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v taking longer to engage EV

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by G Man v5, Oct 13, 2015.

  1. G Man v5

    G Man v5 Member

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    Just recently I"ve noticed my Pri-v is taking longer, and not as often switching to EV. All these observations are after the car has been fully warmed up and driven for several miles with a sufficient battery charge. Previously it would always switch to EV at 43mph when letting off the accelerator.......and I could keep it going usually till about 45.... A quick let of the accelerator would almost always accomplish this. Recently it has not been consistent...a few times not even shutting off when the car is stopped. The car has about 88,000 on the odometer. I've always noticed when it does go from ICE to EV, the transition is not a smooth too. That I"m guessing is the transmission fluid? Any suggestions?

    I"ve not had it in for the recall service yet.
     
    #1 G Man v5, Oct 13, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    colder weather? how long have you owned it?

    do you have the heat on?

    hmm, if it's not calling for heat, than the colder weather shouldn't be a problem. how's your 12v?
     
    #2 bisco, Oct 13, 2015
  3. G Man v5

    G Man v5 Member

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    8 months and 28,000 miles.

    I have the climate system on......usually it is performing AC....

    I"ve not had an issue with it...(at least I'm not aware of an issue)...the car is 2012. How does one test the 12V? Can you test for the CCA?
     
    #3 G Man v5, Oct 13, 2015
  4. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    Cooler weather, its just trying to keep the ICE warm. Mine acts something like that when the outside temp is closer to 70 or less. Doesn't seem to affect over-all MPG at all.
     
    #4 rdgrimes, Oct 13, 2015
  5. G Man v5

    G Man v5 Member

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    Interesting....
     
    #5 G Man v5, Oct 13, 2015
  6. Chazz8

    Chazz8 Gadget Lover

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    Also check state of charge (SOC) of traction battery. If it is around the two bar level, the engine is encouraged to run and charge it.
     
    #6 Chazz8, Oct 13, 2015
  7. G Man v5

    G Man v5 Member

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    Not the SOC.
     
    #7 G Man v5, Nov 9, 2015
  8. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    The 12v tests as any auto battery, and would be done for free at most auto parts stores in hopes of a battery sale. Typical term is "load test".

    Reminds me before really cold winter sets in I need to test my wife's 2011 Avalon's battery. Getting to be the age where it might be marginal,
     
    #8 mikefocke, Nov 9, 2015
  9. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    By 'fully warmed', are you watching the actual engine coolant temperature on an engine monitor (ScanGauge or other device)? Or are you using other reasons, or making an assumption based on the amount of driving?

    Because you haven't yet had this car for a year, through a winter, I would not trust an assumption that the car is fully warmed. With the cooling seasonal weather, the engine temperature could easily be lower than you expect.
     
    #9 fuzzy1, Nov 9, 2015
  10. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    Actually, noting when the system will stay in EV is a pretty reliable indicator of what the coolant temp is.

    It'll be interesting to see how the Gen4 act in this regard, with the new active louvers on the radiator.
     
    #10 rdgrimes, Nov 9, 2015
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