Have you read the manual?

[dbatjr]

I've had a few new cars in my lifetime, but this is the first one I've owned that has inspired me to actually read the manual. Usually it just gets tossed into the glove box until I can't figure something out.

This is my first Prius, and it's so different from anything else I've every driven, I feel compelled to learn everything I can about it.

Still not sure when I should use 'B'.

Tom
2007 Seaside Pearl Package #2

[tiger roach]

I'm about halfway through it (just got my Prius last weekend). Obviously some parts can be skimmed over since every page doesn't apply to every version of the car.

And I'm not reading the bluetooth stuff unless I actually get a bluetooth phone some day. That's about a third of the manual right there.

[qbee42]

Yep, I read both manuals cover to cover (owner's and NAV). They aren't great, but there is some good information.

"B" mode is only used on long or steep downhill grades. It causes the Prius to throw away energy by spinning the engine in a high drag state. Think of it as down shifting with a manual transmission.

For normal hills, just brake. That way more energy goes back into the battery.

Tom

[mmacvicar]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dbatjr @ May 9 2007, 10:58 AM) [snapback]438429[/snapback]</div>

Still not sure when I should use 'B'.

Tom
2007 Seaside Pearl Package #2
[/b]

Flipping through the manual was worth while for me. I would never have found that bottom drawer in the armrest, not would I have known that you can lay the front seats flat.

I don't know how "B" works in the Prius, but presumably it works like other down-shifting mechanisms in regular automatic transmission cars (i.e., the transmission downshifts to cause the transmission to slow the car down). Does anyone know how "B" really works on the Prius?

Mark MacVicar

[Bob64]

From what I can tell, engine braking on the prius causes the engine to always be spinning, like when you exceed speeds of 41mph.

Not sure, but I think the difference is that the engine does something with the valves that increases its braking ability. Another possibility is that the sun motor is stopped so it doesn't turn, and thus the rotational energy goes into the engine, which has alot more resistance to spinning then an electric motor.

[Neicy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bob64 @ May 9 2007, 03:27 PM) [snapback]438452[/snapback]</div>

From what I can tell, engine braking on the prius causes the engine to always be spinning, like when you exceed speeds of 41mph.

Not sure, but I think the difference is that the engine does something with the valves that increases its braking ability. Another possibility is that the sun motor is stopped so it doesn't turn, and thus the rotational energy goes into the engine, which has alot more resistance to spinning then an electric motor.
[/b]

I use "B" in the winter in snow the same way I used D2 or L - to increase traction and to minimize the need to hit the brake. When you take your foot off the gas the car slows to about 15 mph. Very minimal sliding this year in the snow/ice/sleet/freezing rain/snizzle. That combined with front wheel drive makes this car a great winter car too! (Now for the EBH and grill block next winter.......)

[Charles Suitt]

Hi debatjr

How refreshing that someone actually reads the Owner's Manual. Admittedly, it's not well indexed and it seems the overall organization is strange at best; however,

I have studied the Manuals over two different Prius. To help be re-locate helpful information, I made it a habit to use a highlighter and made myself a personal "index" on a blank page in the back to help me relocate info later. Mostly, I use my "personal index" to answer questions on PriusChat, but it also helps me to relocate info I need later.

There's much practical information NOT FOUND in the Owner's Manual. PriusChat is an excellent source and most forum members are happy to help. Another good source of info is John's web site:

http://john1701a.com/

For John's "manual" go to Prius Info - User Guide H

[priusincc]

It took me two days (off and on) to read the applicable parts of the manual. (I'm still looking for the automatic headlights :P .) It really is worthwhile given the technical aspects of the Prius.
I use the "Brake" mode from time to time on down-hills, to save the regular brakes. I was concerned this would be a car with short-lived brakes, but from what I read in forums, it doesn't seem to be a problem.

[qbee42]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Neicy @ May 9 2007, 05:29 PM) [snapback]438553[/snapback]</div>

I use "B" in the winter in snow the same way I used D2 or L - to increase traction and to minimize the need to hit the brake. When you take your foot off the gas the car slows to about 15 mph. Very minimal sliding this year in the snow/ice/sleet/freezing rain/snizzle. That combined with front wheel drive makes this car a great winter car too! (Now for the EBH and grill block next winter.......)
[/b]

B mode won't increase traction, nor will it brake any more effectively than the normal brakes. The Prius uses regen braking for normal stops, which load the front wheels in the same fashion as B or down shifting in a normal car. There are only two reasons to use B: 1) Burn off extra energy on a long downhill. Regular braking will do this too, but B mode will make it last longer before the hydraulic brakes have to take over. Or 2) Slowing suddenly without showing brake lights. This can be handy if you want to be rear-ended by the car behind you.

Tom

[JimN]

Reading the manual was a chore due to all of the duplicated sections. I preferred John's. Toyota's manual tells you what the car is designed to do. John tells you what it can do and how to make things better.