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Has anyone driven with spare tire? It was a weird experience.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by jack black, Jun 4, 2018.

  1. jack black

    jack black Active Member

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    Here is my story: flat rear tire with a long nail through the sidewall (Wth?). Fortunately, tires are toward end of their life and i have a set of replacement tires. I drove some on a spare tire inflated to 55+PSI (my tire gauge goes to 55) and immediately noticed a difference: car not rolling freely and more effort on moving from stop. MPG in city was about 40, instead of expected 50+. Then I drove to my usual tire place and something weird happened: sluggish acceleration, no battery assist and ICE was on all the time while 'idling", just like with overheated battery, but the battery fan was working at the usual speed, barely audible over road noise. Again 40MPG.

    Then coming back with new tires, no unusual hybrid action, except for mushy handling (new tires and lower PSI than I prefer).

    What was that? It was a hot day, 90F+, but not unusual this time of year.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    was it a donut? did you put it on the back or front?

    sounds like a coincidence with another problem, how many miles on her?
     
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  3. jack black

    jack black Active Member

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    A donut in rear. No problems with the car whatsoever. About 100,000 miles. HV bat. warranty near expiration though.
     
  4. Black Prius

    Black Prius Junior Member

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    Strange case, but I think it's a coincidence. The temperature is high and therefore probably disconnected the batteries.
     
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no dash lights?
     
  6. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    The rear wheels are just along for the ride....IIRC and they don't do anything except for hold up their end of the car and help with braking.

    I'm thinking that the symptoms you described are non-related.
     
  7. jack black

    jack black Active Member

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    I was not aware of that feature. What is the threshold for that disconnection for ambient temp? It was up to 95F on that day.
    No dash lights.
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    also, if the car is sitting in the 95 degree sun for long, the battery really cooks.
     
  9. jack black

    jack black Active Member

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    No bisco, car sat in shade, it was driven in 90-95F for several miles, but problem with no battery assist started as soon as turned on. In retrospect, I should have restarted the car before hitting the street.
    Also, the HV fan was almost silent, unlike one time long time ago battery was overheated due to spirited driving and then parked in sun. From then on I'm religious about parking in shade.
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    maybe just a one off. try putting the spare back on and see what happens.
     
  11. jack black

    jack black Active Member

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    I will do it next time I get a flat. THX!
     
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    well, let's hope that's never!(y)
     
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