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Daytime running lights

Discussion in 'Knowledge Base Articles Discussion' started by ninalr, Jul 5, 2006.

  1. ninalr

    ninalr Junior Member

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    My 1st Prius was a 2003...it came with daytime running lights. Then I got the 2004 which didn't have that feature (the dealer told me they all went to Canada where that's a legal requirement). Sadly, I was in a crash which totalled my less than 1yr old baby. So now I have a 2006 which still doesn't have daytime running lights. Meanwhile my husband is still driving the original model with DRL!
    Does anyone know why this feature is not available on current models?
     
  2. IsrAmeriPrius

    IsrAmeriPrius Progressive Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(spanielsmum @ Jul 5 2006, 04:58 PM) [snapback]281690[/snapback]</div>
    Because the U.S. government does not mandate it.
     
  3. seasalsa

    seasalsa Active Member

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    Yes, lots of us miss that feature. There is a work around, if you just turn your lights on and leave them on they will go off when you open the door after shuting the car down.
     
  4. tdub1974

    tdub1974 New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(seasalsa @ Jul 5 2006, 08:52 PM) [snapback]281718[/snapback]</div>
    This is what I do as well. I think the owner's manual turned me to this making it out to be the same as daytime running lights
     
  5. roopesh

    roopesh New Member

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    I, personally, am glad DRL is not enabled by default. Though it may seem insignificant, think about the extra battery drain those headlights are placing on your car.

    I don't like DRL. I had a truck with that and had to find a way to disable it... different strokes for different folks, I guess...
     
  6. sdsteve

    sdsteve New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(roopesh @ Jul 5 2006, 06:14 PM) [snapback]281733[/snapback]</div>
    so can the dealer program this feature on??
     
  7. TJandGENESIS

    TJandGENESIS Are We Having Fun Yet?

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    I don't like DRL's at all. I think they serve little purpose.

    I had them in my '02 nB and I disabled them. My MPG actually went up. You do use some power for lighting them.

    To each her/his own.
     
  8. blfuller

    blfuller Junior Member

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    I was reading the manual of my '09 and they are disabled on the US models but I would think they could be enabled if desired by the dealer or if you know how to do it yourself
     
  9. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    No, this is not the case. The better U.S. models feature HID headlamps, which are not compatible with reduced wattage use as daytime running lights. To have real daytime running lights, the cars would require the addition of another headlamp assembly, not simple configuration from the dealer. This is also the reason that U.S. models of the Prius lack auto-on headlamps.

    Tom
     
  10. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    AMEN, with all the problems folks have had with HID, I would rather not just waste them away in the daytime. The only exception, at least here in CA if your windshield wipers are on, your headlights have to be on. New safety law enacted Jan 2007!! If wipers are off, off with the HIDS!

    Safety First!!!
    73 de Pat KK6PD
     
  11. UncleC

    UncleC Junior Member

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    WebElectricProducts.com has a DRL kit that uses the [front] turn signal lamps for this purpose. Quite effective - very visible.
     
  12. darelldd

    darelldd Prius is our Gas Guzzler

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    I have. It is insignificant. Compared to the energy needed for motive force, the energy used for lights is nothing.
     
  13. Syclone

    Syclone Member

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    One of the nice things about DRL is that most insurance companies will reduce your premiums $40 - $50 U.S. :car:
     
  14. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Sadly, MOST companies DO NOT give a rats nice person about DRL's!!!

    I just called AAA, 21st, StateFarm, yadayadayada.....NO NO NO...

    At least on the west coast. So much for that thought


    Besides for what they charge to change a HID, DRL is stupid!!!

    73 de Pat KK6PD
     
  15. Syclone

    Syclone Member

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    Shows how small my world is. AMICA, in New York offers a DRL discount.
     
  16. avocadoman1

    avocadoman1 Member

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    what he said!!!
    that is...i use my HID's as little as possible, lamenting the day when one begins to flicker.
     
  17. dominicsavio

    dominicsavio New Member

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    Anyone know whats so special about HID headlamps?
     
  18. Prius 07

    Prius 07 Member

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    HID lamps are much brighter and in theory should last longer.
     
  19. dominicsavio

    dominicsavio New Member

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    Prius_07 - thanks. But is there also something else like an 'auto-leveling' feature for the HID lights? I'm wondering what this/how it works and how to tell whether my HID has this?
     
  20. Celtic Blue

    Celtic Blue New Member

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    Not insignificant. 1-2% is more accurate. Small, but not insignificant.