bright lights

[Viberated]

how do you keep the bright lights onmy old car i just pulled the left stick and they wenti tried that in my vibe and they just flash and go offwhat am i doing wrong

[rasermon]

Hi Viberated and welcome to Genvibe. For high beams, push the turn signal lever away from you.

[Triton]

Pulling the turn signal lever toward you is for flashing only. Like rasermon said, push it away from you to make the brights stay on.

[DopeVibeGT]

Yeah. Think Japanese car. I had the same problem for like 10 seconds. Never owned Japanese, giving them a try with the Vibe.

[Viberated]

but my car isnt japanese its american pontiac

[Frosty]

quote:Yeah. Think Japanese car...... Some fords are this way also. I know the late 1990's Lincoln's highbeams are the same.

[Frosty]

Yes I feel your pain. It took about 10,000 k's before all the controls were operated intuitively.

[Sub-Vibe-R]

My father's '95 Ford Escort has high beam the same way as my Vibe. Pull to flash, push to turn on.

[DopeVibeGT]

Never owned a Ford and never plan too. LoL

[kaybeejay]

quote:Yes I feel your pain. It took about 10,000 k's before all the controls were operated intuitively.Thats odd. I have owned/driven GM's/Fords/japanese and I find that the japanese controls are MUCH more intuitive than GM or Ford. (just my opinion.)General differences I have noticed:1) To turn on/off the AC in an american car, you used to have to set the temp to the coldest. If you wanted just the vent on with no AC, you had to push the "vent" button in, then pull it back out.Every japanese car I ever drove, to turn on the AC, there is a separate "AC" button in the dash. How much easier could it get.2) To turn off the fan in an american car you turn the "mode" selector to "off". In a japanese car, you turn the fan to the lowest position.3) The vibe isn't like this, but most other japanese cars are........the on/off switch for the interior dome light is located on the light itself, whereas in a GM/Ford the switch is located with the headlight switch - on the dash. Personally, I prefer the switch be with the dome light, that way anyone in the car can operate it. (but I suppose this can go both ways)4) Headlight on/off switch is generally located on the dash for american cars. In japanese cars, its almost always on the turn signal wand. Both are on the left hand side of the steering wheel.5) American cars, to unlock the doors - you generally turn the key toward the back of the car. Japanese cars are the reverse. (or maybe its the other way around? )6) American cars used to locate their hazard light switch on the steering column. Japanese cars used to locate their hazard light switches on the dash (where the passenger can reach it in the event of an emergency - Better design IMHO)7) In an american car, to turn it on the ACC mode (radio only) you turn the key counterclockwise. In japanese cars, you turn it to the "ACC" position (first click - clockwise)8) American cars used to not have the amber color for rear facing signal lights. They used to use a flashing brake light to indicate a turn signal or hazard light. IMHO this is more confusing, cause you are using the same or similar light for signaling as you do for braking. This could possibly confuse people who are following you. The japanese design, uses a separate light for signaling, the amber colored one.In Europe, most cars have amber side markers as well to indicate hazards and turn signals. However, Ford started putting "red arrow lights" in their side mirrors which basically does the same thing. I always thought this would be distracting to the drivers, but I have never driven one - so I don't know. Either is an improvement - however, I don't know if you can see the "Ford Mirror light" from the front?I used to drive an old Ford van, when you had the hazards on, and you pushed the brake - the brake would override the hazard lights. Confusing if you ask me.-----These are all things that I noticed over the years. They are just generaly statements and many american/japanese projects have overlapped to cause exceptions to these observations. In recent years, I have noticed that GM in particular have adapted some of these "japanese style" controls in their cars. My dad's 1997 Grand Am had alot of these innovations.

[kaybeejay]

quote:but my car isnt japanese its american pontiacWhoa.... you are in for a reality shock. I hope you aren't one of those "only buy american" types. Or else this will totally ruin your day.The Pontiac Vibe is almost 100% designed by Toyota. The Engine is a product of Yamaha, and the chassis is the same as the Toyota Corolla. The drivetrain components are shared with the Celica line. In fact, the Vibe comes off the same assembly line as the Corolla. (http://www.nummi.com)If you look at the interior, and note the materials used, and the style of the switches and controls - you will plainly see that they belong to Toyota. Take the cruise control switch, for example. Have you seen any other american car that uses the "third wand" style of control? That is clearly a "toyota thing". Also feel the dash. The materials they use are very similar to the materials found in toyotas. GM materials have a different feel and texture to them. (go to the dealer, and feel for yourself)Do a search on http://www.google.com and you will find more info.

