Dealer changeable settings? (reverse beeping etc.)

The owners manual has an entire chapter on customization items. There used to be a pdf version on this site, but it was apparently removed. You might try searching the web for a copy.

 

I think by the 2013, you can do much of this yourself. The first G3s required the dealer's laptop. I got some dealer "push-back" on changing the seat belt alarm from continuous to one beep. They said I was overriding a safety feature but they did it anyway. The light still goes on, but there's just one beep in case a passenger unbuckles a belt. Yes, the continuous beeps for reverse were really annoying too. Glad I got that turned off.

 

Here is a list of Customizable features for the 2013 Prius Lift back, with explanations about User versus Dealer features

http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om/OM47791U/pdf/sec_06-02.pdf

 

The next challange is getting the dealer to do it for free. Make sure to get an agreement defore siging the dotted line.

 

You will probably have the dealer do this for you, but both of these settings can be changed with a $15 OBDII bluetooth adapter and a smart phone in about 5 minutes if you ever need to go that route. I would do it for free for anybody that's near me.

 

My car is a 2010 and these things have to be done by a dealer with Tech Stream software or in the case of the reverse and seat belt beeps with a Scan Gage if you plan on buying one. Your 2013 may have the option of doing some of them yourself without a Scan Gage.

There is no safety issue although some dealers will tell you there is because they don't want to do it, or don't understand what is done. The seat belt beeper, as delivered, will beep continuously if a belt is undone. A real pain if you have a dog in the passenger seat or even a heavy package. When the seatbelt beeper is reprogrammed it will still beep for 6 seconds when the car is first started and then shut off (the warning light stays on), this is what is required by the NHTSA. The extra continuous beeps are just included by some car manufacturers to keep us "extra safe".

The reverse beep, as delivered, beeps continuously when in reverse, when reprogrammed it will beep once when you select reverse. Some people like continuous beeps, I consider them an unwanted distraction. It doesn't warn pedestrians because it only beeps inside the car.

Another item you might want to have changed is the headlight off timer. As delivered it turns off the headlights 30 seconds after the driver's door is opened with the car turned off. It can be reset to 0 or 60 seconds.

 

Sorry to learn that I can't disable the reverse beep on this car. I guess I'll live with it till I go in for first service. It's hard for me to see this as a safety feature -- I've always had to be aware of what gear is selected in every other car I've driven without a beep to warn me. And none of those cars displayed it and turned on a backup picture. Makes it kind of very noticeable that you've selected "R". I was actually startled the first time I put the new car in reverse. I had completely forgotten about the annoying beep. The seatbelt beeps don't bother me -- I and everyone who rides with me will wear a seatbelt.

 

If you included a location in your info, you may find a fellow driver who can use his OBDII device to set the reverse code.

 

I am going to pick up a ODBII BT adapter and was hoping to monitor/make changes with my iPhone. Amazon has the adapters for cheap too.

 

These are my personal settings. I did change the reverse from continuous beeping to one beep. I left the seat belt warning on because I thought this was a good safety warning system. I will on my next dealer visit have the smart key change from drivers door to all doors opening.

 

You can change that on your own, one of the threads on here has the info. I think you just hold down both the lock and unlock buttons (on the keyfob) for like 4 seconds until you here a beep (you cant be in the car when doing it).

 

Somehow I hadn't noticed your post til Pichner quoted it. This sounds like the way to go for me -- I always prefer DIY if possible. I don't own a smart phone (believe it or not) but I certainly have BT capable laptops. Are there special drivers or software required?

 

As you as your laptop has BT you shouldnt need a driver. You just need an app on you rPC to connect to the hardware ODBII BT plugin. Look up Dash Command, i see they have a PC app you should be able to use to pull data over.

 

Thank's -- found some discussion in the audio/electronics forum. Thanks for pointing me in the direction.

 

Asking about the dealer's policy before buying the car is always a smart idea. I believe many will be reasonable. If resistance or charges are encountered make free changes a condition of sale. Since the cars are sitting on the lot I am sure an attitude adjustment will happen before they let a sale walk.

If they are going to treat you like crap before they have your money their attitude won't change after they have your money.

 

Yes and no. You're dealing with two different departments. I've never had anything but a good experience with my local Lexus dealer's service department, but my recent experience with their sales dept was a misery. Although I have to agree that any issue you have tends to be a reflection of what is acceptable to the dealership's management.

 

I have tried both local dealers to disable the continious reverse beep. Neither would do it. They act like it isn't possible. They either don't have a clue; don't want to take the time; or don't want the liability.
I'll have to renew my efforts at the 10K service.