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Factory EV switch installation

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by judibob, Sep 8, 2006.

  1. judibob

    judibob New Member

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    I installed the factory EV switch on my '06 a few months ago, and would recommend this to anyone here. A fellow PC member, Galaxee, provided a complete wiring harness with instructions and on-line step-by-step photos of the procedure. The entire thing took me maybe a half hour or 45 mins, first time through. The very nicely executed Toyota snaps on the dashboard trim make this a breeze.
    I would recommend the EV function to everyone, and the factory button just looks, well, factory!
    The kit from Galaxee, and their tremendous follow-up post sale, prompted me to right this rec.
    Not sure if they are doing this any more, but the $20 for the kit was money well spent for me. Very compete, and very nicely terminated wires. I had everything and didn't need to mess around with finding bits and pieces and the correct connector socket pins and such, nor did I need to assemble/solder anything.
    Note this kit was for the completed wiring/connectors + instructions, not the button itself which can be sourced from Sigma Automotive, among other places.
     
  2. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    aw, thanks Bob! :) so the illumination is working ok for you?

    if there is any demand we will make some more at some point soon. right now we have some personal things that are taking a lot out of us so it's hard to find the time for it.
     
  3. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    Congrats on the successful button installation. Use it well and wisely.
     
  4. Ari

    Ari New Member

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    Ok, now I'm confused about the situation with the 06 OEM EV switch:

    - You say you paid $20 for the wiring harness. Does the $69 "kit" from Sigma only include the switch itself? On their website they make it sound like it includes everything you need to connect the switch.

    - You say you got it from galaxee. How did you order it?

    - Do I then need to spend 20+69=$89 for the entire 06 OEM (JDM) EV setup? Note: I would rather go as OEM as possible with the setup, I have no desire to be cutting into wires I don't have to.

    - And to be clear, this still doesn't include any kind of EV indicator light for the North American Prius, right?
    (I'm assuming you only get the EV button itself to light up.)

    Thanks.
     
  5. TheForce

    TheForce Stop War! Lets Rave! Make Love!

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ari @ Sep 8 2006, 12:29 PM) [snapback]316402[/snapback]</div>
    The sigma kit has everything but the wire taps and a long wire that goes from the button to the ECU.

    No indicator light on the dash :( but you do get the button to light up when you turn on your headlights. :)
     
  6. ilusnforc

    ilusnforc Member

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    Galaxee, are you still selling the "wiring kits" for the JDM EV button from Sigma? I'm also trying to find the step by step install instructions, are they still located somewhere here on the forum? Thanks!
     
  7. JoeyJoeJoShabadoo Jr

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    I want to ask my dealership if they will install an EV switch for me. Anyone know the part # for an '08?
     
  8. 9G-man

    9G-man Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JoeyJoeJoShabadoo @ Nov 15 2007, 12:41 AM) [snapback]539775[/snapback]</div>
    Not a chance. They would be voiding your HV Battery warranty and assuming some major liability. That is DIY at your own risk. Doubt they know much about it, other than it's being done. Possibly.
     
  9. Camalex12

    Camalex12 New Member

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    Has anyone experienced any issues by installing this? I am sure it will void my warranty, and as soon as I install this, my hybrid engine will just happen to go on the fritz, and when I go in with my warranty, I can hear them saying (it was because you modded ur prius with the ev switch) Has anyone checked to see if this button voids your warranty?
     
  10. ilusnforc

    ilusnforc Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(The Prius you love to Hate @ Nov 15 2007, 12:46 AM) [snapback]539857[/snapback]</div>
    Warranty issues (especially regarding the HV battery and EV mode) have been discussed a lot on this forum. Sounds like the consensus is that Toyota would have to prove beyond a doubt that any damage you claim was caused by the EV button. If you install the OEM EV button (from Sigma) and dont use the dimmer, it is rather easily removable and the dealer would have no way of knowing it had ever been installed, unless the computer can somehow tell the tech if it's ever been in EV mode that we aren't aware of.
     
  11. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(The Prius you love to Hate @ Nov 15 2007, 12:46 AM) [snapback]539857[/snapback]</div>
    There has been one report here on PC of a member (search naterprius) who had a HV battery failure while he had an EV button installed. Toyota did say they would not cover the replacement under warranty b/c of the button but with some phone calls and perseverence Nate ultimately got Toyota to agree on standing by the warranty, but he had to remove the EV button as part of the agreement. The cost quoted him was $4500.
    Yes, there's some finite risk. If you can't afford $4500 to replace the battery, $3000 for the HV ECU or inverter then don't do it...it's just not worth it for the fun of having it.
     
  12. JoeyJoeJoShabadoo Jr

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(theforce @ Sep 8 2006, 11:38 AM) [snapback]316409[/snapback]</div>

    So if i want to install an EV switch and be as safe as possible, where i can remove it when i bring it to toyota, what else do i need to buy aside from the EV switch kit from Sigma? Do i need to buy wire taps and a wire for the ECU connection? Where do you find those?
     
  13. Chrome

    Chrome New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JoeyJoeJoShabadoo @ Nov 15 2007, 07:23 PM) [snapback]540279[/snapback]</div>

    I have absolutely nothing to add to this thread.

    I just wanted to say that you have an awesome screen name.

    Though, you did leave out "Junior"
     
  14. JoeyJoeJoShabadoo Jr

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Chrome @ Nov 15 2007, 07:34 PM) [snapback]540283[/snapback]</div>

    Hahaha, BAAH I knew I forgot something when i made it. Oh well too late now... Thanks for noticing!
     
  15. kayak_hauler

    kayak_hauler New Member

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    Ok, so where can I get the actual switch to mount for an 08?

    Thanks

    Jeremy
     
  16. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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  17. kayak_hauler

    kayak_hauler New Member

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    Cool, Thanks alot for the fast reply!
     
  18. BigJay

    BigJay reh reh REH reh Torture them!

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    To be as "safe" as possible, don't install one at all obviously.

    Some clever people are using the "cruise control cancel" switch function as the "EV button", the mod video is listed at the top of this page.

    Edit: This thread is over two years old, is there any chance that someone (galaxee) is still selling the wiring harness thing?
     
  19. 05 Solar Prius

    05 Solar Prius New Member

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    I wanted to see how this would work so I simply put a wire in the plug and pluged it back into the ecu then started it up and grounded it. It does shut off the engine (whohoo!) but I have a few Qs.

    !) How long should the battery only mode last? (I got about a mile and the ice kicked on when the battery symbol went brown colored. (indicating the bat was low and needed to recharge)

    2) Should the battery ever go to all full? (mine never has):(
     
  20. JimboK

    JimboK One owner, low mileage

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    1) About as far as you got, if that far. For the sake of fuel economy, you want to avoid using EV for propulsion except for short segments where running the ICE would be inefficient -- i.e., around your driveway, short hauls through parking lots, etc.

    2) It will, but typically only after an extended period of regenerative coasting or braking. The car protects the battery from overcharging by aiming to keep it at 6 bars, but allows a little headroom to capture more from regeneration. After it hits 7 or 8 bars, it will give greater preference to battery power than usual to bleed it back down to 6.