Gear shifter light

What light on the shifter? To my knowledge there isn't one.

 

Yes, there is a little light bulb that illuminates the shift knob. If you wish to access the bulb to replace it (or to ensure that the wiring connections are solid), look at this string for directions on how to remove the shift lever mechanism:
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...ing/65102-how-replace-2g-gearshift-lever.html

 

Geez, time for new glasses. I had my 04 for 5 years and now have an 09 and I never noticed the light.

 

I recommend replacing all those little horrible bulbs with blue LEDs. They will last forever, be easier to see, and look WAY better!

The power button, Park button and shifter all originally had bulbs with green silicone filters on them. All of mine are now LEDs. (with series resistors)

The Steering wheel controls, radio and MFD buttons were all SMD LEDs, but I replaced them with Blue units instead so they match. I also had to do the "Ready" and "A/C Auto" indicators!

For the steering wheel, I added a small circuit that turns them on high brightness when the ignition is on (daytime) and then dims them to a low setting that's adjustable with the other dash lights at night. The LEDs I used were many times brighter than the originals, so in some cases I changed the series resistors to make them a more reasonable brightness.

I've also replaced all exterior lights on the car with LEDs except for the Headlights (HID) and the reverse lights. (still incandescent)

The camera doesn't do the deep blue color justice, it looks way more striking in person!

 

The steering wheel is what started it all. The original LEDs in there were so dim I'm not sure why they bothered. Now they are so bright it actually shows up blue during the day! (and they do dim at night)

Once I had that done, I had to do the rest. The blue was too cool!

 

That looks great. Someone needs to post a how too... In regards to pulling everything apart and replacing the bulbs etc etc... Hint Hint

 

Disclaimer and Warning:

I don't recommend anyone attempt this mod unless they are experienced with electronics and in particular SMD rework. All the LEDs used in the existing car are SMD and it takes skill and experience to pull off SMD removal and installation of new LEDs. In my case I also changed many of the series current limiting resistors to get the brightness correct, as the blue LEDs I used were many times brighter than the originals. In the case of the incandescent bulb swap, like in the shifter, park and power buttons, I used a T1-3/4 LED with an added series resistor. It takes understanding of the electrical properties of the various LEDs and application of Ohm's law to determine the correct resistor values.

Opening up all the various parts and modules was the easy part!

I also had to build a circuit to control the LEDs in the steering wheel, as by default they come on full brightness and do not dim like the other LEDs. There are spare unused contacts on the "clock spring" connector the connects everything in the wheel. I think Toyota refers to this as a "spiral cable assembly". If someone wants to tackle this job, I am willing to provide a schematic.

If anyone does attempt this, you are on your own. I am not responsible if you destroy anything in your car! You must be especially careful with the complex assemblies in the Radio, MFD and Instrument display. They are fragile and susceptible to damage from ESD which is a big concern with colder weather.

That said, I think this mod is definitely worth the effort if you have a spare day!

 

NICE JOB!!!
+1

This would be a mod that I can do, would you PM me copy of yor circuit! The photos are very nice especially tha last one, nice!! Where did you get the SMT LEDS from. What are the part numbers?

 

Thanks for the compliments, unfortunately when I did this mod I didn't think of documenting it closely. I can probably draw you a schematic of the added circuit I added to make the steering wheel LEDs dim/brighten with the control and come on during the day, but that's all. Anyway, This circuit isn't strictly necessary if you put in ones that aren't as bright as mine were. (which is likely)

I didn't write down the values of the resistors I changed, they were arrived at after testing each unit and observing that the blue LEDs in most cases were way too bright. (much higher efficiency than the OEM ones!)

I used LEDs from my existing stock, I didn't have to order any. There were several types used depending on where they were installed. I don't keep part numbers for them unfortunately, but I think most came from Mouser or Digikey. Just look up the sizes and try to match the package style. The forward voltage on blue is usually a little higher, so this can affect the brightness as well, but in most cases I found this not to be true.

The best way to do this is get online and order an assortment of blue SMD leds of several sizes, and also get a handful of standard T1-3/4 wide-angle ones for the incandescent replacements. This way you only have to take things apart once. LEDs are not that expensive, so anything you can do to save time is usually worth it.

 

Sorry people, I simply don't have the time to help everyone out with this mod. Please do not PM me asking such. I will only answer questions here in the public forum so everyone can benefit.

 

Wow, I never realized there were lights on the steering wheel! I will have to take a closer look.

 

Yeah, they are so dim, I'm not sure why they even bothered!

 

Yeah, that Blue is nice, how did you pop the covers on the stereing wheel? Are they screwed down, or did they just pop up???
I need to get serious about this and figure out the LED size and order a mods worth!

 

There are 2 little plates on the sides of the wheel. One is around the cruise control stalk. Pop these off, then you will see a T-40 (IIRC) Torx screw on each side. Loosen this fully, but be warned it will not come out. Then the airbag assembly should slide out from the center. Once this is away, you can grab each button module and pull straight out from the wheel and it will come free. There is a connector that you can disconnect.