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2010 Mazda5 headlight safety issue

17 messages,  Last post on Jan 08, 2011 at 7:15 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA5, Lighting, Van

Messages Page 2 of 2

#8 of 17 Re: 2010 Mazda5 headlight safety issue [dona83] by r2k

Dec 06, 2010 (12:51 am)

Replying to: dona83 (Dec 05, 2010 12:33 am)
In the US, only the Grand Touring has 'auto on' headlights, the other 2 trim lines, the headlights are manual. The US Mazda 5's do not have the 'daytime running lights' like Canadian cars.
 
In the 2010 US Sport, the speedo, the tach, the gas gauge and the temp gauge are not visible during the day with out turning up the instrument cluster back lighting with a small knob just to the left of the odometer. I have a PDF file of the 2009 owners manual, and it is the same as the 2010 manual. I don't know about earlier years.
 
Sounds like the difference could be due to the nation where the cars are being sold.

#9 of 17 Re: 2010 Mazda5 headlight safety issue [r2k] by qbrozen

Dec 06, 2010 (4:51 am)

Replying to: r2k (Dec 06, 2010 12:51 am)
I'll have to take another look at my wife's '09, but I'm pretty darned certain I would have noticed not being able to see the gauges when first getting in the car prior to starting it up.

#10 of 17 Re: 2010 Mazda5 headlight safety issue [qbrozen] by coolmazda5

Dec 06, 2010 (8:49 am)

Replying to: qbrozen (Dec 06, 2010 4:51 am)
That is correct. 08-10 are the same thing...

#11 of 17 Re: 2010 Mazda5 headlight safety issue [coolmazda5] by qbrozen

Dec 06, 2010 (9:05 am)

Replying to: coolmazda5 (Dec 06, 2010 8:49 am)
Am I misreading the above? Aren't you guys saying that you can't see the gauges until you turn the car on??

#12 of 17 Re: 2010 Mazda5 headlight safety issue [qbrozen] by coolmazda5

Dec 06, 2010 (11:14 am)

Replying to: qbrozen (Dec 06, 2010 9:05 am)
Here you go...
 
No key, ignition switch-off, lights off
 
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com
 
Turning ignition switch to "on" position, ready to crank up (and subsequently car is running). Lights off
 
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com

#13 of 17 Re: 2010 Mazda5 headlight safety issue [coolmazda5] by qbrozen

Dec 06, 2010 (11:51 am)

Replying to: coolmazda5 (Dec 06, 2010 11:14 am)
just looks like one pic without flash and one with.
 
In any case, I thought you guys meant the gauges didn't display or something. During the day, the lighting is much better than what you show in your first pic, so the gauges certainly are visible. That's all I meant.
 
If the outdoor light is so dim I can't see my gauges, that would definitely mean it is time to turn on my headlights anyway.

#14 of 17 Re: 2010 Mazda5 headlight safety issue [qbrozen] by r2k

Dec 07, 2010 (12:11 am)

Replying to: qbrozen (Dec 06, 2010 4:51 am)
In the PDF file I have of the 2009 operators manual, operation of the dashboard illumination/dimmer is discussed on page 5-31. The 2010 manual says the same things on page 5-35.
 
The main instrument cluster gauges on my 2010 are just barely visible with out using the backlight, just as in the picture shown in post #12. On a sunny day, it's pretty much necessary to have the backlight turned up all the way to see the gauges clearly. On overcast/rainy days, the backlight can be turned down some, but then if it's a rainy day, I'd probably have at least the 'parking lights' on, if not the headlights, but would still use the dimmer to turn up the backlight so the gauges are clearly visible. Then when it gets really dark, I usually turn the dimmer down, especially when out in the country, away from street lights, etc.

#15 of 17 Nighthawk Platinum by riproy

Dec 17, 2010 (9:18 am)

Hi,
I bought a pair of Nighthawk Platinum headlight bulbs but have not installed them yet. Wonder if any Mazda5 owners have installed them and what your thoughts are.
Thanks

#16 of 17 Headlights auto-on > why not standard? by davempls

Jan 04, 2011 (2:26 pm)

I have the 2010 Mazda 5 sport and have been trying to figure out why Mazda wouldn't make the auto-on feature for the headlights standard across all trim levels.
 
Surely in this day and age this is a safety issue, as with airbags and the like?
 
What's the general standard on other similarly-priced vehicles?
 
Our other car is the Pontiac Vibe (2009), and I haven't had to touch the headlight switch once in ages on that car.
 
Dave

#17 of 17 Re: Headlights auto-on > why not standard? [davempls] by coolmazda5

Jan 08, 2011 (7:15 am)

Replying to: davempls (Jan 04, 2011 2:26 pm)
It is about cost, as long as is not mandatory, they have to squeeze margin anywhere they can. I would not compare its safety with airbags, it is a completely different thing. Nowadays drivers (including myself) are forgetting to do so many essential important drive safety checkup things that I believe that turning lights on/off when needed should actually help keeping you a bit more engaged to the activity for a change
 
My other car has the auto feature, I used it a couple of times but annoyed the heck out of me

Messages Page 2 of 2

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