Traction Control

google search "Maintenance Mode" Gen II Prius. Warning, mfr. states not to drive Prius with traction control disengaged, supposedly will damage transaxle.

 

Step 1: Set the ignition switch to ON, not READY. To do this press the power button two times, without pressing the brake pedal.

Step 2: While the transmission is still in park (P), fully press the gas pedal two times.

Step 3: Apply the parking brake to ensure that the vehicle will not move during this step. Put the transmission in neutral (N) and fully press the gas pedal two times.

Step 4: Put the transmission back in park (P) and fully press the gas pedal two times. The car will display “!Car!” in the upper left corner of the LCD screen.

Step 5: Press the brake pedal and turn the ignition switch to the start position, without going back to the ready position, to start the engine.

If these steps are followed correctly, the vehicle will start with the traction control system defeated.

This is probably more than most Toyota Prius owners are willing to do each time they crank their vehicle, but it does provide a useful alternative in the event of abnormal driving conditions. It would probably be a good auto standard to include a defeat switch on all vehicles equipped with traction control. Any Prius owner with a do it yourself attitude can follow these steps and accomplish something that your local certified mechanic probably doesn’t even know is possible

Source: How to Disable Prius Traction Control
- CarsDirect

 

it can be hazardous though, yes?

i think you have to be careful of over revving the motor generator.

 

use at your own risk, don't know what else to say.

Maybe that is why I wrote what I did in post #4

 

i think you nailed it!

 

the only thing I know is that the mfr. warns of transaxle damage. What is damaged? Not sure, someone else can truthfully answer that one.

 

there are older threads here, the mg's have an rpm limit.

 

My 2006 Escape Hybrid didn't have any traction control and would light up the tires without doing anything to stop you. The transaxle is similar in design to the Prius'. I wouldn't worry about it damaging anything, just don't be stupid with it.

 

do you have garbage tires on your car? when I had the integritys it would do that if I wasn't careful, especially bad wet. good tires will help a lot. meantime don't just hold the pedal to the floor when you want to go. smoking the tires isn't moving, its just ruining tires for no reason except it's fun. once you figure out how much gas to give it (and get good tires) the crappy traction control isn't too annoying.

I believe Toyota set it up that way because it might break something expensive if it revs up high and then suddenly gets traction.

 

Get a decent set of tires, that fixed the problem for us in daily driving conditions, years ago. Still is an issue in snow, but its traction control is designed to save itself as mentioned above and not to keep you moving.

 

I used to win street races by many car lengths because I didn't just stand on it. while the other guy would sit and spin, I would pull away. its different on the track with sticky tires. on the street, you got to control the pedal and feel how much throttle to give it. its just that simple.

but good tires will make a tremendous difference. and by good tires I don't mean some junk made in korea or china. I bought my bridgestones from a used tire place on ebay and saved some $$, but then I can mount and balance them myself too.