[salsakc]

Plus, the gas cap (in my Vibe at least) has the Toyota logo.

[cohocarl]

I drove a Green, 1975 MGB which had the high/low beam selector just like the Vibe's. Flip it forward for highs, flip it back for lows. Some A.H. coming at ya flashing his highs and you aren't sure if yours are on or not, you pull back on the lever (if you do have yours highs on, it will turn them down to low.....if your highs aren't on, it'll flash the brights back, all w/o having to look down to see if the little blue light is on or not) It may take a while to get used to the different switch, but I think you'll love it after a while.

[DopeVibeGT]

Hmm...lets see. My opinions. 1)All my GM cars, you turned the little dial to MAX A/C or A/C, chosing either floor, vent or both. To get outside air in, just turn it to the position you want, and air comes in.2) My GM cars all had the fan control exactly like my Vibe.3) My GM's had "Map" lights. Two in the front and two in the back. either side for the passengers.4)Again, the GA has the light switch on the turn signal switch. In 92, Road and Track called the control a "Work of art."5) Dunno. I have power locks and dont use the key. LoL 6)Hazard light is where a lot of Japanese cars are. On top of the steering column. Most of the GM cars now have the button up on the dash, which reminds me more of a European design then Japanese.7) I like this better. Having the ACC in the counterclockwise position Lessens chances of someone starting the car.8)I dont care for the amber rear turns. Yes, you can see them better in the fog, but the little amber part is ugly, IMHO. Thats why I cant wait until someone makes tails for the Vibe.9) The push to turn highbeams on is less appealing then the pull to turn them on. To me, anyway.

[Pawel]

This should read as follows: Japanese should mean EVERYONE EXCEPT NORTH AMERICA car companies. Please do not foget about that "small" place called EUROPE! That's the birth place of a car.Comments for Salsa post:8) American cars used to not have the amber color for rear facing signal lights. They used to use a flashing brake light to indicate a turn signal or hazard light. IMHO this is more confusing, cause you are using the same or similar light for signaling as you do for braking. This could possibly confuse people who are following you. The japanese design, uses a separate light for signaling, the amber colored one.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Your comment: Now come on, a car with only ONE brake light flashing at a regular pace and the third brake light not on can't be confused with a car braking!!!My comment: Example: older pick up or new pick up (with some hard top cover which hinders 3rd stop light) with its right tail light out (assume ONE bulb only for three uses: turn signal, tail light and stop and one bulb for backing up). No driver is turning left and braking? How the hell in 1 to 2 sec time one can know the difference? How about when it rains and all you can see is blury? Dude, three color design is a mandatory thing in Europe and Asia. It should be here as well. It's much easy on driver's eyes, there is no guessing, which in turn means SAFETY!quote:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------I used to drive an old Ford van, when you had the hazards on, and you pushed the brake - the brake would override the hazard lights. Confusing if you ask me.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Your comment: Yes a little flaw there, but what is more important: telling people you have the hazards on or telling them you are braking!!!!!?????My comment: Little flow. Please dude, where did you get your licence to drive a car? Toy store? BOTH things are important! When you drive with your hazards you signal that you will not drive as people assume you would because something is wrong. That's the way you caution people. Now as for indicating that you are braking, if you will tell me that this is not important, then when you ever decide to drive to Philadelphia, please by all means let me know. I WILL STAY AWAY FROM DRIVING THAT DAY.

[kaybeejay]

Let me revise my observations....My "experience" is mostly limited to later model Fords/GM's/and Dodges. (1980's to mid 90's) It looks like the newer models have adapted a more "japanese/european" style of controls.

