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Light switch has 2 or 3 positions

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Roger3125, Dec 24, 2008.

  1. Roger3125

    Roger3125 New Member

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    I have a '96 Package 3. I read in the manual that there is 3 light switch positions, one is "auto" which is described in the manual as saying according to the "eye" on the dash the lights will automatically go on and off according to the light of the day.

    The light switch as far as I can tell only has 2 positions, on and off

    Is it because package 3 lacks this feature. And if so what is the function of the eye on the dash in the left corner

    Thanks and Happy Holiday to all
     
    #1 Roger3125, Dec 24, 2008
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    '06 maybe? Otherwise you have a very special car since the Prius wasn't sold even in Japan until '97!!

    While my wife's Highlander Hybrid has an auto headlight setting AFAIK none of the Prii did.
     
    #2 efusco, Dec 24, 2008
  3. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    Isn't the auto headlights thing part of the Canadian package?

    Perhaps one of our northern members can confirm.
     
    #3 Rokeby, Dec 24, 2008
  4. hschuck

    hschuck Member

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    The Prius sold in Canada has auto headlights and a three position switch. The USA Prius does not have have auto headlights and has a two position switch; The the USA manual continues to include info on the non-existent auto headlights in feature descriptions.

    The Canadian Prius has two eyes on the dash. One is for the auto headlights and the other is for radiant heat detection used by the temperature control system. The USA Prius has only the radiant heat sensor and an empty mounting spot for the other.
     
    #4 hschuck, Dec 24, 2008
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The manual applies to both Canada and the US so we get your info too in our manual
     
    #5 Tideland Prius, Dec 24, 2008
  6. Roger3125

    Roger3125 New Member

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    Thanks guys for straightening me out on that light switch. Efusco, thanks for reminding me of what year my Prius is. Duhhh Wanna guess if I'm elligible to buy Senior tickets at the movies? <wink>
     
    #6 Roger3125, Dec 28, 2008
  7. deandme@earthlink.net

    [email protected] New Member

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    Took delivery on 12/12/08. I have an "09, #2 with no "auto" setting for off and on headlights nor does it have "day-time driving lights". However, by setting the headlight switch to "ON", the headlights will come on when the car is started and go off when the power is shut off and one of the doors is opened. I don't know if this is a good idea or "good" for the car, but it works. Comments??
     
    #7 [email protected], Dec 28, 2008
  8. maseace

    maseace Prius enthusiast

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    That's what I do. It's designed to do this and not harmful in any way. Works for headlights or just the parking lights.
     
    #8 maseace, Dec 28, 2008
  9. Porsche998

    Porsche998 New Member

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    Although you are correct that the headlights go off after shutting off the power, I prefer to shut them off manually. If for some unknown reason, they stay on, the small 12V battery could be depleted quite rapidly giving rise to all the other issues regarding jump starting the car.,
     
    #9 Porsche998, Dec 29, 2008
  10. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    They shut off when you open the driver's door, not when you shut down and therefore you can leave them open if you exit on the passenger side. Good idea to turn them off first to avoid the situation.
     
    #10 Tideland Prius, Dec 29, 2008
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