A few newbie questions

[SCJoe]

Just got our 2010 model III (non-nav) a couple of days ago, and I was wondering if someone could clear up a few things for me.

1) This is the first hybrid I've driven. I realize the pedals are sort of "fly-by-wire", but is it normal that you have to be much more aggressive with the accelerator in a Prius than in a regular car?

2) I thought I read that the windows (that open and close) are supposed to have "soft stops" -- that is, decelerate when they near the end of travel. On our car, only the rear windows do that. Is this normal?

3) Also regarding the windows, the front windows seem to kind of shift the window/door/gasket alignment when the window reaches the full-up position (I can't really explain it well in words). Normal? Seems like it would cause wear and tear problems after a few years.

4) I was trying to get the "interior lights come on when you approach the car with the key in your pocket" thing working, but it doesn't seem to work. I've got both the interior lights mounted in the roof set to the "door" position, and I'm pretty sure the dealer didn't change any customization settings. Am I missing something, or is this a feature that only comes with higher models?

[dsviv]

SCJoe, welcome to our very exclusive club.

1)If the car is in ECO, yes, acceleration requires a more agressive push on the pedal. In NORMAL less effort is needed. In POWER, even less. I stay in ECO almost all of the time and have just learned to accelerate slower.

2)All 4 windows are "auto" open/close. I'm not quite sure what you mean by soft stop, but in my car to move the window a little it only requires a quick touch to the button. A longer touch will result in a full open/close unless the button is released. At leaast I think that's how it works. I suddenly can't remember.

3)I know exactly what you mean when you say that the window shifts to close into the gasket. My Chysler T & C did the same thing on the drivers door. Frankly, I never did anything about it. It kind of made a klunking sound when aligning with the gasket. If it's any comfort, I had my van over 8 years and it never seemed to cause the window any problems.

4)Can't help you on the interior light. Is the wheel at the left of the steering wheel all the way up, without clicking it into "day" mode? The reason I ask is because I was out the other evening and before parking the car everything seemed fine. Upon returning, all the lights were gone. Apparently I must have hit that little wheel that controls the brightness all the way to the bottom and hence, no lights.

I have only had my prius for a couple of months, so like you I am learning new things everyday.

My best advice - check PriusChat regularly for great information on just about every aspect of the car.

[azgringo]

Originally Posted by SCJoe

Just got our 2010 model III (non-nav) a couple of days ago, and I was wondering if someone could clear up a few things for me.

1) This is the first hybrid I've driven. I realize the pedals are sort of "fly-by-wire", but is it normal that you have to be much more aggressive with the accelerator in a Prius than in a regular car?

2) I thought I read that the windows (that open and close) are supposed to have "soft stops" -- that is, decelerate when they near the end of travel. On our car, only the rear windows do that. Is this normal?

3) Also regarding the windows, the front windows seem to kind of shift the window/door/gasket alignment when the window reaches the full-up position (I can't really explain it well in words). Normal? Seems like it would cause wear and tear problems after a few years.

4) I was trying to get the "interior lights come on when you approach the car with the key in your pocket" thing working, but it doesn't seem to work. I've got both the interior lights mounted in the roof set to the "door" position, and I'm pretty sure the dealer didn't change any customization settings. Am I missing something, or is this a feature that only comes with higher models?

1.) You really don't have to be more aggressive on the accelerator in a Prius than you do in a "regular car." Of course, that depends on your definition of a "regular car." If you are used to driving something that is quick and responsive to the accelerator (like a luxery vehicle, sports car, v-6, etc...), then you might find that you have to be more aggressive with the Prius. Although, the Prius is designed with max mpg in mind, so you'll have to get used to how a hybrid drive system functions and feels. It's definitely different than a conventional vehicle. Also, you'll want to pay attention to what "mode" you prefer. If the Prius is in "eco" mode, it's definitely more sluggish. In "power" mode, it's quite responsive (for a hybrid.) Some folks prefer driving in "power mode" all of the time, paying attention to the HSI indicator to help maximize fuel economy.

2.) Not sure about the "soft tops" on the windows. I have a Gen 3, model II and do not have the "soft tops" that you describe.

3.) I know EXACTLY what you're talking about. When the window reaches the "full up" positon, if your knee is touching the door you can feel the door panel kind of "bulge out" if you will. I suppose this is normal, but I, too, wonder if this will cause problems later on down the road.

4.) Again, my model II doesn't have the "lights come on when you approach the vehicle w/ key fob" feature. So maybe it's something that comes on a IV or V?

Nonetheless, enjoy your Prius!

[monty88]

wow... thanks dsviv.

you're awesome! need more people to help out the newbies like this..
check out what happened with my first hybrid



talk to ya later.. be back in an hour or so.

[monty88]

1)If the car is in ECO, yes, acceleration requires a more agressive push on the pedal. In NORMAL less effort is needed. In POWER, even less. I stay in ECO almost all of the time and have just learned to accelerate slower.

