I just took delivery of a 2012 Prius V - III yesterday and went out to drive it at night for the first time tonite. After setting the overhead switch to auto to make the interior lights come on when opening the door or unlocking the car, I noticed that I couldn't find the shift lever after the interior lights when out. I know where it is, but it was not illuminated and I had to feel around for it. Is the lever supposed to be illuminated and if so is the light internal to the shifter or is the shifter supposed to be illuminated from the overhead console or the dash?
YEah lighting is pretty dismal on the V. I was surprised at the single LED light they placed under the gear lever. It just seems sort of slapped in there. No glow on the buttons, nothing.. I guess will have to wait till someone comes up with a switch for the V similar to the Prius http://priuschat.com/forums/private-sales/102987-sale-apr-electronic-shift-switch.html
Is there no overhead LED aimed at the shift lever like we have in the Prius liftback? Some people have complained about it being too bright (washing out the dash) and wanted to disable it.
I just keep one of those large maglites that take 4 D batteries, the ones cops use, under my seat, so when I need to shift into reverse or whatever at night I can use that to illuminate the shifter. I've had the car for 4 months and I'm hoping at some point to be able to remember where the shifter is and/or get over my night blindness.
