Opitron Or Opitroff - Light Confusion

[Nippy58]

Is it just me or is the RAV4's Opitron dial confusing?

In every other car I have owned, turning on the headlights lit up the dials - the Opitrons are the opposite.

After being spoilt by the auto headlights on my old 407sw I found myself driving without lights in the dusk and leaving the lights on when getting out of the car.

I also think that the door open warning should be replaced with a lights on warning if the drivers door is opened when the keys are out.

Other than the lights, the slightly bouncy ride and the rather badly designed back door opening angles, the RAV4 Mk3 is a real hit with the family- well done Toyota.

[chatman]

Is it just me or is the RAV4's Opitron dial confusing?

In every other car I have owned, turning on the headlights lit up the dials - the Opitrons are the opposite.

After being spoilt by the auto headlights on my old 407sw I found myself driving without lights in the dusk and leaving the lights on when getting out of the car.

I also think that the door open warning should be replaced with a lights on warning if the drivers door is opened when the keys are out.

Other than the lights, the slightly bouncy ride and the rather badly designed back door opening angles, the RAV4 Mk3 is a real hit with the family- well done Toyota.

Hmmm my MKII has a lights on warning buzzer, very handy

[nevpen39]

Is it just me or is the RAV4's Opitron dial confusing?

In every other car I have owned, turning on the headlights lit up the dials - the Opitrons are the opposite.

After being spoilt by the auto headlights on my old 407sw I found myself driving without lights in the dusk and leaving the lights on when getting out of the car.

I also think that the door open warning should be replaced with a lights on warning if the drivers door is opened when the keys are out.

Other than the lights, the slightly bouncy ride and the rather badly designed back door opening angles, the RAV4 Mk3 is a real hit with the family- well done Toyota.

Is it just me or is the RAV4's Opitron dial confusing?

In every other car I have owned, turning on the headlights lit up the dials - the Opitrons are the opposite.

After being spoilt by the auto headlights on my old 407sw I found myself driving without lights in the dusk and leaving the lights on when getting out of the car.

I also think that the door open warning should be replaced with a lights on warning if the drivers door is opened when the keys are out.

Other than the lights, the slightly bouncy ride and the rather badly designed back door opening angles, the RAV4 Mk3 is a real hit with the family- well done Toyota.

back door angle can be sorted. 90o openingcan be achieved

[Steve@Aberdeen]

Is it just me or is the RAV4's Opitron dial confusing?

In every other car I have owned, turning on the headlights lit up the dials - the Opitrons are the opposite.

After being spoilt by the auto headlights on my old 407sw I found myself driving without lights in the dusk and leaving the lights on when getting out of the car.

I also think that the door open warning should be replaced with a lights on warning if the drivers door is opened when the keys are out.

Other than the lights, the slightly bouncy ride and the rather badly designed back door opening angles, the RAV4 Mk3 is a real hit with the family- well done Toyota.

Turning the lights on dims the display (unless you have the fader set to leave it on full). I find it's fine - the display is nice and clear in daylight, dimming nicely (and not dazzling) when I need lights to see the road. There's also the warning light in the display to tell you if lights are on.

As far as I'm aware, the current Rav4 does have a warning if you try to leave with the lights on (which will have switched back to sidelights only to avoid running down the Battery too fast if you ignore it).

[anchorman]

Is it just me or is the RAV4's Opitron dial confusing?

In every other car I have owned, turning on the headlights lit up the dials - the Opitrons are the opposite.

After being spoilt by the auto headlights on my old 407sw I found myself driving without lights in the dusk and leaving the lights on when getting out of the car.

I also think that the door open warning should be replaced with a lights on warning if the drivers door is opened when the keys are out.

Other than the lights, the slightly bouncy ride and the rather badly designed back door opening angles, the RAV4 Mk3 is a real hit with the family- well done Toyota.

I must admit that I have set off in the dark (but well lit streets) on a couple of occasions with the lights off. I was unaware with the dash lit up so brightly. As Steve says, if you dim them slightly, there is a definate distinction between side lights on or side lights off and there is a "lights left on" reminder buzzer. I do like the display but think it should be more orange like an Avensis to match the rest of the dash.

I also have trouble with that piddly green "lights on" warning because for me, it gets obscured by the steering wheel. While we are at it, I have turned the front fogs on several times as the switch is too easy to turn along with the headlights.

If you buy a T180 door check strap (which is about £60 inc VAT) you can open the door to 90 deg'. There are some cheaper alternatives but I prefer the genuine part. It is easy to fit. Toyota will not do it for you as the spare wheel obscures the rear light. Pips has fitted very effective LED's to the door edge as a belt and braces job. I may do something similar but would like to find something that avoids drilling the door until the warranty is expired. Hella do a little flat pad with 3 LED's built in but I want to get hold of one and make sure the door will shut with it fitted.

You do get used to the ride after a while.

[Easy]

Is it just me or is the RAV4's Opitron dial confusing?

In every other car I have owned, turning on the headlights lit up the dials - the Opitrons are the opposite.

After being spoilt by the auto headlights on my old 407sw I found myself driving without lights in the dusk and leaving the lights on when getting out of the car.

I also think that the door open warning should be replaced with a lights on warning if the drivers door is opened when the keys are out.

Other than the lights, the slightly bouncy ride and the rather badly designed back door opening angles, the RAV4 Mk3 is a real hit with the family- well done Toyota.

I must admit that I have set off in the dark (but well lit streets) on a couple of occasions with the lights off. I was unaware with the dash lit up so brightly. As Steve says, if you dim them slightly, there is a definate distinction between side lights on or side lights off and there is a "lights left on" reminder buzzer. I do like the display but think it should be more orange like an Avensis to match the rest of the dash.

I also have trouble with that piddly green "lights on" warning because for me, it gets obscured by the steering wheel. While we are at it, I have turned the front fogs on several times as the switch is too easy to turn along with the headlights.

If you buy a T180 door check strap (which is about £60 inc VAT) you can open the door to 90 deg'. There are some cheaper alternatives but I prefer the genuine part. It is easy to fit. Toyota will not do it for you as the spare wheel obscures the rear light. Pips has fitted very effective LED's to the door edge as a belt and braces job. I may do something similar but would like to find something that avoids drilling the door until the warranty is expired. Hella do a little flat pad with 3 LED's built in but I want to get hold of one and make sure the door will shut with it fitted.

You do get used to the ride after a while.

Just stick some illuminated tape to the door edge, problem solved, bit ott i feel to fit LED's.

[anchorman]

Just stick some illuminated tape to the door edge, problem solved, bit ott i feel to fit LED's.

The LED's go some way towards compensating the covering of the rear light. I think that a light is better from a legal point of view in that the extremeties of the vehicle are marked. It would be better if Toyota fitted one of those red lights that some manufacturers build into the side doors for when they are open.

The tape is very effective and is a good compromise. I noticed that my mates British Gas van has oval reflective stickers inside the door.

Does anybody know where this stuff can be obtained without paying about £50 for 10 metres?

Regards

[Nippy58]

Thanks for the replys. Dimming the controls helps - just got to get used to it!

I will check out the 180 door strap - its got to be worth a shot.

Check out Ebay they have loads of reflective tapes from about £6.