Most Obscure Prius Facts (Way out there)

I just noticed one today:

The dome light above the windshield is actually THREE bulbs. One controlled by the driver-side button, one controlled by the passenger-side button, and one in the middle.

(I'll bet a few people haven't noticed that there are buttons there at all. It took me a while.)

When the dome light is in "DOOR" mode and you open the door, only the middle bulb lights. Not the other two.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(screaming red @ May 13 2007, 11:38 PM) [snapback]441458[/snapback]</div>

Thanks... its a good alter ego for me!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Slair @ May 17 2007, 02:39 PM) [snapback]444325[/snapback]</div>

So the ICE won't start, it's that simple. That's the whole purpose of the EV Switch and EV mode... To operate the car WITHOUT THE ICE STARTING, within certain limitations. Because without it the ICE will always start after the car is Powered into the Ready mode.

How do you figure Reverse is automatic EV...that's non-sense.

 

When checking the Map in NAV while on a Bluetooth call, both driver and person called are incommunicado but still connected. After it automatically switches back to the phone call, you can continue talking. Advise the person you are talking to that you are checking the map and not to hang up.

 

I haven't seen this mentioned:

The MFD screen is not in the center of the car. On North American models, it is offset to the passenger side. (I imagine that its offset the other direction on RH drive versions). It is easiest to see this by standing in front of the car and comparing the position of the Toyota logo on the hood (ctr of car) to the position of the MFD.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(windstrings @ Jun 12 2007, 09:49 AM) [snapback]460072[/snapback]</div>

You mean, you're not really the handsome devil I thought you were?!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(HBO6 @ Jun 12 2007, 10:32 AM) [snapback]460098[/snapback]</div>

Here's the secret - to check the map while on a call, simply press the DEST button first, then press MAP. Doing so, 'Jill' won't automatically repeat the last instruction and therefore will not mute your call for a few seconds. B)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(9G-man @ Jun 12 2007, 10:22 AM) [snapback]460093[/snapback]</div>

I wrote that way back when I didnt know a lot about the Prius. I figured EV mode ment electric only driving, which reverse is. EV = electric vehicle...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Betelgeuse @ Nov 21 2006, 07:01 AM) [snapback]352453[/snapback]</div>

I suspect that what Toyota fails to realize in most all of these "safety features" is that by something not working, like not being able to switch between FM1 to FM2 or reading a CD track list while moving forward, you can create a much larger distraction. Another example is driving off at night right after you turn the headlights on. The MFD is on bright. Even though the rest of the lights are dimmed the MFD takes over 5 minutes to dim down. THAT's a distraction I'd like to wring some programming geek's neck for at Toyota. So I just drive off partly distracted by the brightness. No, I'm not going to override it every time I drive off at night.

 

After a bit of EV button pushing I find myself wondering if I'm in EV or not. So I devised a test. Switch to the consumption screen and hit the EV. If the screen switches to power, your now in EV, if nothing happens (no refusal chime either) then you were in EV, and have just turned it off. If nothing happens and you get the refusal chime, then you weren't in it, and your still not in it.

11011011

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dan. @ Jun 12 2007, 08:50 PM) [snapback]460622[/snapback]</div>

Do I have an EV button on my 2007? I don't think so. I'm not aware of any control I have over what system is running except what I do with the gas pedal.

Okay...so this is a mod and I'm a newbie.

 

Don't know if someone's already mentioned this, but after turning my rearview mirror downside up I discovered that the mirror's inverted trapezoidal shape now matches the hatch's view almost perfectly!

Inverting the mirror also allows me a more natural and firmer grip when pushing the homelink buttons, as I can now grasp the bottom of the mirror with my thumb and push and hold the button with the index finger.

 

I have an '05 package 6 so I dont know if this was ever fixed. I found a bug in the programing of the MFD. When your driving or whatever and you have not switched to the nav screen yet, try going to the calender (info, calender) and for some reason it brings you to the nav screen. If you try going to it again, it will finally go to calender. I've had this happen every single time I try to go to calender.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mpgFanatic @ May 12 2007, 02:41 PM) [snapback]440714[/snapback]</div>

Whatever do you do with the antenna?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mpgFanatic @ May 12 2007, 05:41 PM) [snapback]440714[/snapback]</div>

It'll be okay once you tickle its undercarriage.

 

Credits: http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=35046

Can't put into neutral if 12volts is dead. (thus can't tow)



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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lowlander @ Jun 2 2007, 02:49 AM) [snapback]453812[/snapback]</div>

The word "fight" is not accurate. The mechanical power that ICE creates get consumed by the generator (MG1) and then get routed to the big electric motor (MG2) to move reverse. In a sense, converting mechanical to electrical energy enables Prius to go reverse. In this mode, Prius is a pure series hybrid (like Volt).

 

If you are in reverse and you press an option on the MFD screen (for example climate) the backup camera display disappears. If I pressed it again in probably would have returned.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(usbseawolf2000 @ Jun 22 2007, 09:49 AM) [snapback]466307[/snapback]</div>

I disagree. Putting a drag on the ICE by generating electricity with MG1 would make the PSD push the car forward mechanically. It still may work as you desctibe, but if it does, the term "fight" seems pretty accurate. I believe that most, if not all, of the power for reverse comes from the battery. MG1 would spin freely if the ICE needs to be running (which often happens in reverse because you've just started up the car).