[Pawel]

quote:Your comment: Now come on, a car with only ONE brake light flashing at a regular pace and the third brake light not on can't be confused with a car braking!!!My comment: Example: older pick up or new pick up (with some hard top cover which hinders 3rd stop light) with its right tail light out (assume ONE bulb only for three uses: turn signal, tail light and stop and one bulb for backing up). No driver is turning left and braking? How the hell in 1 to 2 sec time one can know the difference? How about when it rains and all you can see is blury? Dude, three color design is a mandatory thing in Europe and Asia. It should be here as well. It's much easy on driver's eyes, there is no guessing, which in turn means SAFETY! My response to you is,....ok if you push it to this extreme than maybe yellow turn lights are better. I never said they were not, I was just saying that a red turn light does the job fine.Since you are pushing it, let me had this: if the yellow turn light bulb is burned out...how will you know that the car is turning in the middle of the night, if the driver has taken his foot off the brake and the brake lights are not on.....you won't, you'll assume from a distance that the car is rolling....I used to drive an old Ford van, when you had the hazards on, and you pushed the brake - the brake would override the hazard lights. Confusing if you ask me.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Your comment: Yes a little flaw there, but what is more important: telling people you have the hazards on or telling them you are braking!!!!!?????My comment: Little flow. Please dude, where did you get your licence to drive a car? Toy store? BOTH things are important! When you drive with your hazards you signal that you will not drive as people assume you would because something is wrong. That's the way you caution people. Now as for indicating that you are braking, if you will tell me that this is not important, then when you ever decide to drive to Philadelphia, please by all means let me know. I WILL STAY AWAY FROM DRIVING THAT DAY. What the f is your problem? I know that the hazard indicate a trouble, a slow car, a call pulling a heavy load...etc.... but when you are stopping, you want people to know that you are braking so if your hazards are overriden by the brake light that's not a problem....Again the 2 light system is better, but the other works fine anyways.... If the hazard would stay on while you braked..... I wouldn't like to be the car following you...!!!And for the record, I have been driving for the past 10 years. Got my license after going through a driver's course and passing the road exam, Quebec's law at the time. 1 speeding ticket since, no accident to report.....1. I'm not pushing anything here.2. from your comments regarding my comments ( ) I'm not sure that we are on the same page as it comes to 3 color light design. Each function has its own color: Amber for turn indication, red for park/stop indication and white for back up. and to be more (removed), there is also third use for red: fog light, which uses high wattage bulb like your stop but it is mounted by itself. Now, you wrote:but when you are stopping, you want people to know that you are braking so if your hazards are overriden by the brake light that's not a problem.... In three color design your amber flashing warning lights are independed of your red bulbs used for tail/stop. So all you would see is flashing amber light and red braking light. And as for having amber bulb out when turning, I'm loosing only one function insted of two or three. Remember, two color light design uses one bulb to indicate everything you are doing or about to do. In three color, you have at least two indipended lights (read bulbs) that indicate three functions. For crying out loud, you are Canadian so you should like European stuff.

[Pawel]

