Had more than one experience of people being nearly hit and run over by me backing up. Yes I'm in reverse, yes I'm checking my mirrors. Would love to find a way to put the inside beep sound outside instead. I did disable the beep a week or so after getting the car, but now would like it to sound outside for safety when the car is silently backing up... Thanks
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wiiprii @ Jun 28 2007, 01:08 PM) [snapback]469621[/snapback]</div> I've seen some bulbs that you can buy which beep, specifically for this reason. It's probably a much quicker/cheaper fix than trying to rig up a custom setup, provided you can find a bulb that will fit the Prius.
It's been done, but you may have to do a search for the proceedure. I know Godiva did that. JC Whitney even makes a model that will say (in English or Spanish), "This car is backing up!"
I used to have that experience all the time when I drove a regular Camry (with regular engine noise). Most pedestrians don't care, they keep walking even if they know you're backing up into them. At least that's how it is around here.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nybiker @ Jun 28 2007, 05:10 PM) [snapback]469653[/snapback]</div> It's like that where I work. Sometimes I think they want to get hit so they can sue you or something. People will just walk into you as you're moving.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Malarkey @ Jun 28 2007, 07:10 PM) [snapback]469708[/snapback]</div> Enable the beep & roll the windows down.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fjdksls @ Jun 28 2007, 01:20 PM) [snapback]469631[/snapback]</div> :angry: I bought one such bulb from my Toyota dealer: N VISION BACK-UP-ALERT BY HOPKINS MANUFACTURING CORP. BULB 3156.... IT DOESN'T FIT!!!!!! Dealer said it was the one for Prius $29.95 + tax. Hopefully there actually is one that will actually fit. I disabled the obnoxiously loud internal beeper, but after backing up a little at a red light and then forgetting to put the car back in drive before I hit the gas made me realize the beep advantage! Lucky for me no one was behind me and I am soft on the pedal!
OK, here you go. This site has all kinds of backup alarms. Some assembly required. http://www.wolo-mfg.com/back-up.htm BTW, the proper English is "this vehicle is reversing".
The back up bulbs don't fit. Let me try to attach the pdf. Just keep in mind that even with the back up buzzer beeping away, I've looked in the rear view mirror and see pedestrians completely ignoring. Even though I'm slowly inching backwards while it's beeping away, they're completely ignoring it. Would I do it again? Yes. Because I don't want my Mother nagging at me that I'm going to run over someone.
Back up more slowly, so that if you do miss seeing someone the impact isn't any more than if another person bumped into them? . _H*
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wiiprii @ Jun 28 2007, 03:08 PM) [snapback]469621[/snapback]</div> There's a ~$10 mod you can do using parts from Radio Shack, which provides an externally-audible reverse beep. It installs in about 10-15 minutes, and is surprisingly easy to perform... I did this to my '05 just two weeks ago, and am quite satisfied with the results. I'd be happy to pass along the instructions, in the form of a very nice pdf document (with pictures), if you're interested. My thanx to Charles Suitt, for passing along this information to me!
I did the "attention please, this car is backing up" alarm, it's loud, annoying, amusing and attention getting. I haven't had any close calls. Install was easy. Only quirk is that when I go through the car was or it's been raining heavily it mutes the alert until it dries out in a few days.....then it works fine again.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(landstander @ Jun 29 2007, 07:47 AM) [snapback]469943[/snapback]</div> Did you install it in the tail-light? If so....those were probably my instructions (with pictures). You're welcome. And I posted them above.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Jun 29 2007, 08:36 AM) [snapback]470051[/snapback]</div> Thanks for the info, I'd love to learn about the Radio Shack option.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Jun 29 2007, 10:36 AM) [snapback]470051[/snapback]</div> D'oh! So you did... sorry 'bout the duplication. On the plus side, at least now I know who the instructions originated from.
