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HEADLIGHT question (probably the millionth)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by virtualdood, Jun 16, 2009.

  1. virtualdood

    virtualdood New Member

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    Just got some down time. Reading owners manuals etc. Well, working my way to the BIG books LOL.

    1 question on the headlights. Is auto headlights simply a function of the dial switch on the headlight arm?

    seems like physically the US models just lack the extra notch for the auto position. Meaning if one were to by OEM replacement light control arm... the auto lights would function right?

    I am presuming the little black dome under windshield on the driver side is a light sabor.

    YES I said light sabor. Just seeing if u were paying attention. :laser: hahaaa

    Any way, it looks like the setup is for auto, just not included on the control arm for the headlights.

    Any one know if this is simply the case and can be replaced by an auto arm?

    thanks
     
    #1 virtualdood, Jun 16, 2009
  2. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    No, it's much more involved. For example, the required wires aren't even there. If you leave the headlamp switch in the on position the headlamps will go out when you shut off the car and open the drivers door. So you're half way to auto headlamps. ;)

    Canadian cars have auto headlamps, but if you wanted to purchase one you'd be paying about $5000 more for the car. Also you couldn't get a touring, or leather. In the GII. The GIII has both now.
     
    #2 David Beale, Jun 16, 2009
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  3. virtualdood

    virtualdood New Member

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    bummer. I always wonder with gizmos in similar cars (or whatever) if it's just a hidden switch or missing lever. :doh:

    just the luck of the draw. or the market LOL

    thanks
     
    #3 virtualdood, Jun 16, 2009
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The EV software is in there without the switch, so that's one thing you could add.

    As David said, the US cars get "Auto-Off" headlights. We get full automatic headlights (i.e. on and off with a dedicated AUTO position on the headlight stalk)
     
    #4 Tideland Prius, Jun 16, 2009
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  5. virtualdood

    virtualdood New Member

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    Tideland,

    David said the wiring isn't there. What part is the EV?

    You're saying we can add the wiring or the switch? if it's just the new light switch (arm) i on't think that would horribly difficult. If that easy, i'd order a new arm ASAP. If the wiring, then :(

    The dome is a light sensor though, right? So maybe nearly everything is existent. Just need to add the final pices? :)

    BTW how good does the ipod ICE line work? That almost is a necessary item :)

    thanks
     
    #5 virtualdood, Jun 18, 2009
  6. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    The EV switch allows -limited- movement (not what most people would call "driving") using electric parts only, keeping the engine off. If you accelerate slowly and keep your speed down perhaps a few minutes of operation. Most use it to shift the car around the driveway. The firmware (software) is in the North American cars, you just have to add a switch to enable it. The wiring for this is also not there, as you have to "tap into" the existing wiring. This can also affect your battery warranty.

    The switch is in the 2010 model, is in the Highlander Hybrid in North America, and is in the European and elsewhere GII and GIII cars.
     
    #6 David Beale, Jun 18, 2009
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    What David said. The firmware is there.
     
    #7 Tideland Prius, Jun 18, 2009
  8. virtualdood

    virtualdood New Member

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    ooh..I like E.V. Yeah, i read that in the 2010 models. Now i know what you guys mean. That is super cool.

    So that's an installable mod, barring warranty of course :eek:

    But yeah, that's really a super deal being able to manually go electric for put put in around. I mean as it sits the prius is pretty good about using electric automatically. But manually is neato ;)
     
    #8 virtualdood, Jun 19, 2009
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