Prius USER-GUIDE (6th edition)

[john1701a]

Here's a link to the USER-GUIDE, the index of which is displayed above.

Over the last 6 months, I've been noting thoughts/photos that need to be added and updated. Now I'm applying them to the document.

Got any ideas you'd like to contribute?

[efusco]

Sorry John, I'm not up to reading the entire thing this morning, but I wondered if you'd included a section describing the differences (albeit minor) b/w the '04, '05 and '06 MYs. Esp. stuff like the new MFD, the back-up camera, voice commands available for the '06 NAV, etc.

Might be time to eliminate the SS/SE stuff and transform it to the now accepted SKS nomenclature to avoid confusion.

Otherwise, as usual, good product that we constantly refer folks to and I still hear people mention as one of their first sources of learning about the Prius even down here in BFE.

[john1701a]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Aug 2 2006, 08:50 AM) [snapback]296228[/snapback]</div>

I wondered if you'd included a section describing the differences (albeit minor) b/w the '04, '05 and '06 MYs. Esp. stuff like the new MFD, the back-up camera, voice commands available for the '06 NAV, etc.
[/b]

Nope, since I haven't observed that as a topic that repeatedly gets discussed or even requested.

Part of the problem is the lack of contributions from other owners. I obviously cannot include a photo of something new/different if I am not given permission to publish it. (hint hint)


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Aug 2 2006, 08:50 AM) [snapback]296228[/snapback]</div>

Might be time to eliminate the SS/SE stuff and transform it to the now accepted SKS nomenclature to avoid confusion.[/b]

I'm not sure if that time has come yet. Perhaps the advent of the 2007 allows it now. Originally, I intentionally avoided it since the some SKS still required a key for starting the engine. So using the term actually contributed to confusion.

[efusco]

Your call, but I'm sure that 80% of people would be completely confused if you started discussing the SS/SE system now days. There are definately far more 2G Prius owners who's owner's manuals refer to the system as SKS than SS/SE. Just grouping those two sections together under SKS and making a brief note saying "Originally called SS/SE by Toyota but later adopted the new term" you'd clear up any confusion.

But if someone with an '06 Prius was having questions about their SKS they'd never have heard of SS/SE and might have a little trouble finding the information they want in your document.

The issues about the '06 voice system have come up quite frequently on this board actually, lots of frustrations on how it works and what can and can't be done with it. I think it's time you kidnap an '06 owner with NAV, or at least hijack their car, for some experimentation and photos!

[john1701a]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Aug 2 2006, 10:57 AM) [snapback]296314[/snapback]</div>

The issues about the '06 voice system have come up quite frequently on this board actually, lots of frustrations on how it works and what can and can't be done with it. I think it's time you kidnap an '06 owner with NAV, or at least hijack their car, for some experimentation and photos!
[/b]

Alright, I'll restate the need...

Issues like that where there is lots of chatter but no one goes to the trouble of requesting me to specifically address it, won't get addressed.

In other words, it's hard for an over 118,000 mile, almost 6-year owner to judge need. You have to explictly point it out sometimes... then contribute very specific suggestions. Of course, a kidnap & hijack endeavor could be rather productive too.

[Festus]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Aug 2 2006, 08:41 AM) [snapback]296223[/snapback]</div>

Here's a link to the USER-GUIDE, the index of which is displayed above.

Over the last 6 months, I've been noting thoughts/photos that need to be added and updated. Now I'm applying them to the document.

Got any ideas you'd like to contribute?
[/b]

Great guide! Very useful. (looks like it could use some proofreading/editing though)

[eagle33199]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Aug 2 2006, 11:09 AM) [snapback]296320[/snapback]</div>

In other words, it's hard for an over 118,000 mile, almost 6-year owner to judge need. You have to explictly point it out sometimes... then contribute very specific suggestions. Of course, a kidnap & hijack endeavor could be rather productive too.
[/b]

If you need an '06 for pictures and such, i'd be willing to give you an afternoon of my time with my '06 sometime (only mention since you're in minnesota - i'm about 10 min north of st. paul off of 35E) if you're in the area

[john1701a]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Festus @ Aug 2 2006, 03:46 PM) [snapback]296526[/snapback]</div>

(looks like it could use some proofreading/editing though)
[/b]

That edition has been available for almost 6 months. So volunteers are clearly not abundant.

As for the availability of update I'm working on now, that'is still a few days off. I'll give a heads up when a draft is ready.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eagle33199 @ Aug 2 2006, 04:09 PM) [snapback]296537[/snapback]</div>

If you need an '06 for pictures and such, i'd be willing to give you an afternoon of my time with my '06 sometime (only mention since you're in minnesota - i'm about 10 min north of st. paul off of 35E) if you're in the area
[/b]

Actually, I need an evening for screen shots. And yes, I'm in the same area.

The Multi-Display differences are the only thing that people would like to see, right?

[Starfall]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Aug 2 2006, 08:41 AM) [snapback]296223[/snapback]</div>

Got any ideas you'd like to contribute?[/b]

First of all, John, thank you so much for creating such a useful & easy to read user guide! I downloaded it & read/understood most of it right away. Pretty good since I haven't taken delivery of my Prius yet & I can't experiment with anything I learn about online.

What I can tell you is that as a newbie it would certainly be invaluable.

As others mentioned, pics from the 2006 model would be very helpful as would coverage of features not in earlier models (tire pressure warning?). Actually, since a picture is worth a thousand words, maybe images of those warnings as well.

You've already covered so much stuff that I learned just reading this forum- it's impressive. You might also consider adding a few others things, seemingly trivial stuff (when the vanity lights come on or NOT/when the "check engine light" could mean the doors are open) which have been asked by newbies in this forum more recently.

A "fun" thing to add would be the "Easter eggs" or hidden places in the Prius. After the PriusChat meeting at Grossingers I shared what others had told me to inform a Prius-owner of 7 months & neighbor where hidden areas (i.e. drawer, extra outlet, hidden hiding places in truck) were located. He was impressed & immediately asked for the online address of PriusChat.

Whatever you decide to add or not, I'm already grateful for what you HAVE written.

I have the feeling that I'm not the only newbie who feels this way.

[efusco]

Tire pressure monitor sensors are new, the chrome accents, leather interior, There are ASL controls on the multi display, for those with an EV button there is a notice that EV is not available.

There is a button to disable the TPMS near the SKS disable button. I suspect a careful search would reveal other minor difference that are significant enough to cause confusion with your '04/'05 photos and info and info on dealing with the TPMS would be valuable since there are issues if tire are changed, if they're damaged, etc.