A Prius Experience

[Prianista]

My 4-wheel computer gets good mileage

"My new car reportedly has 40 computers. Regardless of the number, it's the first car where, just to start up or shut down, I've needed instructions repeated more than once..."

[john1701a]

Wow! What a collection of misinformation...

• B isn't a gear, but I'm supposed to go there (while driving) when the battery is low and needs charging.
• If I forget to press the Park button, the battery will slowly discharge.
• I have to remember to keep the smart-key and controller that are in my purse away from a TV, computer, cellphone charger and other such devices.
• I also have to remember to replace the battery in the little controller every couple of years, or I might not be able to unlock the car or start it.

How many years must Prius be on the market before writing accuracy is required? Geez! I seriously think some writers do nothing but observe & deduce, without any actual research at all.

Of course, the "its small size" comment makes you wonder if the writer has lost perspective entirely. If Prius is small, what heck is a 2-door Yaris?

[brandon]

Linda Knapp reminds me of some of the folks I used to work with in the school system (and she's a former teacher, so I guess it fits): They're an expert on technology and love anything technological, except they don't know the first thing about it. Intuition is not their strong suit. They are easily frustrated by small things and don't bother to figure them out logically. Instead, they decide to become a muse for the Seattle Times and complain because they can't figure out simple things that a large majority of others have easily figured out on their own.

RTFM, Linda.

OK, when it's time to come home and shut down, I have to remember to put on the emergency brake (an old habit), press the P (Park) button, then press the Power button.[/b]

Yes, remembering old habits is quite burdensome. By Linda's logic, it should be equally difficult to remember to shift the conventional car into park and turn they mechanical key to the off position.

[mootsman]

I'm dumbfounded by the incredible amount of bad info regarding this vehicle. I expect it from family and friends who've never driven much less researched the vehicle....but from the press. Sheeesh.

[Vincent]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Prianista @ Sep 2 2006, 09:12 PM) [snapback]313290[/snapback]</div>

My 4-wheel computer gets good mileage

"My new car reportedly has 40 computers. Regardless of the number, it's the first car where, just to start up or shut down, I've needed instructions repeated more than once..."
[/b]

Linda Knapp - Know your facts before you give "expert" advice -->Only 15 Computers

This "expert" author also seems confused (especially if she "needed instructions repeated more than once"to start the second Prius she's owned). In any event, I did a "cut and paste" of "hdrygas'" 11/17/05 Acronyms and Abbreviations posting of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) section that describes the following 15 (14 without Navigation) Prius computer control units:

1. HV ECU High Voltage ECU This is the brains of the HSD receiving and sending signals from all parts of the HSD turning driver request (shift, accelerator, break) into action by parts of the HSD system.

2. ECM Engine Module controls the ICE (spark, fuel injection, valve timing etc) delivering the proper amount of power to the system under direction of the HV ECU and informs HV ECU of ICE state.

3. Transmission ECU after receiving On signal from HV ECU monitors the Parking Switch (button) and when pressed it locks the hybrid trans axle and locks when brake is pressed and car is placed in D, R, N

4. Skid Control ECU Controls regenerative brake effect by MG2 and the hydraulic system to mimic a conventional hydraulic system as well as functions of Brake Assist, ABS (Antilock Brake System) and VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)

5. ECB ECU = Electronically Controlled Brake integrated into the Skid control ECU to calculate required brake force based on peddle effort and force.

6. EPS ECU = Electronic Power Steering ECU controls the power assist to steering column calculated from input from the Skid Control ECU and various sensors

7. Battery ECU monitors the SOC (State Of Charge) and battery temperature communicates with the HV ECU and controls the HV battery cooling fan.

8. Power Source Control ECU Controls the push button start system receives signals from switches and ECUs communicates to the HV ECU power on power off

9. Air Conditioning ECU calculates the compressor speed based on input from sensors using a nonlinear fuzzy logic system controls blower speed

10. Meter ECU Transmits vehicle speed signal, receives information if smart key is in vehicle and sound the warning sound in car on request of other ECUs (the source of the annoying beeps)

11. Body ECU receives door lock and unlock request and monitors if smart key is in vehicle transmits this to Smart ECU over a serial connection.

12. Transponder ECU Controls the HV immobilizer by recognizing the key ID code also works with Smart ECU in cars equipped with SKS. Transmits an HV stat authorization to the HV ECU

13. Smart ECU Checks ID code received from wireless transponders in the car and transmits the code to the Transponder ECU

14. Navigation ECU provides navigational features as well as Voice recognition and Bluetooth connection.

15. Gateway ECU provides communication between the 3 LANs (Local Area Network)

[Frank Hudon]

Aw gezz the paper actually published this S**t............ I hope the computer in her pacemaker gets a virus.

[SW03ES]

Someone should write the editor a letter...

[galaxee]

i think the author not only spread a bunch of false information, but made herself look like one real dumbass in the process. that was written at the 3rd grade level.

[Vincent]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SW03ES @ Sep 4 2006, 11:08 AM) [snapback]313974[/snapback]</div>

Someone should write the editor a letter... [/b]

Letter Sent (Copy to Editor); Reply Received:
==========
Vincent,
Thanks for your email, and all your corrections. Actually, I had intended my column's coverage of the Prius to be more about how computer technology is infiltrating all aspects of our lives, rather than an in depth column about Prius cars. I guess I focused too much on the Prius to make my overall message clear.
The information I included in my column was from talking with people at the Toyota dealership (I specifically asked them about the 40 computers claim and disabling the reverse noise) and reading the owners manual. The column was intended to be aimed at ordinary car owners, not high-level Prius enthusiasts. However, I see from your email (and other enthusiasts) that some of the information I was given is not correct, and for that I apologize, and will suggest some corrections be made to the column.
So, thanks for your time gathering and sending me so much information.
Best,
Linda
==========
I see I wasn't the only Prius owner to write. I hope she does make some corrections to her column and sticks to computers next time!

[nwprius]

Even if she makes the corrections it will be too late for the many potential buyers that will decide that the Prius is too complicated and temperamental. Much damage is done by these '? journalists?'. Many people have made statements to me about not wanting a Prius because they read about all the problems that will happen. Bad batteries, electrocutions of technicians, etc.