my wife and I were trying to figure out the purpose and functionality of the Pilot's courtesy light next to the map lights. Any idea? Also, what is that speaker-looking thing next to it do?

see the thread below:

http://www.piloteers.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15363

the speaker next to it is the microphone that picks up your voice commands if you have the navigation system.

787_Pilot

 

On the way home tonight, my wife and I were trying to figure out the purpose and functionality of the Pilot's courtesy light next to the map lights. Any idea? . . .

Exactly what courtesy light are you referring to?

 

Re: Re: What Is The Purpose Of The Courtesy Light?

Exactly what courtesy light are you referring to?

N_Jay, I posted a pic along with my question... not sure if it's popping up when you open the thread. I have a feeling it might be too large. Here it is again (smaller version)...

 

Re: Re: Re: What Is The Purpose Of The Courtesy Light?

N_Jay, I posted a pic along with my question... not sure if it's popping up when you open the thread. I have a feeling it might be too large. Here it is again (smaller version)...

I see the two lights.

Some might call them "courtesy lights", other might call them "map lights".

I am assuming you are calling them "Map lights", so I am confused by what you are calling the "courtesy light"?

 

The small green light in the middle next to the map lights and the microphone area is for splashing a soft (led) light onto your center console at night time, so you often dont have to turn on a brighter Map light. The door lights down at the bottom are also refered to as courtesy lights, but I believe this is what your asking. The small grille for a mic is just a space for Pilots with voice activated navigation, its in my 05 but that was not an option so it was a bit confusing to me at first.

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: What Is The Purpose Of The Courtesy Light?

I see the two lights.

Some might call them "courtesy lights", other might call them "map lights".

I am assuming you are calling them "Map lights", so I am confused by what you are calling the "courtesy light"?

N-Jay, the courtesy light I'm referring to is the tiny light between the map lights (the one next to the speaker). It emits a very soft beam of light. In fact, it's so soft that I had to question its purpose in this thread.

 

The small green light in the middle next to the map lights and the microphone area is for splashing a soft (led) light onto your center console at night time, so you often dont have to turn on a brighter Map light. The door lights down at the bottom are also refered to as courtesy lights, but I believe this is what your asking. The small grille for a mic is just a space for Pilots with voice activated navigation, its in my 05 but that was not an option so it was a bit confusing to me at first.

But the light coming out of it from up above is too soft for it to be functional at all. I don't know, maybe one of the reasons why I don't really see a reason for it is because I have yet to take the Pilot to an extremely dark place for the light to stand out... I do mostly city driving at night.

Does it really serve its purpose?

 

The two white lights are called map or courtesy or reading lights. The LED light you are referring to is what Honda advertised as "ambient lighting". As stated above, the purpose is to put a super soft light on the console area that won't distract you at night while driving. Next time you are out in the dark (no city lights) put your hand down near the console and notice the effect.

 

My Passat has the same soft console lighting as the pilot. It's there to light up the console without distracting glare.

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: What Is The Purpose Of The Courtesy Light?

N-Jay, the courtesy light I'm referring to is the tiny light between the map lights (the one next to the speaker). It emits a very soft beam of light. In fact, it's so soft that I had to question its purpose in this thread.

I think ever Pilot owner questions that one until they see it in the right condition. I find it very effective on dark roads where I dont want any glare and just need to find my cell or a cup or something. Its actually pretty effective.

 

I think the lighting is brilliant. How many times do you fumble around looking for something and end up turning on a map light but only need a splash of lighting. Needless to say I had nothing like that on my 96 Ranger so it came as a nice surpise when I was driving at night.

 

I think it's great. very soft lighting, but very effective when you're driving at night. allows me to see what I have on the center console without having to turn on the map lights. I believe there's a light under the center dash too, under the cd player.

 

OK, so I took my Pilot to an extremely dark road last night just to see what the fuzz is all about with this tiny beam of light that's suppose to be functional.

I finally saw what you guys are talking about. While driving down a rural road with no street lights, the ambient light lit up the middle console beautifully. And just for kicks, I covered the light completely with a CD case just to see the difference and there was! Pretty brilliant! I was able to see the inside curvature of the cupholders (and the dirt in it ) whereas otherwise it would have been completely dark.

Again, brilliant!

 

AAhhhh! He's seen the light! :jester:

(Sorry, couldn't resist)