Is the ICE really off?

Jim Calvert · 10-09-2009, 09:58 PM

How can I tell when the internal combustion engine (ICE) is really off while the vehicle is under way? By "really off", I mean when it is not consuming fuel, not idling, and the pistons are not moving up and down.

Does the instrument panel show this? If so, please explain.

If the instrument panel does not show this, is there some kind of indicator that I could fabricate and install that would provide an "ICE Really Off" indicator?

Thanks,

Jim

fuzzy1 · 10-09-2009, 10:15 PM

An incomplete list:

(1) ScanGauge-II, or other engine monitor, that can display RPM (for pistons moving) or GPH (for fuel being consumed);

(2) Ken1784's (Ken@Japan) LED ICE indicator, which really indicates when the fuel pump is running. Sorry, a very quick search didn't find the right thread;

(3) Speedometer. At 46 mph and higher, and gear selector in D, the pistons are moving, whether fueled or not.

ken1784 · 10-09-2009, 10:46 PM

The standard instrument can't show real ICE off status.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuzzy1

(1) ScanGauge-II, or other engine monitor, that can display RPM (for pistons moving) or GPH (for fuel being consumed);

My understanding is ScanGauge-II has some limitations.
At 46 mph and higher, the GPH shows some numbers on the complete fuel cut mode on downhill.
Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Quote:

(2) Ken1784's (Ken@Japan) LED ICE indicator, which really indicates when the fuel pump is running. Sorry, a very quick search didn't find the right thread;

Unfortunately, my ICE running monitor LED also can't detect the fuel cut mode above 46 mph.

AFAIK, the only way to detect fuel burning is picking up the raw fuel injector signal.

Ken@Japan

David Beale · 10-10-2009, 09:34 AM

The Scanguage II -can- be forced to tell the truth, but it's not easy and may not be repeatable. But mine will sometimes show 0.2 l/hr and that's zero. The engine doesn't consume that small a quantity at -any- time. Unless there's a leaking injector.

The Scangauge II will display RPM and that reading -IS- accurate. It's a 1/2 to 1 sec. average though, so you'll not get -instant- indication.

But the big question is has the Scangauge II been working properly yet with the GIII?

Eventually you will learn to "feel" when the ICE is running. Took me a while with Pearl.

spinkao · 10-10-2009, 09:56 AM

I simply look at the instant consumption meter if I am not sure. When it shows 0.0l/100km (in your case probably infinite MPG or some threshold value, like 100MPG) you can be sure the engine is not burning any fuel. The pistons would move if you are moving faster then warp speed, but no gas is flowing in. The indicated value has some time lag as the MFD is not really a "real-time" indication, but it is good enough.

Jim Calvert · 10-10-2009, 12:18 PM

Thank you all for your responses.

So it looks like there is no sure way to know if the ICE is "really off". Perhaps I could install a small video camera pointed at the crankshaft.

No, just kidding, but it is dissapointing to find out that "really off" cannot be easily detected.

Jim

a64pilot · 10-11-2009, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken1784

AFAIK, the only way to detect fuel burning is picking up the raw fuel injector signal.

Ken@Japan

That wouldn't be hard to do unless I don't understand the system. Question is, what does it do for you other than satisfying curiosity

10-09-2009, 09:58 PM	#1
Jim Calvert Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Worthington, Ohio Posts: 228 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: III Package: Navigation Thanks: 7 Thanked 27 Times in 21 Posts Friends: 0	Is the ICE really off? How can I tell when the internal combustion engine (ICE) is really off while the vehicle is under way? By "really off", I mean when it is not consuming fuel, not idling, and the pistons are not moving up and down. Does the instrument panel show this? If so, please explain. If the instrument panel does not show this, is there some kind of indicator that I could fabricate and install that would provide an "ICE Really Off" indicator? Thanks, Jim

10-09-2009, 10:15 PM	#2
fuzzy1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Western Washington Posts: 1,008 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: II Package: No Package Thanks: 22 Thanked 97 Times in 81 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Is the ICE really off? An incomplete list: (1) ScanGauge-II, or other engine monitor, that can display RPM (for pistons moving) or GPH (for fuel being consumed); (2) Ken1784's (Ken@Japan) LED ICE indicator, which really indicates when the fuel pump is running. Sorry, a very quick search didn't find the right thread; (3) Speedometer. At 46 mph and higher, and gear selector in D, the pistons are moving, whether fueled or not. Last edited by fuzzy1; 10-09-2009 at 10:19 PM.

10-10-2009, 09:34 AM	#4
David Beale Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 2,116 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: B Thanks: 3 Thanked 77 Times in 58 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Is the ICE really off? The Scanguage II -can- be forced to tell the truth, but it's not easy and may not be repeatable. But mine will sometimes show 0.2 l/hr and that's zero. The engine doesn't consume that small a quantity at -any- time. Unless there's a leaking injector. The Scangauge II will display RPM and that reading -IS- accurate. It's a 1/2 to 1 sec. average though, so you'll not get -instant- indication. But the big question is has the Scangauge II been working properly yet with the GIII? Eventually you will learn to "feel" when the ICE is running. Took me a while with Pearl. __________________ Edmonton Alberta "Pearl" is a 2007 Driftwood Pearl Prius. Last edited by David Beale; 10-10-2009 at 09:37 AM.

10-10-2009, 09:56 AM	#5
spinkao Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Czech Republic, EU Posts: 135 My Car: 2008 Prius Model: N/A Package: Navigation Thanks: 14 Thanked 22 Times in 18 Posts Friends: 2	Re: Is the ICE really off? I simply look at the instant consumption meter if I am not sure. When it shows 0.0l/100km (in your case probably infinite MPG or some threshold value, like 100MPG) you can be sure the engine is not burning any fuel. The pistons would move if you are moving faster then warp speed, but no gas is flowing in. The indicated value has some time lag as the MFD is not really a "real-time" indication, but it is good enough.

10-10-2009, 12:18 PM	#6
Jim Calvert Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Worthington, Ohio Posts: 228 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: III Package: Navigation Thanks: 7 Thanked 27 Times in 21 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Is the ICE really off? Thank you all for your responses. So it looks like there is no sure way to know if the ICE is "really off". Perhaps I could install a small video camera pointed at the crankshaft. No, just kidding, but it is dissapointing to find out that "really off" cannot be easily detected. Jim