Modifications and Tweaks

I discovered a cheap and simple sound isolation solution by accident. I ordered a windshield sealing strip to conceal some wiring running inside the dashboard gap. I then proceeded to install it and didn’t think much about it. As usual I would drive with my windows closed inside my basement carpark but suddenly I could barely hear the VESS. I thought I had accidentally switched the VESS off. It only occurred to me later that the rubber strip has effectively isolated most external noises that comes in into the cabin through the dashboard gap from the firewall.

I attach links to two typical advertisements I see online (slightly different design). Online price seems to vary wildly but I bought mine from a local online shop at a fraction of the price shown on Ebay or Aliexpress...including shipping.

So low cost solution yet effective. Pleasantly surprised.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/63-Rubber-...009665?hash=item4da45c8941:g:mvsAAOSwqzFeFJvL

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Anti-d...416230?hash=item3d6d291de6:g:GagAAOSwkE9bUDnB

(disclaimer - I did not buy mine from the two links shown)
Hi, I would love to know exactly what gap you sealed up. Sounds promising.
 
I have all my bits and bobs for the VESS off switch. Now all I need is a car to put it into (it should be in our garage by tomorrow night) :)
 
Waitamminit. You're prepared to delete the VESS but you haven't even driven the car yet?
First off, its my wifes car.

She is the primary driver and it will be up to her if she finds the noise annoying.

If she finds the noise annoying, then she may ask me if I can do anything about it.

If she does ask me if I can do anything about it, I'll be able to reply, "Yes, as a matter of fact...if you push that little button right down there, it will act just like the VESS button I was telling you about that is available in all other jurisdictions except North America."

---------------

Just like the time I put an "EV mode" button into my 2008 Prius so I could move that vehicle silently over very short distances while in tight quarters...all on pure electric power.

That Prius "EV mode" button was also available world wide...except for North America.

It is almost like manufacturers think that North American drivers will somehow start running pedestrians down simply because the vehicles are too quiet at low speed.

------------------

Soap box rant. :eek:

Start rant: :confused:

I drove hybrids between 2007 and 2018 that, via my DIY mods, ran silent in parking lot scenarios.

I've driven a pure EV for 27 months that is totally silent as a matter of operating in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

My driving habits in tight quarters are to go very slow, watch everything and expect pedestrians or other drivers to pop up out of nowhere.

If the time comes and I am able to drive my wife's car while I am alone, then yes, I will be pushing the VESS button, exercising a right that anyone else who drives a Kona EV outside North America has.

o_O

End rant. ;)

Rant complete. :p
 
Back when I had a 2008 Prius, I replaced all the external and internal incandescent bulbs with LEDs, as well as installing some blue LEDs in the front seat foot-wells (under the dash).

On my wife's new Kona EV (preferred), while following her as she drove the new car home, I observed (by the delay while blinking) that the rear bumper signal lamps are incandescent...and later, that the dark hole that is the rear storage area has a single bulb lamp that does little to light up the rear storage area...and no foot-well lights.

Has anyone in the community already replaced any of the interior/exterior incandescent bulbs with LEDs?
 
Back when I had a 2008 Prius, I replaced all the external and internal incandescent bulbs with LEDs, as well as installing some blue LEDs in the front seat foot-wells (under the dash).

On my wife's new Kona EV (preferred), while following her as she drove the new car home, I observed (by the delay while blinking) that the rear bumper signal lamps are incandescent...and later, that the dark hole that is the rear storage area has a single bulb lamp that does little to light up the rear storage area...and no foot-well lights.

Has anyone in the community already replaced any of the interior/exterior incandescent bulbs with LEDs?

Some folk here in the UK and Europe have replaced them for LED's, however a word of caution if you do so Note the repair flow chart:-
 

Attachments

Some folk here in the UK and Europe have replaced them for LED's, however a word of caution if you do so Note the repair flow chart:-
Can you provide any links to the brands of LEDs used by the folks in the UK and Europe?

I'm starting the slow slog thru Amazon and eBay and there is too much variation in prices and too many brands...and Google is not really helping either.

Thanks
 
Can you provide any links to the brands of LEDs used by the folks in the UK and Europe?

I'm starting the slow slog thru Amazon and eBay and there is too much variation in prices and too many brands...and Google is not really helping either.

Thanks
This (probably the best blog i have found to date) might help with LED replacement and other technical details (thanks to hobbit)
http://techno-fandom.org/~hobbit/cars/ev/yb.html
make sure to check the whole page ( click Up to EV index) at the bottom, details on "real spare tire" , going dark, plus a lot of helpful information.;)
 
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Can you provide any links to the brands of LEDs used by the folks in the UK and Europe?

I'm starting the slow slog thru Amazon and eBay and there is too much variation in prices and too many brands...and Google is not really helping either.

Thanks

If you are looking to change your head light bulbs to LED, it was discussed in great detail here:
https://www.insideevsforum.com/comm...-original-halogens-with-better-halogens.7958/

If you are looking for a bright 31mm festoon LED bulb to replace the incandescent ones in at least two locations, I can recommend this one (painted black). Sold by many vendors online. Not expensive and nice daylight white colour.

20200310_225428.webp
 
Lets call this one a "Tweak"
Got tired of looking at the hood support end (the yellow thing in the first photo) through the more than generous gap with the front hood closed:
zb71zIO.jpg

so I grabbed a can of black paint and "touched it up":
bMnlRbJ.jpg

and now it looks like this when the hood is closed:
yawwkeN.jpg

I also took a picture of the connector that when disconnected disables the "front hood open signal on the dash screen" right below the resting location of the hood support rod (the blue colored male plug):
gAUjtbY.jpg

Just remember to install the connector back when the car is unlocked or "awake" or you will be unexpectedly surprised when the alarm goes off:)
 
Lets call this one a "Tweak"
Got tired of looking at the hood support end (the yellow thing in the first photo) through the more than generous gap with the front hood closed:

Boy your gap is way out it should be tighter then that

zb71zIO.jpg

so I grabbed a can of black paint and "touched it up":
bMnlRbJ.jpg

and now it looks like this when the hood is closed:
yawwkeN.jpg

I also took a picture of the connector that when disconnected disables the "front hood open signal on the dash screen" right below the resting location of the hood support rod (the blue colored male plug):
gAUjtbY.jpg

Just remember to install the connector back when the car is unlocked or "awake" or you will be unexpectedly surprised when the alarm goes off:)
 
Lets call this one a "Tweak"
Got tired of looking at the hood support end (the yellow thing in the first photo) through the more than generous gap with the front hood closed:
zb71zIO.jpg

so I grabbed a can of black paint and "touched it up":
bMnlRbJ.jpg

and now it looks like this when the hood is closed:
yawwkeN.jpg

I also took a picture of the connector that when disconnected disables the "front hood open signal on the dash screen" right below the resting location of the hood support rod (the blue colored male plug):
gAUjtbY.jpg

Just remember to install the connector back when the car is unlocked or "awake" or you will be unexpectedly surprised when the alarm goes off:)
Good gravy! There's no way that hood gap is to spec. Surely your dealer would adjust it.
 
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