1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

auto leveling head lights

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by buzzard bill, Sep 9, 2006.

  1. buzzard bill

    buzzard bill New Member

    Joined:
    May 15, 2006
    23
    0
    0
    Location:
    Escanaba, MI
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    I have two 2005 Prius with auto leveling head lights. My question is how do they work?? (motors, gravity, electric, etc)

    Thanks,
    Bill
     
  2. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2006
    18,058
    3,075
    7
    Location:
    Northern Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(buzzard bill @ Sep 9 2006, 07:38 AM) [snapback]316896[/snapback]</div>
    Motors. There is a sensor in the back of the car that measures how much the suspension is compressed, which then turns leveling motors in the light assemblies.

    Tom
     
  3. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2006
    5,963
    1,985
    0
    Location:
    Edmonton Alberta
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    If I recall correctly, the sensor can be seen on the left rear suspension. It's a part that has failed for a few owners BTW.
     
  4. buzzard bill

    buzzard bill New Member

    Joined:
    May 15, 2006
    23
    0
    0
    Location:
    Escanaba, MI
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(qbee42 @ Sep 9 2006, 08:01 AM) [snapback]316898[/snapback]</div>

    Thanks for the information.

    Bill
     
  5. ekpolk

    ekpolk What could possibly...

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2006
    548
    176
    0
    Location:
    Pensacola & Vero Beach FL
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius
    Model:
    Two Eco
    Good info. I've looked the system over in the on-line service manuals at techinfo.toyota.com. You can test the system easily by turning the lights on while close to a wall (inside of garage works well). Open the rear hatch, and kneel at the back of the cargo compartment. Watch the light pattern. First it will rise as your weight compresses the rear suspension. About five seconds later, the system will re-aim them to the correct level. Then get out, and watch the lights dip. Another five seconds, and back to normal.