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Question Gen 3 prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Christian_cool, May 27, 2015.

  1. Christian_cool

    Christian_cool Junior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Hello everyone. I have a question regarding the power start button for the Prius. When driving i have my seat adjusted very close to the steering wheel. Since i am tall my knees sometimes can hit the "Power" button. I was wondering if i accidentally hit the button what would happen while driving?
    Ps i know its a stupid question

    Thanks :)

    Christian
     
  2. peterjmc

    peterjmc Ping pong in Ding Dang...

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    If you push and hold the button while stationary it will turn off the car, automatically shift the car into Park, and apply the electronic parking brake. If you have it configured, it will also automatically unlock the doors.

    I'm not sure what happens if you shut off the power while the car is in motion... it it does all of the above, it seems like it would be a painful (for the car) way to suddenly stop the car.
     
  3. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    Three
    Why do you have your seat close to the steering wheel if you are tall? :confused:

    Even if the airbag isn't one of the defective Takata airbags that shoot shrapnel, you should be as far away from the airbag/steering wheel as possible, since the airbag deploys at explosive speed. Airbags have been known to break the bones in the forearms of the driver's arm while holding the wheel. So it isn't good to have your chest close to the airbag, unless you want to risk extensive injury, or death, from an airbag deployment in an otherwise survivable accident.
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
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    Here's something, 2nd gen but probably similar:

     
  5. DoubleDAZ

    DoubleDAZ Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    Four
    Since the car is already in Drive when you stop and turn off the power, I don't expect anything different will happen just because the car might be moving. Pressing Power puts the car in Park and shuts down the power.

    EDIT: After watching the video that was posted, I take that back. It looks like the button is locked out when the car is in motion. I suspect Gen III design is the same as Gen II.