Why 99.9 MPG more than 5 minutes?

[2009Prius]

Originally Posted by Trevor

My bars typically look like that when I'm on my way home from a road trip. take the Verrazano bridge from Brooklyn into Staten Island, I get a really long downhill to the toll booth which tops off the battery, then it's all local streets, so if get all the lights then I get a pair of 99.9 bars at the end.

I don't have such long downhill so I guess it was just one off pure luck.

[Matt Herring]

Originally Posted by CharlesJ

So then, does the car computer computes MPG with that 99.9 as max to calculate MPG or does it use the actual what you read on the scan gauge, 3500, etc as well? I have been wondering about that.

The car calculates infinite mpg while calculating the lifetime/tank mpg you see on your mfd...there is no limit. Based on my SGII readings I have never seen over 4550 mpg on the display so that is what I consider my max mpg (that is while in EV mode at 40-40.9 mph).

[CharlesJ]

Originally Posted by 2009Prius

I bet the computer uses the actual fuel consumption, not the artificial display limit.

Well, that would be logical but then I wonder why the average mpg especially soon after a fill-up doesn't change faster to the high side when you calculate with 2500mpg, even for that 1/2-1 mile or so?

[2009Prius]

Originally Posted by CharlesJ

Well, that would be logical but then I wonder why the average mpg especially soon after a fill-up doesn't change faster to the high side when you calculate with 2500mpg, even for that 1/2-1 mile or so?

Not sure if I understand the question. More details?

[Matt Herring]

Originally Posted by CharlesJ

Well, that would be logical but then I wonder why the average mpg especially soon after a fill-up doesn't change faster to the high side when you calculate with 2500mpg, even for that 1/2-1 mile or so?

Well first of all when you restart the car it's going to pop into ICE for at least a short time in the start up cycle keeping your mpg under 99.9 briefly. If you are at a gas station at the top of a large hill with a half mile or mile coast possible right out of the station with no cars in your way you can easily register 99.9 on the MFD by utilizing coast down the hill (but you still have to be in ICE briefly at start up and while accelrating to get up to speed).

It is entirely possible to record 99.9 mpg on the MFD...just difficult without perfect driving conditions or hymotion plug-in kit. Next time you're at the top of a huge hill reset the mfd and coast it down the hill and watch the mfd (and your SGII if you have one).

[Prius2009]

Originally Posted by Matt Herring

The car calculates infinite mpg while calculating the lifetime/tank mpg you see on your mfd...there is no limit. Based on my SGII readings I have never seen over 4550 mpg on the display so that is what I consider my max mpg (that is while in EV mode at 40-40.9 mph).

Can you help me? What does or how does the information help me get better mpg. I have a 2009 for almost a year and my best tank has been 50.5 mpg.

[Matt Herring]

Originally Posted by Prius2009

Can you help me? What does or how does the information help me get better mpg. I have a 2009 for almost a year and my best tank has been 50.5 mpg.

This information is helpful because you can see on the instant mpg bar where the sweet spots for mpg are on your car. With varying degrees of throttle position/pressure on the throttle you will notice subtle changes in the mpg bar (higher or lower). As you slowly back off the throttle the mpg bar will go up. Obviously, you need some amount of throttle to continue propelling the car but you will find a sweet spot of enough power and good mpg (good mpg meaning the highest you can get the bar while still maintaining a decent speed).

With a Scanguage II there is alot more information you can monitor so finding those sweet spots is much easier.