[Chazz8]

While I’m waiting for my expensive 2022 R4Prime overhead console (OC) part with back-lit buttons (Plan A), I wanted to share my cheap plan B solution.

I had given up trying to get light behind the OC buttons, because then what? Cut/drill a hole in the button surface? That means external light source, mounted to illuminate OC buttons, but not interfere in driver’s vision. The solution was a laser pointer parking assist device that I had my eye on for a while. Laser light is easier to put on the OC buttons, than LED/Incandescent (focused?) light. I ordered some items for my R4Prime on AliExpress where I can find such good prices that I don’t care when/if they arrive. The laser pointer was battery powered (AC adaptor for garage install), had motion sensor and easy ‘install’ with double stick tape, opposite rear air vents. It is a lot of fun to watch family and friends motion-trigger the red-dots and try to trace them to their source, or dive for cover yelling SNIPER (in R4Prime and around house). When my dogs readjust the aim, I get to have fun determining the 3-D pool shot (reflections off glass) that put a red dot on my gas pedal (or other weird spot). I was super happy with the motion detection triggering on hand movement towards the buttons. I’m finally able to reach up, see (two) buttons that I can easily get a finger on, and hopefully fumble to non-lit buttons.

Click to enlarge.

Here is a good representation of how it looks. In total dark, pics just show 2 red dots that you fingers can find.

Split rear seat is folded down for the dogs, and they will brush up agains laser pointer located opposite the rear vents. Easy enough to put back and realign.

The Good:
It is non-destructive and cheap.
Very easy install behind driver so you don’t see laser source.
Motion detection is very sensitive and triggers on hand motion reaching for buttons.
Red dots are not distracting and go off if there is no motion to trigger it.

The Bad;
It’s prone to jostling by rear passengers, requiring realignment.
I suspect people will make fun of it. I always suspect character flaws or trauma in authors of negative comments. See what I did there

My finger tip lights up when it is on the button. That might freak somebody out, especially if it is their finger.

Enjoy.

 

[Chazz8]

Darn, I just removed most of my glow-in-the-dark stickers from the OC. They did not work for illumination buttons, but still gave a Tron vibe. Now I wish I could have lit them up with uv.

 

[Chazz8]

I got sheets of stickers left over. Stickers will fail you when you need them the most (in the dark). They can look cool though (think Tron). I can only approve glow-in-the-dark stickers for looks. Plan B (any plan B not stickers) is the low cost way to go.

 

[Chazz8]

Yes, bump on a button is an ok Plan B. But when I need fast access to OC buttons, I don’t want to feel around. I want to see where my finger is going and be done. If I’m already frustrated, feeling around for a raised bumper (in frustrating conditions) can enrage 🤬👹☠

I’m sticking with my laser pointer Plan B until I can get power to 2022 OC backlit buttons (Plan A) in my 2021 Rav4Prime.

 

[Chazz8]

^Jan has a healthy fear of lasers, but this unit is made to shine on your car dashboard to show you when to stop parking and will not hurt anybody. (But could scare/provocative dangerously)

I’m only going to share this once, but this is my near fatal (can’t find) button scenario that happened to me (no pics);
Driving in unfamiliar area at dusk, approaching major city, following GPS, have moon roof open when, roadwork closed my exit, traffic congestion increases significantly, I’m trying to listen to GPS “recalculating”, and it starts raining.

I spent too much time trying to close my moonroof becuase I could not see the button at a glance, which was all I could spare in my efforts. I survived without incident (got sprinkled on), but the panic/fustration/helplessness I felt insured that I took steps to prevent that in the future. It was a long time coming, but when I reached for the overhead switch and the red dot appeared on it (detected motion), I felt happy/good.

I have to remove my laser pointer when my dogs are in the car as it sticks to back seat, just above floor bump in middle. I though of putting pointer on ceiling and have one pointer at button, and one pointer for targeting others. But we all know that nothing good can come from pointing red dots at people, so that is a no-go.