Prius "Died" 500 Miles from Home

[IALTMANN]

Thank you Dan., some of us are Newbies, so we don't have all the acronyms down yet, thanks for the clarification.

And yes I am saddled with a lot of short trips, so I realize this is difficult.

On the stuck IGN ON., I posted on that because it not only happened to me, but also to another friend who had close to 5000 miles. Could not believe he was having such problems. I carefully read the owner's manual, and yes everything clearly explained the situations. You are 100% right that initial error by the user is the root cause, in isolated cases the computer system is tricked. But in all cases, the methods of POWER down and firm pedal pressure solve the problem. It is like re-booting a computer..

"Sometimes the car will hang on Ig-On, where there's an amber light on the power button, but you can't transition to READY, even though you are pressing the brake pedal.
Solution to get out of this: press power WITHOUT pressing the brake. This will turn off the car.
Then try to go back to READY by pressing power while holding down the brake. Don't be quick with the power button, we suspect that may be the cause of the hang." That is exactly what the owner's manual says in so many words!

[relucey]

MY mileage was read by the computer. I set the setting to Zero, then set cruise at 65. In a 200 mile trip on Intersteate 84, Portland to Pendelton, I registered 53 mgp. Maybe the computer is wrong. I doubt it!!

[captainclaims]

I would not worry about the relatively low MPG, IAltmann. I have over 50K on a 2006 and about 12K on an 08. Short trips is a total killer in any weather but I have found much better MPG in 60 to 80 degrees. Cold weather, 40 and below is a major blow to good miliage and so are snow tires based on my experience. Both cars average around 47 but if you are careful and drive just a little slower (40 to 55 MPH) off the xways taking advantage of the lower speed limits but not blocking traffic, just slightly nudging the gas pedal a hair to keep speed on level or slight down grade areas, and get to the speed limit quickly, then ease off to minimize use if the ICE, you should achieve over 50 MPG on trips of 30 minutes or more. I have COMPLETELY changed my driving habits since becoming a Prius owner and I am happy to have lost the urge to veer and weave and stop on the gas peddle just to get one up on a car at the signal. You'll know you have been tamed when you delight in being passed by the SUV's and then just inch past them at the next signal as it turns green! Have fun and good luck. Paul H.