Bought 2008 Prius used so I'm not sure what it's supposed to do. Right now, when I start the car, the "P" button illuminates but goes out when I put the car into DRIVE, so I know the button can illuminate. At night, with headlights on, the "P" button does not illuminate. Being a new owner, I've had to turn on the interor lights to find the "P" button to shut down. Is it normal for the "P" not to illuminate at night but does during the day?
There is a brightness wheel on the dash, to the left of the steering wheel. You can increase and decrease your brightness at night by turning that wheel
Does the brightness change? If not, then that wheel is not connected. Check to make sure it's connected behind the dash
It illuminates to let you know the car is in "Park". The P (for Park) button in my 2007 illuminates only when it is pressed to activate the transaxle park mechanism. Button becomes dark once the shift selector is moved to one of its positions which disengage the park pawl.
2022 Prius nightshade P or parking brake light not on at night? No brightness wheel but there is a toggle button. But that does not help.
Maybe ask your question in the Gen 4 forums. Any information pertinent to Gen 2 is not likely useful in the Gen 4 setting.
