Model V has only manual headlight switch

None of the US models do.

 

It is worth noting, if you turn on your headlights, you need never turn them off again.

 

If you leave them on all the time (LEDs should last a lot longer), when you shut the car off, after 30 seconds (factory default), the lights will shut off (assuming you follow the right procedure -- do a quick search to find out what makes it not work). If you hit the lock button (on the key fob only 2 or 3 times) it will shut them off, and finally, I believe you can have the dealer program the lights to auto-shut off when you lock the car (rather than 30 sec). The only disadvantage is that you have to leave them on all day.

 

As previously suggested, the headlights are fully automatic. Read the Owners Manual, you'll be more comfortable turning on your headlights once, learning to not miss the warning beep that your lights are on, and never have to touch the switch, ever again. --TK

 

All the V's have auto headlights. Turn then on and leave them alone. When you turn off the car and close all the doors, the headlights go off after 30 seconds ... or if you use your key fob ... click lock twice and the lights will go out.

It's easy to check. Turn off your car, exit your car, close the doors, and watch the lights. They WILL go off after 30 seconds.

 

This is not fully automatic! It is an auto-off feature. I just had a rental Corolla that had fully automatic lights. They turned on once the ambient light was at a low level, and they turned off when there was sufficient ambient light.

U.S. Prius models do NOT have fully automatic lights.

 

But, who wants the headlights on FULL INTENSITY all day?

Normally, "always-on" headlights have a reduced-energy setting during the day.

In the Prius III, turning the headlights on dims the display and sets the Nav map to "night time" colors, to reduce the interior glare. However, that makes the display very difficult to see during the day.

So, headlights always on seems to be not a very good solution.

 

Interesting distinction. I guess that tells you the quality of cars I've owned... --TK

 

My 1994 Ford Aerostar van had fully automatic headlights. They turned on automatically when it got dark, and turned off after a timed delay once the car was powered off. It's a simple option, but Toyota chooses not to offer it in the U.S.

On my 2006 Prius, there is a blank on the dash on the driver's side where the auto headlight sensor is installed for non U.S. models. It's right next to the solar heat sensor.

Tom

 

Solar Heat Sensor?
Is there one on the 2010 Prius?
If so, where, please?

 

The same sensor is used for Solar heat sensor (for A/C) as is used for true auto on/off headlights. The sensor is present in all US models (since they all have A/C). It's that little "button" on the top of the dash, right side. However, in US models, there is one wire that is NOT run from the sensor to the ECU, which controls the auto on functionality.

I added true auto headlights functionality to my IV, by buying a Canada headlight stalk, running that one missing sensor wire to the ECU, and running a couple more missing wires from the new headlight stalk to the ECU. My mods (and discovery) starts here:

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii.../64812-automatic-headlights-8.html#post949009

My mods (in gory detail) are documented through the rest of that thread, which started as a thread by hawkmoon77 on adding auto headlights using a separate aftermarket module. My mod used factory circuits and also incorporated a stalk fog light switch (also present on the Canada stalk.) (There is a separate thread for the Fog Light mods.) Hawkmoon's implementation also can turn on headlights when wipers are turned on; it also requires a separate sensor to be mounted on the dash top.

Why Toyota left such a basic feature off US models (and such a technologically advanced vehicle) is a real mystery and a real miscalculation in marketing.

 

The "reduced energy" setting is the Daytime Running Lights option, which I believe is not available in the US, and only available with LED headlights in other countries.

 

Question. Why would the LED headlights "last a lot longer" by being on also in the daytime when you don't need them on?

 

Both my '05 Solara convertible SLE and my '04 Chrysler Pacifica have fully automatic headlights. I was surprised that my '10 Prius IV didn't come with them. Kind of a drag, but we'll get used to it.

 

You can keep the display lights bright by turning the dimming switch upword past the detent and leave it on permanently. The display stays bright day and night, lights on or off.

 

Those of us who drive on roads with other drivers, I want to be seen before I am run over.

 

JeeVee,
Does your auto-headlight solution include a provision for a reduced-intensity daytime "running-headlights" mode?