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Illumination wire for aftermarket radio?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by el_flan, Nov 11, 2019.

  1. el_flan

    el_flan Junior Member

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    Hey,

    I recently installed an Android Auto unit.
    I would like to use a dimmer/illu wire to dim the screen during the night, but so far I havent found the correct wire.
    Problem is that I always drive with my headlights on, then 'restore' the brightness of the MFD/Speedometer with the button next to the alarm/odo-trip button. This doesnt work for the radio.
    Any advice on how to fix this?
     
  2. Minima Domum

    Minima Domum Member

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    I had this problem too, I got around it by installing daytime running lights on the front of the car so now I only use the normal headlights at night and don't have to constantly change the brightness on my dash.
     
  3. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    just an opinion, but using your headlights during the day only shortens the life of the bulbs, and doesn't really help safety. if some idiot is looking at their phone instead of the road, your headlights aren't going to make a bit of difference.
     
  4. Minima Domum

    Minima Domum Member

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    This has been proven wrong many times all over the world, and is the reason why every new car in Europe must have daytime running lights fitted, it helps safety a lot, especially in overcast or rainy conditions or at dawn or dusk when it's not quite dark enough to need your lights to see where you're going.
     
  5. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    actually, the law here is "wipers on, lights on". but the biggest hazard is morons driving distracted. idiots playing with cell phones. they're not even looking outside the car at all. I hope most folks around the world-- at least in civilized countries-- aren't as stupid as Americans. but for me, I've changed the driver's (we drive on the correct side of the road here, so it the left one. ;P ) HID bulb, and its way expensive and a PITA. I don't want to do it again.
     
  6. Minima Domum

    Minima Domum Member

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    I agree that distracted drivers are an issue, but regardless if it's compulsory DRL or "wipers on lights on" it's proven that lights help with safety so I don't know what your point is.
     
  7. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    The only research that I have seen to support lights always on as a safety thing, is from dark countries like Europe (particularly Scandanavia) and the UK (particularly northern UK). Where it makes sense to so, I have no problem with it.

    In my neck of the woods (and Australia, I'd imagine), the only time it does make a difference is in severe inclement weather when it can get quite dark in the daytime (thick grey clouds), and together with heavy rain can make visibility difficult. At these times we are required by law to put on our lights (and obviously wipers ;) ). Otherwise, I can see other cars quite well, whether they have their (daytime running) lights on or not.

    I don't believe in the one-size-fits-all mentality, so I am quite happy the way things are here and hope it never changes.
     
    #7 dolj, Apr 14, 2020
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 23, 2020
    ydpplqbd likes this.