Car has no pickup speed from a stop!

[GSW]

Originally Posted by Taebopro18

All very interesting replies! I didn't realize you could switch out of Eco Mode. When I start the car it's automatically in Eco Mode. I'm guessing to switch out of it you just have to hit Eco Mode again?

That's correct, just hit ECO mode again (to turn it off once its on). It will be in normal driving mode and won't change modes unless you push a button (EV/ECO/PWR). Congrats on your new Prius!

[Taebopro18]

Originally Posted by GSW

That's correct, just hit ECO mode again. It will be in normal driving mode and won't change modes unless you push a button (EV/ECO/PWR). Congrats on your new Prius!

Thank You!!!

All of the buttons on the dash are so foreign to me right now! I'm really looking forward to learning all about them!

[anne1965]

Originally Posted by Taebopro18

All very interesting replies! I didn't realize you could switch out of Eco Mode. When I start the car it's automatically in Eco Mode. I'm guessing to switch out of it you just have to hit Eco Mode again?

Yup.

It is good to realize that when you floor it, the Prius gives you maximum thrust in all modes (ECO, normal, Power).

[fred garvin]

Originally Posted by Taebopro18

All very interesting replies! I didn't realize you could switch out of Eco Mode. When I start the car it's automatically in Eco Mode. I'm guessing to switch out of it you just have to hit Eco Mode again?

yes. if in eco and you want to get to normal mode press eco again

there are four modes

1. eco
2. power
3. EV
4. no mode or normal

ev allows you to stay battery only until you go too fast or accelerate too much - i find it kicks me out too much

pwr combines battery and gas motor to maximize thrust and acceleration

eco dampens the normal response of the "gas pedal" so you have a gentler touch and presumably higher mpgs

normal is normal


many of us here at priuchat, i surmise, spend most of our time in eco mode

i myself find that getting off the line in eco mode up to 15 mphs or so on battery, then switching to power for a controlled yet quick acceleration up to cruising speed, where i switch back to eco mode, is actually good for mileage, as it minimizes the amount of time you are inefficiently accelerating. So long as you don't floor it, which then i presume wastes a lot of gas

[greylar]

I'm confused. Have you tried pushing harder on the gas? Or do you have it all the way to the floor and it still won't go? If so then there might be a problem with your car. It should give you maximum power in any mode, you just have to give it more pedal in eco mode. Much easier than trying to find a button on the dash in my opinion.

G

[DeanFL]

I understand your concern - but don't despair. I was in your shoes 5 weeks ago - my first Prius here. It took me a while to learn the car and learn how I want it (an me) to perform.

Now I tend to keep it in ECO 95% of the time. And virtually all the time in ECO when up to speed and cruising. I like the fact that the ICE may not be needed and shut down more rapidly - and the AC use is lessened.

I played around with EV - live in a gated community about 1/2 mile from the gates with 25 mph speed limit. It's fun and not too hard to maintain the EV mode. But most times I leave it in ECO and it stays in EV anyway (if battery is charged and ICE is warmed), even past 25mph.

Use Power if needed for entrance ramps or a quicker getaway at intersections / passing. Was very pleasantly surprised that the power is there when needed. As noted, in any mode, when floored all modes operate the same - full throttle and power from the car.

Tend not to use the Normal mode (no buttons pressed). But tried it and find that mode a very happy medium.

So experiment and have fun. Personally I have no problem sacrificing an mpg or two while not being too conservative. Me - a V with 48.6mpg over its 1800 miles so far. Much of that with me "learning".

Congrats on your new ride - you'll continue to love it as you learn.

[Taebopro18]

Originally Posted by greylar

I'm confused. Have you tried pushing harder on the gas? Or do you have it all the way to the floor and it still won't go? If so then there might be a problem with your car. It should give you maximum power in any mode, you just have to give it more pedal in eco mode. Much easier than trying to find a button on the dash in my opinion.

G

I tried pushing a little harder, nothing crazy tho. Like someone said before, in my previous car, a little tap went a long way. I guess I'll have to change my way of thinking in this new car!

[DrJon]

Originally Posted by Taebopro18

I tried pushing a little harder, nothing crazy tho. Like someone said before, in my previous car, a little tap went a long way. I guess I'll have to change my way of thinking in this new car!

Not sure from your post if you are actually in ECO mode or just seeing the eco on the HSI display screen. Read this thread for a great understanding of how to use the HSI screen for good mileage, acceleration, etc.

HSI details

[spiderman]

Originally Posted by Taebopro18

I guess I'll have to change my way of thinking in this new car!

Bingo. And perhaps along the way we (Prius owners) can help change the way other car drivers who rack-rabbit start off the line think. Or get shot at.

[eaglesight333]

Originally Posted by Taebopro18

All very interesting replies! I didn't realize you could switch out of Eco Mode. When I start the car it's automatically in Eco Mode. I'm guessing to switch out of it you just have to hit Eco Mode again?

Correct. If there is no green (EV, ECO, PWR) lit up, you are in normal mode. Otherwise, which-ever green mode light is on, is the current mode you are in. There is another ECO light, which appears on the display side when you have the horizontal power-bar displayed. But that ECO light only refers to when you are driving efficiently, not the mode you are in.