ENGINE RUNNING indicator - WE NEED THIS!!!

[Eisenson]

Coastal will eventually release its neat gadget, already shown on David's site, which indicates not only engine run but braking/regeneration.

Till then, I want to install a simple ENGINE RUNNING indicator. I was thinking of a resistor-isolated not-too-bright LED mounted in a convenient eye-level spot, powered from (for instance) the fuel pump line.

Any suggestions? Is there a thread on this somewhere that I missed?

[pkjohna]

Maybe I'm missing something but what's the point? Can't you already see that info on the Energy screen on the MFD?

[jamarimutt]

The ICE "runs off" sometimes; maybe he's referring to the equivalent of what someone called an animated engine icon. The idea is to know when the engine's turning even if it's not delivering power.How useful this would be is another question.

[efusco]

Maybe I'm missing something but what's the point? Can't you already see that info on the Energy screen on the MFD?

the MFD Energy display is not always an accurate representation of what's really happening. For instance, the ICE is always running at any speed above 41mph...but if your gliding or in "hyperstealth" it won't be displayed.

[Brian]

If your in stealth on the way down a hill, which I live at the top of a hill so this happens to me everyday, then you may feel the engine start up with a small jerk. Even then, I am still in stealth and 99.9 mpg's.

[DaveinOlyWA]

well a variation to what he is looking for like how about a gauge that measures the amount of regen being recovered. it would be similiar to the current gas mileage chart with its real time gauge. i dont see why toyota didnt put a charge meter also. that would be nice to see if there was a way to maximize regen charge and minimize friction braking somehow.

[daniel]

I, too, would like to see how much charge is going to the battery, be it from excess engine power, or from regen.

[Eisenson]

In advance of tomorrow's Prius Club meeting, Coastal Dave and Kelley surprised me with a prototype of their new gadget, and it's terrific! Except for a minute of underdash backtwisting, installation was simple and easy.

The result was unexpected and extremely tutorial... the engine shuts off at the oddest times, and I'm losing far too much energy to heat (friction braking).

That indicator will change my driving style, increase my car's efficiency, and save a ton of fuel.

Thanks, David!

[DaveinOlyWA]

does it give a real time measure of how much power is being regen??

if so, i am very interested in one.

[efusco]

In advance of tomorrow's Prius Club meeting, Coastal Dave and Kelley surprised me with a prototype of their new gadget, and it's terrific! Except for a minute of underdash backtwisting, installation was simple and easy.

The result was unexpected and extremely tutorial... the engine shuts off at the oddest times, and I'm losing far too much energy to heat (friction braking).

That indicator will change my driving style, increase my car's efficiency, and save a ton of fuel.

Thanks, David!

Oh you lucky guy....I'm so jealous. That's what I REALLY want....I hope they get the production model up for sale soon....for all the reasons you mentioned.