One reason for backup alarm

Yeah, I thought about disabling the backup alarm, but there have been a few times when I've been distracted and "forgot" to shift back into D. So, I guess I'll put up with it if that's what it takes to keep me from backing into someone/something accidentally.

 

I like it. I mean, how long is it on at any given time?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DavidTO @ Oct 30 2006, 06:16 PM) [snapback]341008[/snapback]</div>

I agree. Until I got my Prius (now almost a month ago), I drove a stock. I always knew I was in gear to move forward just because of the position of the shifter.

 

I have to agree with most of the comments above.

I think Toyota did good -

It feels like someone up there is constantly reminding me to a little more careful when backing. Lord know most of us could use a little extra oversight?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bob Allen @ Oct 30 2006, 06:51 PM) [snapback]340942[/snapback]</div>

Just remember, if this ever happens, to jump out of your car and yell at the driver behind you: "What the hell are you doing! I'm just sitting here and you drive into the back of me? Where the hell did you learn to drive..."

Tom

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Oct 30 2006, 11:27 PM) [snapback]341149[/snapback]</div>

You're joking, right?

In case you're not: my point was, it's not like I spend my life driving in reverse. It's on, it serves a purpose, it goes away.

 

never had the reverse beep on any car i have ever owned and dont see a reason to start it now. first thing i did when i purchased both my Priuses was to disable the beep

 

<_< I did disable the "reverse alarm" because it was irritating to me. HOWEVER, after nearly backing into my wife (Definitely not a GOOD IDEA !), I snooped around on PriusChat and found a simple modification which would re-enable the reverse alarm to sound both inside AND outside. Since the Prius is so 'sneaky' in reverse, people near your back may not realize you are in reverse gear.

Can't find the reference right now, but basically it's a RadioShack intermittent buzzer wired into the left rear tail light enclosure from inside that buzzes when the backup light is actuated. As I recall, about a $10 modification simple to install. I haven't done that since I'm trading my 2004 for a 2007 and wanted to leave it 'standard.' If I can locate the reference, I'll post it here.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PA @ Oct 30 2006, 07:04 PM) [snapback]340998[/snapback]</div>

I think there's a "break even" point for safety items, and for me, the internal backup beeper crosses the line. It's intrusive and makes it difficult for me to concentrate while backing, and, frankly, I don't think the Prius is any easier to leave in reverse than any other car.

Next: a warning label on boxes of Pampers that says, "CAUTION: remove baby before disposing of diaper."

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bob Allen @ Oct 30 2006, 05:51 PM) [snapback]340942[/snapback]</div>

I think the backup alarm is a good thing for precisely the type of reason you mentioned -- it IS easy to forget you are in reverse, especially because the shift lever does not stay in in the reverse position.

However, I do think it is unnecessarily and rudely loud -- like you have done something wrong.

 

I open the driver's window when I back up. Don't know why I started, just do. My wife tells me that she can hear the beep from outside (I always back into the garage). Toyota made it so it CAN be disabled for people like Dave. We can all be happy!

 

It's a great feature, but i prefer to have it disabled. Yes it increases risk but I find it somewhat annoying (eventhough it's only for a few seconds).

A funny thing about the beep is that people freak out and always tell me "why is your car beeping? we all have our seat belts on!" hehehe

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(silentak1 @ Oct 31 2006, 08:18 PM) [snapback]341619[/snapback]</div>

I tell them the battery is going to explode...

Tom

 

I JUST bought my 07 Prius. It was between that and the new MDX (how's that for a broad range?).

So far, like everyone else, I love it.

But the very first thing I did was disable the backup beeper (btw the easter egg instructions worked perfectly for me). At first I saw no reason for it, but some of the posts made me realize it's virtually silent when backing up, so at least now I know why they added it.

That said I have the rear camera so whenever I back up, the camera comes on, so I have no problem knowing I'm in reverse without the beep.

Some people have talked about disabling the seatbelt beeper, but I'm keeping that one. First of all it's not constant and secondly, I DO need to be reminded to always use it . . .

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveinOlyWA @ Oct 31 2006, 09:53 AM) [snapback]341216[/snapback]</div>

Using that logic, you never owned a hybrid, why start now?

 

There is nothing scarier than waiting at a red light behind someone with their reverse lights on. Yes, I agree, some people need a backup beeper.
I don't...

 

It seems easier in a Prius to forget which gear you are in, because in a conventional (for want of a better term) car the position of the column or floor shifter is an immediate physical reminder of which gear you are in. But the toggle style gear selector stays in the same place for the most part. I turned the beep off for a while, but turned it back on.