DRL, F->C and a couple other import questions

Software changes can be simple, but only if you control the software. The answers:

1) No. There is no known software bypass.

2) Headlamps can be modified for DRL. This is done routinely when Prius are imported into Canada. If you use HID headlamps, the constant use will hit your pocketbook when you have to replace the bulbs.

3) No. DVD is read with a different type of head assembly; software can't modify the hardware to make it work with DVD.

4) Only if your engine gets too hot. It all depends on driving conditions, and the Prius lacks a temperature gauge. In Dirty Harry's words: "Do you feel lucky..." If you run Scangauge or some other monitoring tool, then you can look at the actual temperatures and see if everything is okay. Otherwise you want to be careful.

5) It is a simple mathematical change. You can use your calculator. Other than that, no one has found a simple switch that magically toggles the system to metric. You would think it would work that way, but it isn't obvious. Even the Toyota dealerships can't do it.

Tom

 

5)

Doesn't that km/h / MPH button next to the ODO button change it?




Also for temp, I thought I saw an option to change the temp from F to C in the setting section somewhere...?

 

On that note, does Toyota ever release software updates? It seems like they've got the flexibility to add functionality to the MFD (among other things), and it would be a handy way to make some $$$.

 

The metric/english button changes the spedo but not the odo or temperature display. It could easily do both, but Toyota didn't put that level of integration into the car. As another example, the on-screen keyboard for the MFD can be displayed as ABC or QWERTY in the NAV part of the system, but other parts retain the default ABC, even though it's running on the same system.

Toyota does release software updates. They are applied when you go in for service, although not all dealerships are good about doing it. Sometimes you have to ask.

Tom

 

What's worse is that the temperature sensor reads in °C, but the software converts it to °F. Watch the outside temperature change and you will see it go in 2 °F jumps most of the time, with an occasional jump of 1 °F. That's the 1.8 to 1 degree scaling at work.

Tom

 

3) Is the default JBL audio system able to decode DVD? (again, a software unlock?)

No, the read head for a DVD has a much finer spot, the stepper motor much finer motion, and the electronics has different decoding software.

4) From what I read 0 deg. C is the optimal temperature to de-block one's grill. Is there any danger in keeping a partial block in temps in the 5-10 deg. C range?

Not sure where you get the 0C figure, I've read 10C and up. I've had mine blocked up to 20C ambient, both city and on the highway. It was quite warm but not close to overheating (105C coolant temp). I plan to remove mine when the ambient is hovering around 10-15C max daytime temp.

5) Surely there's got to be a simple way to change the odometer from miles->km and the temperature gauge from F->C. It's a simple mathematical change so I'm assuming it must be software-driven. Anybody run across it?

No, from what I've read it can't be done by owners or dealers. It's -possible- Toyota Canada might be able to, but I suspect they wouldn't, as they don't want to encourage customers to purchase in the US. You have to switch the country code (you can look at it with a button press sequence, posted on this board - but you can't change it).