09' Matrix Question, Rear Window Defroster and Head light

[june20th]

Hi Matrix Owners,

I have 09' Matrix XR and have some questions.

Q1. Rear Window Defroster.
Is this supposed to turn off after few minutes? On 09' Matrix brochure, it says "Electric Rear Window Defroster w/ Timer". Since it mentions "w/ Timer", I thought it would turn it off automatically after while (few minutes) like other cars I previoulsy had.
Mine does not turn off unless I press the button again to manually turn it off.
I went to dealer and was told that that's how it's for 09' Matrix and what it said on borchure is mis-print.
I'd like to know how it's for other 09' Matrix. Please help

Q2. Head Light
How to turn off head light?
I understand that it's got sensor so that when it's dark outside, it turns on the full head light automatically.
Problem is, say I'm waiting for someone at the mall parking lot, or in front of someone's house during cold Canadian Winter time, there's no way I can turn off the head light system unless I turn off the engine, apply parking (side) break on, turn the engine one again.
Is it how it is for other matrix too? My other car (Mazda 3) turns off the head light (including Day Running Light) when parking break is applied.

Q3. Audio System
Is your audio system acting up once a while?
mine doesn't work sometimes. When it started acting up, it displays weird characters, and none of the buttons are working. I have to turn off the car for a while to make it work again.
Maybe, I got bad luck or is this common issue with new audio system?
I got the base one for XR with single CD changer

Thanks in advance,

[Jeff Lange]

1. It's probably just taking longer than you'd expect it to, in my Corolla, I usually don't drive long enough for it to turn off before I get to work, but I know if I do drive longer, it does turn off by itself. It's around 15-20 minutes, IIRC.

2. There is no way to do it, other than how you mentioned. Once the headlights are on, they're on until it either becomes light outside or the vehicle is turned off.

3. That's a problem, get your dealer to check it, may have to replace the system.

[lowincash]

you can turn off the auto headlights by cutting the drl wire...but you're in canada so you need drl =/ i cut my wire and am able to control the lights myself.

[Sundance_XR]

1) I thought the Matrix didnt come with a timed rear defroster. I was sure in the manual it said it wasnt timed. Very unusual because the Corolla is timed. If it is however, it will take more then a few minutes to turn off. My old Accord and my girlfriend's Elantra doesnt turn off until about 15 mins.

2) Like said above absolutly no way. I know with my friends Mazda 3 their is an off/parking light/on/auto modes to chose from. I have no clue why Toyota didnt set it up like that instead of just auto/parking light/on.

3) Something is wrong, should be under warrenty though just bring it back to Toyota.

- Josh