quote:1. I'm not pushing anything here.Ok, let's just end it here then! In three color design your amber flashing warning lights are independed of your red bulbs used for tail/stop. So all you would see is flashing amber light and red braking light. Yes but I was pointing out in my initial comment that the most important thing is to let people know that you are braking, thus why the red light design overrides the hazards and only shows the brake light. I don't disagree that the amber lights give some advantages, but simply that the brake light overriding the hazard is not a problem!And as for having amber bulb out when turning, I'm loosing only one function insted of two or three. Remember, two color light design uses one bulb to indicate everything you are doing or about to do. In three color, you have at least two indipended lights (read bulbs) that indicate three functions.For this I am asking you to read this informationThe hazard flasher is different from the turn signal flasher, although they both operate on the same principle. Each has a heat element and a bimetal strip. Current through the heat element elevates the temperature of the bimetal strip, causing it to bend. On one end of the strip is a set of contacts. When the strip bends, these contacts either open (turn signal flasher) or close (hazard flasher). The current that flows through the heat element also flows through the light bulbs. Functionally, the differences between the two types is this: 1) A hazard flasher will flash at the same rate regardless of the load, as long as the load doesn't exceed the flasher capacity. One 2 watt bulb will cause the flasher to operate at the same rate as four 21 watt bulbs. The flash rate of a turn signal flasher will vary, depending on the load. The current through one 21 watt bulb is not enough to cause the flasher to work (the lights will stay on), and four 21 watt bulbs will cause the flasher to operate at a high rate (till the flasher burns up). There is an excellent reason for this difference, and it is not unique to Lucas -- all manufacturers do this. The reason is one of safety. If you turn on your turn signal flashers and one bulb is out, the flasher won't work, giving you notification that something needs to be fixed. OTOH, when you need to use your hazard flasher, you need to use whatever bulbs you have. If one is out, you still want to be able to use the other three. You won't have any indication that a bulb is out, but the next time you use the turn signals, you will. 2) The flash sequence of a hazard flasher starts with an OFF, i.e., OFF--ON--OFF--ON. The flash sequence of a turn signal flasher starts with an ON, i.e., ON--OFF--ON--OFF. This difference in sequence was not a design goal, it just worked out that way. Electrically, the differences are this: 1) The resistance of the heat element in a hazard flasher is very large compared to the resistance of a light bulb. To the heat element, the light bulb looks like a short to ground. If one bulb looks like a short, placing three more in parallel doesn't really matter: a short is a short! When the heat element raises the temperature of the bimetal strip, the strip bends and the contacts close. The contacts are wired such that they short circuit the heat element when they close. When the heat element is shorted, all current flows through the switch contacts and none through the heat element. As a result, the element cools off and the contacts reopen. Current again flows through the element, and the cycle starts anew. The current that flows through the heat element also flows through the bulbs, but because of the high resistance of the element, the current is much less when the contacts are open than when the contacts are closed -- not enough to light the bulbs. 2) The resistance of the heat element in a turn signal flasher is sized very carefully to the specified bulb wattage for that particular car. If the correct bulbs are used, the current through the element is exactly the right amount to cause the bimetal strip to bend at just the right rate for the flasher. Lower wattage causes the strip to bend too slow, and higher wattage bulbs cause the strip to bend too fast. Just as in the hazard flasher, the current through the heat element is the same current as through the bulbs. The resistance of the element is so low that it offers minimal additional resistance over that provided from the bulbs -- the bulbs light almost as bright as if the element were not there. The strip contacts are wired in series with the bulbs. When the strip bends, the contacts on the strip open, cutting off current flow to the bulbs. Because the operation of the flashers is dependent on the current flow through them, any change in the voltage applied will also have an effect on the flash rate. An increase in voltage will cause a corresponding increase in the current, which will cause a corresponding increase in the flash rate. A decrease in voltage will have the opposite effect. Circuit resistance also has an effect on the flasher rate. More resistance reduces the current flow, and less resistance increases it. Barring a short circuit, the only way to reduce resistance in the circuit it to replace the normal bulbs with bulbs of a higher wattage rating. Higher wattage bulbs draw more current than lower wattage bulbs. This is one way of solving a slow turn signal flash rate problem -- replace the 21 watt bulbs installed by the factory in most British cars with 27 watt bulbs used in most American car, bulb # 1157. Increased resistance is the most common problem, leading to a slow flash rate, or to not flashing at all. Typically, this is caused by bad connections, either in the circuit wiring, internal switch contacts -- particularly the hazard switch, or in the ground connections at the bulbs. As for testing them, I know of no way other than hooking them up to an appropriate load. For the hazard flasher, any bulb will do, but for the turn signal flasher, the load must consist of the correct number of bulbs of the correct wattage. In my shop, I keep a pair of bulbs handy for this purpose. I have soldered wire leads to them, and wired them in parallel For crying out loud, you are Canadian so you should like European stuff. Never said I didn't like the European/Asian design....it works great for me but I was only saying that the red lights only can do the job fine.Ok, let me bring out the "Rocket Engine Design Manual"...

[esjones]

My '98 Olds Intrigue has high-beams that operate just like the Vibe. But the wiper control is just the opposite, i.e., down for mist, up for constant operation. - Earl

[DopeVibeGT]

Guh?? Being Canadian should make one like European things?? So, Being an American, we should love ALL cars in the world? Even Kia's? LoL

[DopeVibeGT]

Unless a few people I knew that bought Kia's got lemons, I would stay away from them. Co worker had a Kia Sportage, and it lasted him 6K. He had to get the engine replaced and he gave it back to them.

[DopeVibeGT]

Actually, Hyundai is suppose to be fairly good quality now. When they first appeard in the US back in the 80's, they stank. LOL