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Dim steering wheel control switch lights

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Henway, Dec 21, 2005.

  1. Henway

    Henway New Member

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    At night when I have the headlights on, the illumination of my steering wheel control switches (the ones for audio control, climate control, etc.) is extremely dim. All of the other lights are normal, and yes, I have the thumbwheel control set properly for max illumination of everything else. The steering wheel control lights are so dim that I have trouble seeing them when I glance down, and need to pause a few moments to have my eyes adjust - not a good idea when you're driving! The dealer mechanic says this is normal, but I can't believe this. Any ideas?
     
    #1 Henway, Dec 21, 2005
  2. justinc

    justinc New Member

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    I too, experience dim steering wheel control lights on my 06 Prius. I haven't looked thoroughly through my manual yet, so I hope there is something that I can do to brighten it a bit.

     
    #2 justinc, Dec 21, 2005
  3. aaf709

    aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan

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    That's normal in the '05 as well. I guess they figure you'll learn by feel with the steering wheel. Most of the time I can, but I have to remember where "^" is at for changing CDs or selections (or AM/FM stations) vs the one for temperature (they are opposite).
     
    #3 aaf709, Dec 21, 2005
  4. DeadPhish

    DeadPhish Senior Member

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    I agree but I'm trying to force myself to use the Braille system 'Yota incorporated into the controls. I find the dimness annoying but I do see the logic of knowing the buttons without taking my eyes off the road. Tough at times though.
     
    #4 DeadPhish, Dec 21, 2005
  5. San_Carlos_Jeff

    San_Carlos_Jeff Active Member

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    I've got the same issues. I studied the manual figuring there must be a way to brighten those up. No luck.
     
    #5 San_Carlos_Jeff, Dec 21, 2005
  6. IsrAmeriPrius

    IsrAmeriPrius Progressive Member

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    That is part of your problem.

    The steering wheel control lighting is fairly dim. When everything else is that much brighter, the contrast in the lighting level makes it much harder to see. You'll have an easier time seeing the steering wheel buttons at night if you were to lower the brightness of the other instrument panel lights.
     
    #6 IsrAmeriPrius, Dec 21, 2005
  7. canuckican

    canuckican New Member

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    Can't be adjusted.

    Has been complained about plenty in the past. Nothing to be done.
     
    #7 canuckican, Dec 22, 2005
  8. shimma

    shimma New Member

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    Yup, just a little negative Prius quirk.
     
    #8 shimma, Dec 25, 2005
  9. DocVijay

    DocVijay Active Member

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    Noticed the same on my '06 too. Just have to live with it. COuld probably swap in some brighter LEDs though.
     
    #9 DocVijay, Dec 25, 2005
  10. toyoprius

    toyoprius New Member

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    The dim steering wheel control lighting is supposedly adjustable by the dealer according to prior postings here.
     
    #10 toyoprius, Dec 26, 2005
  11. DanMan32

    DanMan32 Senior Member

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    I don't know about the 2006, but the previous 2 years it is not adjustable, not even by the dealer.
     
    #11 DanMan32, Dec 26, 2005
  12. DocVijay

    DocVijay Active Member

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    They are not user adjustable on the 2006. Don't know about dealer.
     
    #12 DocVijay, Dec 26, 2005
  13. rwlsara

    rwlsara New Member

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    I have the same problem with the steering wheel lights plus another problem I would like some input on.
    I have the auto-dimming rearview mirror with "HomeLink". There doesn't appear to be any lighting of the 3 garage door switches on the mirror in my car. Is this per design? Finding the correct switch is a pain.
     
    #13 rwlsara, Jan 15, 2006
  14. kpauley

    kpauley New Member

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    #14 kpauley, Jan 15, 2006
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