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Won't coast on battery

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Toddwilks, Sep 1, 2014.

  1. bedrock8x

    bedrock8x Senior Member

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    May I ask what is your MPG?
    That may tell a story, basically you have more drag and needs more engine energy to maintain a steady speed.
     
  2. Toddwilks

    Toddwilks Active Member

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    I had the 12v testing and it was reporting as a good battery at autozone.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    unfortunately, the report of a 'good battery' with no specs, is often a misdiagnosis.
     
  4. Toddwilks

    Toddwilks Active Member

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    They gave me the specs. It was reporting more than what it is rated for. I think it was 325 and was reporting 500 something. I have to check the receipt that is in the car.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    please do, i think voltage maybe more important than 500 something.
     
  6. Toddwilks

    Toddwilks Active Member

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    I attached the report from autozone as well as the "health check" the dealer performed. I told them my 09 is like a rocket compared to my 10. Their answer,"well the 10 has a bigger motor and needs more regen braking so it doesn't coast as easy. You need to be on the gas more to make it coast or maintain speed.

    My 09 will stealth mode all day at 64mph. This car, I need to have the bar up to PWR to maintain speed.

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1409794410.826456.jpg
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    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1409794438.474222.jpg
    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1409794450.625417.jpg
     
  7. Toddwilks

    Toddwilks Active Member

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    FYI this is Crestmont Toyota in Pompton Plains Nj
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how are your mpg's?
     
  9. Toddwilks

    Toddwilks Active Member

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    I do a 35 mile route all highway at 64 cruise on, windows closed, AC off in the 09 and get 54mpg. In the 10 exact same route and style and get 43.
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ouch, this is a mystery.(n)
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    maybe jack her up and check wheels for binding as mentioned above?
     
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    also, it might be good to drop it at the dealer with a full battery, and leave it overnight so the can see the drop to 3 bars for themselves.
     
  13. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    The dealer answer is pure BS. Check for dragging brakes or hot wheels after driving like a bunch of people told you. The autozone printout is suspect. Was the car on when they tested the battery? It looks like it (14.27V).
     
  14. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    My 2012 will regen about 10% when I let off the accelerator, which is like a light application of the brakes, and it will hold my speed from increasing much on most moderate hill-descents. I consider this normal, and quite useful most of the time. I've never wanted the car to be totally free-wheeling when I let off the pedal. In a normal car, engine drag is wasted energy.

    It could be that this is what you are experiencing.
     
    #34 GregP507, Sep 4, 2014
    Last edited: Sep 4, 2014
    HaroldW likes this.
  15. bedrock8x

    bedrock8x Senior Member

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    The 10 should give you 50+ mpg for the same route and speed driving.
    Did you get new tires recently?

     
  16. Toddwilks

    Toddwilks Active Member

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    No new tires. They came on the car when I bought it. I will check for dragging brakes tomorrow when I take it back to the dealer. I opened a case with toyota for the bs answer from the dealer. I was called back about an hour later from the dealer asking what I want them to do.

    Check for rubbing brakes or hot wheels

    Full test of the hybrid battery and 12v

    Anything else?
     
  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Ask them to test drive it, with you along, if they don't volunteer. Also, if you could then repeat the exercise with a comparable demo on the lot, see if there's a difference?
     
  18. Toddwilks

    Toddwilks Active Member

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    That was my plan as well. They have an 11 and 14 available that I told them I was to ride with the tech to prove that it's either something wrong or normal. I test drove a 14 and it didn't drive like mine which led me here, to people that actually understand the car.
     
  19. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I'm not really clear on what you mean.

    You want to maintain speed? Well coasting, means "coasting" with no demands from either the ICE or Electric Motor. And if you are truly coasting on a flat or inclined surface you will NOT be able to maintain speed.

    And yes, on the Gen 3, with no foot on the accelerator the vehicle will "slightly" regen.

    If you mean you can't activate EV with a charged HV battery and the engine warmed up, at speeds under 40? Then that's probably a problem. But when EV kicks in...you aren't necessarily coasting, you're using the electric motor to propel the vehicle and maintain speed.

    Since you owned a Prius before, I'm just going to assume I'm misunderstanding you. And what you mean by "coasting".

    If you mean you can't coast as much because of phantom drag? Well that should be consistent whether the ICE is running or not.

    I'm wondering if it isn't a engine thermostat problem, as if I'm understanding correctly, it almost sounds like the engine isn't reading as being warmed up, even after it should be warmed up.

    Keep us updated. Interesting problem.
     
  20. Toddwilks

    Toddwilks Active Member

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    AC off cruise off windows closed