Daytime running lights

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jtfleischer @ Dec 19 2006, 06:59 PM) [snapback]364409[/snapback]</div>

Not in the USA, Canada has DRL but all we get is Auto Off.

 

thats really too bad about no DRL in the US. the manual should at least note that when describing the "auto" headlight feature, I noticed I didn't have that option and was going to run to the dealer to complain about why it wasn't in!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(YodaddyAlex @ Dec 20 2006, 08:45 AM) [snapback]364628[/snapback]</div>

The manual has a disclaimer stating that all options might not be included on your vehicle. I believe the owners manual is for North America not just the US.

 

You may find a space reserved for the fuse, but you won't find any electrical connections there.
Also missing are relays and other wiring. And DRL was not made compatable with HID, which is why Canadian market aren't offered HID.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DanMan32 @ Dec 30 2006, 04:58 PM) [snapback]368703[/snapback]</div>

I am new to the forum and just bought a 2007 Prius Friday. Have been going over the manual and am disappointed there is no daytime running lights. This should be a basic safety feature on all new cars. Is there a workaround for this? Does anyone have any ideas on this. Would appreciate some brainstorming on a way to get us daytime running lights.

Thanks

 

I use the Auto Off feature, if you leave your lights on they will shut off Automatically when you power off and open the drivers door.

 

I thought daytime running lights had been shown to increase overall accident rates since pedestrians and cyclists are relatively less visible?

 

How would pedestrians and cyclists be less visible with DRLs? Bicycle reflectors will light up even in daylight. Pedestrian reflective clothing will also light up. DRLs are no replacement for headlamps at dusk and dawn (or at night). They are "DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS".

All the studies I've seen showed about 10-15% drop in accidents. I haven't seen a recent one though.

Be aware, there are some shortcomings with DRLs. For example, the tail lamps are off.

The headlamps are run at lower intensity. The parking brake is supposed to shut them off, if you are stopped with the engine running (old term - in ready mode with the Prius). There are quite a few vehicles that use turn signals for DRLs (Chryslers, particularly the minivans, RX-7s, many vehicles with fold-down headlamps, and some HID equipped vehicles).

You can purchase a DRL module and connect it as you please in the US. It isn't illegal to have the parking lights or turn signals on as DRLs there. Here it has to be approved to fulfill legal DRL function.

DRL modules available from places such as:
http://www.hamsar.com/drlkits.htm

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(prius2go @ Aug 13 2007, 05:22 AM) [snapback]494596[/snapback]</div>

NO ~ Studies actually show it's a mixed bag ... some saying yes & others contradict ... certainly NOT the overwhelming big winner that was originally predicted.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Aug 13 2007, 05:19 PM) [snapback]494727[/snapback]</div>

there's always one that misreads
imagine youre old decrepid and driving a beat up station wagon

the vehicles coming towards you are more visible because they have DRLs
but you dont see the things without DRLs that you would previously have seen
pedestrians, cyclists, animals, vehicles without DRLs, etc

to equalise - pass a law to make pedestrians and Cyclists have DRLs too
and we're back to where we started

someone will then campaign for brighter DRLs B)


It's one of these safety measures which has unforseen consequences with a result of not improving safety

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(prius2go @ Aug 13 2007, 04:22 AM) [snapback]494596[/snapback]</div>

So we should legislate that cyclists and pedestrians also have DRLs!

Seriously, let me know your thoughts on this idea:

1) Remove the 9006 bulbs in the fog lights.
2) Replace them with HID bulbs designed to replace the 9006 bulbs.
3) Wire them in so that the fog lights are on whenever the Prius is in the READY mode and the headlight are off.

That way, you get long-lasting DRLs, and they get shut off when the real headlights are on.

Or, simply change the wiring so that the 9006 fog lamps are hooked up in series whenever READY is on and the headlights are off.

Thoughts? Ideas?

 

Fog/driving lights on without headlamps on is illegal in the US and Canada. Lots of people get ticketed for it (it's a popular modification to most new cars).

Turn signals or "parking lights" on while driving is not illegal. Hence, they are used. You'd be surprised how bright they are.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Gussack @ Aug 12 2007, 10:51 PM) [snapback]494479[/snapback]</div>

I've added turn signal based DRLs to my 2005 Prius and have been very happy with the results. I like the yellow DRL effect much better than the often glaring high beam DRLs.

I got the DRL kit from Web Electric Products. The installation is very simple. I've attached a Word document that shows the specific wires you need to connect to on the Prius.

Here's a link to a file that I uploaded showing how to hook up the module on the Prius.

Alan

 

didn't do a thing on my '04.

 

how to connect fog lights to a Gen 2 Prius that didn't have foglights

My 2004 Prius didn't come with foglights. I installed OEM foglights (each uses a 9006 55watt headlight bulb), and need to wire them up. Anyone know the easiest way to connect them (I don't need a switch inside the cabin) so that they're on whenever the car is "running"? Someone here used the washer pump blue wire, I think, because I guess it's "hot" when the car is "running". Is a relay needed? With two 9006 55watt bulbs in the foglights, we're flowing about 9.2 amps total. I have a feeling the washer pump circuit and wiring won't be enough for 9.2 amps continuous current.

 

I believe that you are mistaken about "fog/driving lights on without headlamps on is illegal in the US". I own a 2010 Chevy Camaro SS with the optional RS package, and the fog lights function only as Daytime Running Lights. The car's HID headlamps only come on at night, at which time the DRLs turn off.

 

I posted, a year ago, about a simple kit I purchased from www.webelectricproducts.com which turns the turn signals into DRL's. I chose the Synchronizing Mode. The install is very easy (even for a senior citizen) and all connections are under the hood. It has been working for over a year and I get compliments all the time from other Prius owners. The cost is under $50 which makes it very affordable. In terms of bulb life, I have yet to replace the turn signal bulbs after 15k of driving. And, of course, the turn signals work fine. No problems with NJ State Inspection.