Interior Lighting

[Celt Horseman]

Ok all here is a fun one. I have a 09 LC and love the thing more than my old 740i which is saying something. But there is one thing that I really miss about my 740 (besides the cornering) and that is the 2 little lights in the over head center console that lit up the cabin. I know the newer LCs have them, but I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a kit to do that to an 09?

Thanks

 

[Markuson]

Not sure what you mean. Can you take a photo of this in your 740?

 

[ybing]

The door dome light?

 

[brussum]

My '02 Audi had the same illumination feature as your 840. On my '08 LC, there are two square holes in the overhead console that one assumes would be for overhead LEDs to provide low light illumination of the console area. I was disappointed to learn the LC appeared to have this feature, but didn't. It's also annoying that none of my overhead console buttons are illuminated at night. It makes finding the dome light button or garage door opener a PITA. First world problems, I know, but it's a case of the LC taking a technological step backwards compared to its competitors and even other Toyotas. Just strikes me as odd.

I hope you find a kit to retrofit the console lights. Please share if you do.

 

[Celt Horseman]

I would love to take a picture and post what I am talking about, but I can't figure out how to post one. When I tried it wanted a link or HTML code for the post. Is there a way to drag and drop a picture?

 

[Markuson]

Yes. Simply start a post or response...then drag a jpeg image file from your desktop onto the box you are typing in here on the forum. The photo will take a short bit of time to upload...then you simply click on the choice of either posting as a clickable thumbnail or full image...and voila! It's in your post here.

 

[Celt Horseman]

 

[Markuson]

View attachment 1179435

AHHH!

Thanks for photo. Could not figure out what you were referring to.

Personally, my biggest gripe is that those 4 TINY buttons are not only not lit...bur are so smooth that it's VERY distracting to try and feel your way around for them in the dark when you need them most!! Sheesh. Just about ALL other buttons have back-lights...except for the buttons you use ONLY IN THE DARK!!!!!

Toyota... You goofed, mang...

Goof #2?

They have that HUGE area of diffusion that covers the entire, large rectangle of the fixture...and yet only a tiny portion of that diffuser actually has lighted areas behind it! -Why not use the full size of the diffuser area to produce light???

 

[Markuson]

Customization Side Note:

I just discovered that you can customize a number of things related to interior lighting...including whether and how long the interior lights automatically turn on or off with entry, exit, proximity, etc. Also...you can change the light sensitivity of the light sensor on the dash.

p 519 in the 2008 manual, or under lighting/interior in rear manual index.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

^^ Great info! I need to go back through mine. My interior lights don't come on at all when I enter the vehicle. That will have to change...

 

[M1911]

^^ Great info! I need to go back through mine. My interior lights don't come on at all when I enter the vehicle. That will have to change...

Check the position of the switch in the light above the second row. IIRC, it has three positions: on, off, and door.

 

[Markuson]

Check the position of the switch in the light above the second row. IIRC, it has three positions: on, off, and door.

Yes. That's the most common cause...and it's humorously GENIUS to suggest the obvious...just like my first "tech support" to family tech issues is... "Are you sure it's turned on & plugged in?" -It's amazing how many times that's the cause! Ha ha....

But it IS possible that the mostly-unknown custom settings could be changing the behavior as well.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

... or kids playing with switches.

 

[M1911]

Yes. That's the most common cause...and it's humorously GENIUS to suggest the obvious...just like my first "tech support" to family tech issues is... "Are you sure it's turned on & plugged in?" -It's amazing how many times that's the cause! Ha ha....

But it IS possible that the mostly-unknown custom settings could be changing the behavior as well.

When I first got my Landcruiser, the interior lights weren't going on when opened the door. I spent some time looking through the manual at the customizations, but then figured I'd better check the switch first. Sure enough, it was the switch.

 

[drmwvr]

Those lights and buttons ARE active and illuminated on the LX version of the 200 series.

 

[hankinid]

Those lights and buttons ARE active and illuminated on the LX version of the 200 series.

And that begs the question as how to light the LC's panel...will it take a new LX panel or can we simply add bulbs or led's to what came with the cruiser?

Steve

 

[Celt Horseman]

I am going to find out. Going in for my 90k service tomorrow and am going to talk with the parts guy. There might be a way to get the parts needed to make it happen. Though I have a friend that is good with LEDs, I might just hit him up and see what he can do in a weekend. I will keep you posted.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

Just a follow up on the LX. Now I know why I was thinking that the interior lights were not coming on. On the 100, the lights in the middle row come on, as well as the ones in the front row and rear. On my LX, the 2nd row lighting is spots only. No switch for door. I have not looked at the rear area yet, but will be looking at that as well. With just the front lights coming on, the interior is WAY dim, even when lit.

 

[mreedbmwm3]

I am going to find out. Going in for my 90k service tomorrow and am going to talk with the parts guy. There might be a way to get the parts needed to make it happen. Though I have a friend that is good with LEDs, I might just hit him up and see what he can do in a weekend. I will keep you posted.

What did you find out?

 

[Celt Horseman]

you know, I totally forgot to ask them about it. I have another service coming up soon hopefully I will remember to ask then. One of the things that I have thought about is placement of switches for the off road lighting I want to put on though. I know not a big thing but I think I figured out a way to kill two birds with one stone. The little cubby area where the ashtray is would work perfect for the switches. I figure I can find some that are green when in the off position it would like that are up nice. I don't know just a thought.