How do you remember to turn your headlights on?

Well I just got my 08 tacoma. One of the things I have to get used to is the fact that the instrument cluster lights stay on all the time.

On my old V-dub, the instrument cluster lights stayed off until you turned your headlights on. So when it got dark, it would remind you to turn on your lights cause you can't see anything in the inst cluster.

My question is, what method do you guys use to ensure that you remember to turn your lights on when it turn dark?

 

I turn them just after I start the engine, and off again just before shutting it down.

Does anyone have instructions (or a link to a thread) for installing the "Daytime Running Light Kit for 2005-2008 Tacoma (Part #DAYTIME-RL-KIT)" that www.trdparts4u.com sells?


http://www.trdparts4u.com/PD-DAYTIME-RL-KIT.aspx?MakeID=1

 

Yeah that's what I've been doing. I really don't like leaving my rear lights on all the time, I thought there may be a mod out there that turns the instrument cluster lights off unless the headlights are on.

 

Is that an '07 thing? I do the same thing with my '06 but the lights go off as soon as I open my door. Not that I mind I guess, but the dealer did say it was supposed to have the "walk to your door" feature like yours.

 

I really dislike (Hate is too much work) the always on dash lights. They have caused me to drive without my headlights several times. It's not like the light is needed during the day and if it's dark enough to need light to see the instruments I'd have to have the headlights on anyway. I'm hoping someone comes up with a mod to fix this.

It reminds me of my issue with the AC going on if you set the ventilation to defrost.

 

I have an 07 and mine does both. I've seen the lights stay on after I get out and shut the door and I've also seen them go out immediately when I open the door.

I think there's some sort of 'factor' or sequence that causes it to do one or the other. I just haven't figured out WHAT that is....?? Haven't had time to try and figure it out either.

 

yup, thats how mine is, if i leave my lights on they turn off as soon as i open my door. i dont know why phantoms wait a minute.

 

I do know if you have the door open and THEN turn on the lights they will stay on after you get out, but i dont know if they stay on for good or if they time out and turn themselves off. i dunno. you're one of hte smart ones on this site Janster, you should be able to figure this out for us stupid guys

 

I haven't had any problems with it. most people turn their lights on when it's dark and they can't see. If you can't see, try turning your headlights on. If that doesn't work, stop driving. Since the truck turns them off for me if I forget to turn them off there is no real problem. If I can't see I turn them on. (OR if I'm using my wipers-thanks California, what would I do without your legislators?)

 

Rain-X FTW!!!

 

HAHAAAAHA

yes that limits the need. Also using a delay setting does not require the lights. And yes I got pulled over and given a warning for it.

 

Well it's more of an issue in lighted city streets. When it gets dark here in the city you don't need headlights to see where you're going as much as you need headlights so people can see you. So I take it you have no input?

 

All my smart ass remarks aside...
I know what you mean, it's just never been a problem for me in this truck. Don't the radio and a/c dash lights not come on without the headlights? You could wire the instrument panel lights to that circuit so they all work the same.
It would probably require pulling the rheostat and chasing some wires. Also depends of the current pulled in the two circuits.

(does that count as input?)

 

nevermind

 

When someone flashes me with their lights and I think, what are you flashing me for, dumbass?, and then I realize that my lights aren't on, then I think, I'm a dumbass.

I leave mine on all the time. I like the frightened looks I see from people in their rearview mirror