Who has installed the EV Mode Switch?

[yarzy]

Have you installed this switch? If so, do you like it? Do you use it a lot or is it cool for a little while, then it gets old?

[nyconrad]

I installed the factory switch about 2 weeks ago. I use it every morning when I leave the house. I'm about 1/4 mile from the entrance ramp (30mph speed limit on road leading to highway). When I give it gas on the ramp it kicks into engine assist, so it works fine for me.

[aaf709]

Which version are you talking about? OEM, Coastal, Headlight Flash or your own button?

I have the Coastal Version, which I use rarely, mainly to go around a large parking lot or to moving onto my parent's driveway if I'm parked on the street. I can also use it to go home from my local shopping mall.

[yarzy]

I was thinking of the coastal switch but is there a way to do it myself??? I would LOVE to do that instead...

That way I can save up and get other things from Coastal instead...

[Soylent]

I did it. Got it from Coastal. It's just a little gimmick, nothing you'll really use too much.
Unfortunately, if you use EV mode, your car will have to recharge the battery when you're done, so you're really not being more efficient with EV.

[aaf709]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Sep 12 2006, 08:34 AM) [snapback]318328[/snapback]</div>

I was thinking of the coastal switch but is there a way to do it myself??? I would LOVE to do that instead...

That way I can save up and get other things from Coastal instead...
[/b]

All of the EV mods are doing the same thing; they create a short to ground from Pin #27 on one of the plugs.

The cheapest is to disconnect one of the wires of the "Flash to Pass" part of the headlight stalk, cut it and add about 5' of wire. Then run the wire to the far right side (where #27 is) and plug the end in. This is an oversimplification, but it gives you an idea. If you're interested in that, there are instructions on this site. You will lose the ability to "Flash to Pass," but only during the daytime. The nighttime part still works, which means you'll be "flashing" when you want to go to EV mode at night.

The next cheapest is running a wire from #27, adding a pushbutton, and connecting the other end to ground. That way you can decide what type of button and its location.

[yarzy]

Is there a DIY hack to do this instead of spending $45.00?

[efusco]

http://priuschat.com/index.php?autocom=art...rticle&id=5
http://priuschat.com/index.php?autocom=art...rticle&id=8

[aaf709]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Sep 12 2006, 09:10 AM) [snapback]318373[/snapback]</div>

Is there a DIY hack to do this instead of spending $45.00?
[/b]

elfusco gave you the links for the DIY. If you spend the $45 and get the OEM, it'll look factory installed. If you spend $45 for the Coastal, you won't have to open as much of the dash; plus the instructions made the installation fairly easy (except for sticking that %*#&#@ pin into #27).

It really depends on your skill level and your willingness to modify. It's like the NAV and BT override in the 2006. There's a couple of wires that you can cut (and add switches) that will allow you to operate items that were greyed out when in motion. Some would rather have a software override (like for the 2004-2005) and others are willing to do surgery on their car.

[nyconrad]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Sep 12 2006, 11:05 AM) [snapback]318294[/snapback]</div>

Have you installed this switch? If so, do you like it? Do you use it a lot or is it cool for a little while, then it gets old?
[/b]

I used the factory OEM switch - looks the best when installed - also dims with interior lights