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Is there a way to brighten the steering controls?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by GoEco, May 29, 2007.

  1. GoEco

    GoEco Red Prii Rule

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    The controls on my steering wheel (radio/phone/etc.) are significantly dimmer than the others on the dash at night. They are almost impossible to see even, but are slightly illuminated. They do not respond to the dial which brightens the rest of the dash.

    Is this normal and is there a way to adjust it?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    Your car is like every other Prius. The topic of the dim steering wheel lights is regularly discussed. For a while there was hope that the brightness was dealer-programmable, but that proved false. Get to know the feel of the buttons, they are distinctive. You can feel them in the dark.
     
  3. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    I felt the same way at first, but after adjusting to them, I can see them just fine now. Give it some time.

    Tom
     
  4. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(qbee42 @ May 29 2007, 09:11 AM) [snapback]451412[/snapback]</div>
    Several, including yours truly, have tried nagging darrel into doing the last - great mod ... but aparently his skin is too thick :p
     
  5. dmckinstry

    dmckinstry New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ May 28 2007, 11:21 PM) [snapback]451345[/snapback]</div>
    Yes. And actually they aren't that bad once your eyes are dark adapted. And yes. The feel is distinctive.
    The biggest problem is that being attached to the steering wheel it's awkward to press the right one(s) when the wheel is being turned.

    Dave M.
     
  6. bhaynnes

    bhaynnes Member

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    Three words;

    Night Vision Goggles. :lol:
     
  7. aaf709

    aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bhaynnes @ May 29 2007, 01:37 PM) [snapback]451656[/snapback]</div>
    Or

    Clean Your Hands

    Seriously, I cleaned the buttons and they brightened up.
     
  8. abq sfr

    abq sfr New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aaf709 @ May 29 2007, 04:01 PM) [snapback]451692[/snapback]</div>
    Mine is new and the buttons are still dim. They made them that way so you have SOMETHING to not like about the Prius. Paint them with uv paint and replace your driver's map light bulb with a black-light bulb. Also I think they might appear brighter if I were 30 years younger <_<