1.) You really don't have to be more aggressive on the accelerator in a Prius than you do in a "regular car." Of course, that depends on your definition of a "regular car." If you are used to driving something that is quick and responsive to the accelerator (like a luxery vehicle, sports car, v-6, etc...), then you might find that you have to be more aggressive with the Prius. Although, the Prius is designed with max mpg in mind, so you'll have to get used to how a hybrid drive system functions and feels. It's definitely different than a conventional vehicle. Also, you'll want to pay attention to what "mode" you prefer. If the Prius is in "eco" mode, it's definitely more sluggish. In "power" mode, it's quite responsive (for a hybrid.) Some folks prefer driving in "power mode" all of the time, paying attention to the HSI indicator to help maximize fuel economy.

cool, thanks again!

[DeanFL]

Originally Posted by SCJoe

Just got our 2010 model III (non-nav) a couple of days ago, and I was wondering if someone could clear up a few things for me.

1) This is the first hybrid I've driven. I realize the pedals are sort of "fly-by-wire", but is it normal that you have to be much more aggressive with the accelerator in a Prius than in a regular car?

Answered below - and very well....

2) I thought I read that the windows (that open and close) are supposed to have "soft stops" -- that is, decelerate when they near the end of travel. On our car, only the rear windows do that. Is this normal?

Was a topic months ago - I does appear that only the rear windows slow at the very end of their travel up. Have no idea wht this wasn't incorporated for the fronts - makes sense that it would. Perhaps Toyota felt it was a safety feature for rear passengers - how about the front 2???

3) Also regarding the windows, the front windows seem to kind of shift the window/door/gasket alignment when the window reaches the full-up position (I can't really explain it well in words). Normal? Seems like it would cause wear and tear problems after a few years.

Same as above - has been a topic and seems to be standard on the '10. Don't know why, but don't fret - it's not "you"...

4) I was trying to get the "interior lights come on when you approach the car with the key in your pocket" thing working, but it doesn't seem to work. I've got both the interior lights mounted in the roof set to the "door" position, and I'm pretty sure the dealer didn't change any customization settings. Am I missing something, or is this a feature that only comes with higher models?

Hmm, don't believe that's an option or setting - meaning, as you're walking up to the car with the key the Prius senses and turns on the lights? Only if you open with the unlock button as you arrive I'd guess. My interior lights go on when I touch the handle - SKS.

[32kcolors]

Originally Posted by DeanFL

Was a topic months ago - I does appear that only the rear windows slow at the very end of their travel up. Have no idea wht this wasn't incorporated for the fronts - makes sense that it would. Perhaps Toyota felt it was a safety feature for rear passengers - how about the front 2???

I heard it's to minimize the loud sound from rolling up at full speed, but yeah, I agree, why not the front two? Add that to the "rock guard" film only on rear doors mystery.

[stream]

Comments in bold below

Originally Posted by SCJoe

Just got our 2010 model III (non-nav) a couple of days ago, and I was wondering if someone could clear up a few things for me.

1) This is the first hybrid I've driven. I realize the pedals are sort of "fly-by-wire", but is it normal that you have to be much more aggressive with the accelerator in a Prius than in a regular car?
It's not only normal--it's by design. The throttle mapping is very conservative. Less so in PWR mode, but you'll use more gas.

2) I thought I read that the windows (that open and close) are supposed to have "soft stops" -- that is, decelerate when they near the end of travel. On our car, only the rear windows do that. Is this normal?
Only rear windows have soft stop. I wish the fronts did as well, since I use them far more often.

3) Also regarding the windows, the front windows seem to kind of shift the window/door/gasket alignment when the window reaches the full-up position (I can't really explain it well in words). Normal? Seems like it would cause wear and tear problems after a few years.
It seems that's the way it works, but I don't find it normal--the soft stop would probably help.

4) I was trying to get the "interior lights come on when you approach the car with the key in your pocket" thing working, but it doesn't seem to work. I've got both the interior lights mounted in the roof set to the "door" position, and I'm pretty sure the dealer didn't change any customization settings. Am I missing something, or is this a feature that only comes with higher models?
I thought this feature was on all cars with SKS (even 1 door SKS). Do the interior lights go on when you touch the driver's door handle? How about when you open the door?

[stream]

Originally Posted by DeanFL

Hmm, don't believe that's an option or setting - meaning, as you're walking up to the car with the key the Prius senses and turns on the lights? Only if you open with the unlock button as you arrive I'd guess. My interior lights go on when I touch the handle - SKS.

That's how it works on my car--when you get within range of the car, the interior lights turn on.

[DeanFL]

Originally Posted by stream

That's how it works on my car--when you get within range of the car, the interior lights turn on.

You mean without touching the unlock button on the key fob? The int lights go on as you're walking up at night? If so, didn't know that was doable. Must be a customizable feature.
Mine = lights go on if I unlock with the remote. Or when I touch the outside SKS door handle. Not by simply walking up.... hmm. Anyone else?