Flash2Pass

I put a similar device in my parents' 94 Camry in 1997. It worked great, but was only for Stanley's, and you had to be very close to the door to use it. (Compared to the visor remote).

This brand may be different, but I recommend the auto-dimming mirror with homelink (Genuine Toyota item).

Nate

 

If you buy a package with HID headlights, I'd try to avoid "flashing" them if possible. HIDs don't like to be refired when they're already hot.

 

I've got the homelink mirror to control my existing garage door. But my Audi doesn't have the homelink visor, so I use a little box that connects to the high beam and opens my garage. It's not the Flash2Pass brand, and it doesn't use its own receiver -- it emits the same rolling code as the Genie remotes so it works direcly on the garage door. I got it from ebay.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Apr 17 2006, 07:01 PM) [snapback]241264[/snapback]</div>

Actually, you only trigger the high-beams. It takes the signal from the high-beam relay. It's not toxic to the HIDs. But the homelink is clearly a better solution.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jbarnhart @ Apr 17 2006, 09:01 PM) [snapback]241326[/snapback]</div>

The Prius HID system uses the same bulb for both the low and the high beams.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dbjoyner @ Apr 18 2006, 10:51 AM) [snapback]241575[/snapback]</div>

You may be able to have your dealer install the genuine article from Toyota: Accessories 2006 Prius, Auto-Dimming Mirror

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IsrAmeriPrius @ Apr 18 2006, 04:27 PM) [snapback]241667[/snapback]</div>

Correct. The HID uses a mechanical cutout to control the light pattern for low beam.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Apr 17 2006, 08:01 PM) [snapback]241264[/snapback]</div>

I thought the HID lights did not change brightness. I though they just had an eyelid that partially covers the HID bulb for low-beams and fully uncovers the bulb for high-beams. Correct me if I am wrong as I do not yet have my Prius. If that were the case though, as long as your headlights have been on then it wouldn't hurt to flash them, but I wouldn't do it if the headlights haven't been on.

As an alternative you may consider trying the EV flasher mod, you would have to search for it or maybe someone can post a link to that thread... basically you remove a wire from a harness under the steering wheel and put a new wire from that pin to the computer to enable "EV-mode" so when you "flash" your high-beams when the headlights are off, it does not actually flash your high-beams but instead it enables EV-mode. Headlights still flash when they are on but they do not flash when the headlights are off, and if the headlights are on then it will still enable EV-mode when you flash the high-beams. Instead of wiring this to the computer for EV-mode maybe you can just wire it to your garage door opening unit, or do both so it will cut off your gasoline engine before you enter the garage... at least I think EV-mode will cut the engine off... Sounds like that would actually work really well, anyone with experience have any thoughts on this?

 

Flash would fire the HID if the headlights weren't on to begin with, and that might hurt the HIDs some. If the HIDs were already on, then you are only changing the beam pattern.

However ilusnforc makes a good point. You could disconnect the purple wire (I think its the purple one) from the combination switch and use the switch to operate the Flash2Pass as it would the EV if so used. Then headlight flash would not occur if the headlights weren't already on (one of the drawbacks of using this switch for EV).

By the way, where is the article(s) describing installation of DiY EV? There was one with OEM EV button, one using the flash of the combo switch, and I think one for one's own button.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DanMan32 @ Oct 11 2006, 05:27 AM) [snapback]331069[/snapback]</div>

I believe Darell (darelldd) has a good article on the installation of an '06 OEM EV button, including links to various other methods of installation:
http://evnut.com/prius_ev_mode.htm

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dbjoyner @ Apr 18 2006, 12:51 PM) [snapback]241575[/snapback]</div>

If your car has not hit port yet it can be added. I think Ok is part of Gulf States. I added the auto dimming rear view mirror on my package 3 at the port. This has the homelink. It was added by Gulf States Toyota when the car reached the states. If not I am pretty sure it is also a dealer addded option.