Land Down under gets a few more frills than American Blokes!

Interesting, I have this same "Brake light deceleration warning to command immediate attention" feature from Kisan Electronics installed on my motorcycle...



You can also install this "after market" ket from FlashingBrakeLights website.

 

A number of members has installed it for the regular prius and the prius wagon -
3rd brake light flasher module | PriusChat

 

Its actually better to use one of the "pulsing" flashers rather that the blinking type. Some states apparently have laws against the blinking type. I prefer the pulsing type anyway, it's less ambiguous.

MR Brakesafe 3rd Brake Light Pulser Flasher Smallest Unit Connectors Included | eBay

 

Although you say we get more stuff, we don't have auto wipers (I don't think available in any market) nor 17" wheels nor the aero bits on any of the Prius v.

I reckon not having the 5 seater version is good given it's really a moot point to have that version when the regular hatch does a very similar job.

 

What's the difference between a blink, a flash, a strobe or a pulse on these brake light kits?

All manufacturers state that their model is "Legal in all 50 States". For example, this online Brake Kit Flasher kit performs 6 light flashes in approximately 2.2 seconds and this Universal Brake Light Flasher/Strober has 1800+ modes to custom control exactly the 1 to 15 flashing cycles, 1 to 15 frequencies, repeat delay, continues and other modes.

I would like to install a brake light kit like these, but when I removed my Prius v 2013 3rd brake light dome, the lead wires don't have much slack to easily cut and install the blue crimped connector and common wire splice in.

Does anyone know how to avoid cutting the OEM brake light wires and get a matching male/female plug-in that can extend the OEM wiring harness?

 

That emergency brake flashing thing has been around on the 3rd gen as standard fitment. I've never seen it in action myself although I should stick the gopro out back and take a video of it.

 

My 2012 C came with the 3rd break light that pulses 3 times before turning solid red. The dealer had no mark up for this, and they have never installed it on my car or any other car, so I believe it came from Toyota. I can only assume that my C being an early production one was intended for another country than the USA. They may have pulled it to go to USA, due to not having enough cars to meet the demand.

 

That does not happen - never.

 

How do you know that it does not happen? How do you explain my 3rd break light?

 

Hopefully your brake lights don't break but anyway, the emergency brake lights is a feature design into the car.

 

I can't tell you what's wrong with your car but I do know that vehicles for the U.S market are so incredibly different than those sold in other world markets that it is impossible for a vehicle meant for anther market to be diverted to the U.S. If it was, then you would be noticing all sorts of other differences.

Are you the original owner?

 

Yes original owner, not sure what that has to do with anything? Unless you are a production manager at Toyota, I will enjoy my theory.

 

Actually, that is the right side!
Cars are built to meet the standards of the country of destination. Different safety standards for a start. I believe the Australian Toyotas have harder springs because Aussies are tough and like it rough. Europe is the same, we like cars that don't wallow around. I don't have personal experience with the Prius V but I know my gen II Prius has harder springs than the Gen II I rode in from Chicago to Detroit with less body roll.

 

The flashing in some are constant and others are variable from 2-3 seconds to 5-7 sec or more.

Just pick the features you want.

You have to cut the wires unless you find an OEM plug. Installed mine by taking out the plastic trim from the inside.

 

Your third brake light must have been installed here in the US - flashes your 3rd brake light every time you press the brake pedal. The OEM ones don't pulsate or flash below 55 kph. The OEM ones has to sync with the cars computer system - only pulsates the brake lights above 55 kph. My understanding is, it is all the brake lights that flashes.

 

There's actually a spec in the Vehicle Spec Sheet that links it to emergency brake flashing lights. At least for Australia/Europe, it's a non removable spec (ie standard as part of the base car)

 

Well ... live the fantasy. Maybe your car was previously "sold" to somebody else who backed out of the dealer after he paid the dealer to install something like one of these:
Pulsing Third Brake Lights - Pulse The Safer Braking Technology
This aftermarket product is available as a dealer installed option through many car dealers including some Toyota dealers and is not available for purchase by consumers.

My wife's Prius v Five/ATP was purchased new and came with dealer installed 3M film on the hood and around the door frames -- as an option it was something like $500. We didn't ask for it, we didn't pay for it, it wasn't on the invoice or contract and we don't know how it came to be on the car. Maybe someone else "bought" the car but never took delivery. This kind of situation is not particularly unusual.

 

When you buy a car you drive it home the day you sign the contract, they make sure you take delivery. My car had 25 miles on it, it was never taken home. My C one also has a rear wiper, which from others on this site say should not be an option on this model. So my dream will continue.