believe they are not on the Prius due to it using more battery? or not with the HID. I know when I had a 2007 camry while my Prius was being negotiated it had a switch to turn them on or off.. and it doesnt have the same switch on the prius

 

US Prius don't have DRLs, no matter which headlamps they come with.

If you really want to add DRLs, you will want to ignore the HIDs. You can buy a DRL module (non-Toyota) and wire it to the turn signals/running lights as Chrysler does on their mini-vans.

One source is here http://www.hamsar.com/drlkits.htm

You do want to start with proper wiring diagrams for the Prius and you do want to make sure whoever does this knows what they are doing. It's possible to fry the light switch or worse if you get it wrong. That would be expensive.

 

I don't understand this question. Why not just turn on your headlamps during the day? If you make sure your dimmer switch is rolled up past the notch, your LCD display will not change behavior and all of your dash lights will be at full brightness.

Seems kind of a trivial thing to do, no?

 

Yes, on all our cars the DRLs come on as soon as the ignition is turned on, unless the e-brake is engaged. When you release the e-brake the DRLs come on. When you apply the e-brake the DRLs turn off. This is in Canada, where DRLs are mandatory on all cars made after 1990.

The Prius headlamps will turn off automatically when you leave the car if you leave them on - unless you leave the car through the passenger door. The control looks for the driver door to open.

Do test to make sure you aren't leaving -any- light on. If you do, in short order (just 10 to 20 hrs) you will have a dead 12V auxilliary battery, and you won't be going anywhere.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ May 19 2007, 02:18 PM) [snapback]445806[/snapback]</div>

Of course you're not "dumb"!

My VW Jetta had DRLs, but I found the feature to be somewhat useless. Since you have the touring package, I wonder if you can engage the fog lamps without having the HIDs on? I don't know, I haven't tried this with mine, but if it's possible you might be able to use the fogs as DRLs. Chances are slim that you can turn on the fogs without the headlamps, tho.

I see many a Prius driver running their HIDs during the day. The simplest way to get DRLs is to never turn off your headlights. Just leave the switch in the "on" position. When you power off our car, the headlights turn off. When you power on, they turn on. That should be a solution to the DRL dilemma. At night, just use the dimmer switch to lower the brightness of the displays as needed.

Something to keep in mind is that while HID lamps last significantly longer than their filament bulb counterparts (10x longer, I've read), using them for DRL purposes will significantly shorten this lifespan. HIDs also get dimmer over time, and sing them for DRL will cause this time frame to shorten as well.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ May 19 2007, 06:43 AM) [snapback]445612[/snapback]</div>

Congrats on the new car!!!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ May 19 2007, 05:20 PM) [snapback]445836[/snapback]</div>

Congratulations! I'm getting ready to make the same switch. Do you love driving your new Prius?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ May 19 2007, 04:43 AM) [snapback]445612[/snapback]</div>

IMO, there are 3 important features that Toyota is not currently offering in US on the Prius: Daytime Running Lights, automatic locking doors, and Heated Seats (when leather). This caused me to go cloth instead of leather, and I am simply turning on the parking lights since there are no DRL :-(

 

I think all cars should have DRLs, at least the option to turn them on. I guess if you live somewhere warm and sunny it's less of an issue, in rainy Vancouver it sure helps. I remember being in Washington state, probably more then 20 years ago, on a 2 lane road, they were testing to see if headlights helped prevent head on crashes. There was a sign that said to turn on your headlights. I guess it wasn't significant enough to legislate their use. It sure sounds difficult to add the DRLs, maybe that's why they don't have HIDs as an option in Canada.

 

You can add orange DRLs to your Prius fairly easily. Web Electic Products (http://www.webelectricproducts.com/) makes a module which converts your front turn signals to DRLs similar to what GM does on a lot of their cars. The kit comes with an excellent set of installation directions and all of the parts needed. I've got a Prius specific installation guide that I'll repost or email on request.

I've installed their module on my Prius and one other car - both work flawlessly. I prefer the look of the turn signal DRLs to the often glaring high beam DRLs.

 

Leave your lights on all the time.

When you turn the car off - they will turn off.

During the day - they will be on.

They will go full power at night.


Enjoy