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Chip from JAPAN???

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by isibrigade, Sep 1, 2008.

  1. isibrigade

    isibrigade Junior Member

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    I bought a 2008 last month and the slaesman has noticed many of my personal upgrades (tinted windows, leather seat covers, trailer hitch). He asked if I would be interested in a 'chip' that is usually exclusive to Japan. Supposedly, this chip places the car in EV mode automatically more often.
    I tried the search function with little time to look through ALL of them, still no luck.

    Has anyone heard of this? What are the benefits/negatives? Why aren't they available in CA? Price?

    Thanks.
    -Dustin
     
    #1 isibrigade, Sep 1, 2008
  2. brick

    brick Active Member

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    How about a button from RadioShack? That's all it takes. Just do a search on "EV Mode" or "EV Button". It can be as little as a $5 mod if you are comfortable with wiring, but it is not meant to be used to drive around. It is meant more as a "back the car out of the garage" button.
     
    #2 brick, Sep 1, 2008
  3. isibrigade

    isibrigade Junior Member

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    BRICK,

    I'm familiar with the EV installation, but I was looking at this to be more of a long-haul modification that, from what I am told, will increase significant MPG.
    I wonder if this chip bypasses the initial 'warm-up' stage that ultimately kills our efficiency. Or if not, is there a way to do this?
     
    #3 isibrigade, Sep 1, 2008
  4. bac

    bac Active Member

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    You REALLY need to search and read this forum. Some feel that this switch does help FE, and some say it does not. I am in the latter camp.

    Again, there is exhaustive information about the subject already written within these walls. Read those posts, and you shall have your answer.

    ... Brad
     
    #4 bac, Sep 1, 2008
  5. isibrigade

    isibrigade Junior Member

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    Brad,
    I understand there is extensive information on the subject of efficiency. I HAVE searched the forum (as stated above) and I cannot find info regarding this particular chip. I am an AVID reader of the forum and just asking for help finding some info.
    If you know of a thread on this subject, please place a link to it on this one, rather than telling me to search for myself.
    Once again, I am in need of information, not on the EV switch, but the chip I am refering to that suppossedly is only available in Japan. Thanks in advance for your help.
     
    #5 isibrigade, Sep 1, 2008
  6. 9G-man

    9G-man Senior Member

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    No one is familiar with a so-called "chip" from Japan. Everyone assumes it's the well documented, already noted , EV switch.
    Check with your source. I believe you will find your salesman is less informed than you may think.
     
    #6 9G-man, Sep 1, 2008
  7. bac

    bac Active Member

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    Sorry for the confusion. However, I'm guessing that your dealer is referring to the AV switch as this "chip" from Japan. Since you are a self stated AVID reader of this forum, (only 3 posts, and all are in this thread?), you already know that the AV switch is standard in Japan.

    ... Brad
     
    #7 bac, Sep 1, 2008
  8. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    It's EV, not AV. I'm sure that's what you meant.

    There is no magic chip from japan or elsewhere.

    Tom
     
    #8 qbee42, Sep 1, 2008
  9. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    What hasn't been stated is the "code" is already in the Prius system. All you do to active it is install the switch. You can get the "stock" switch on-line if you want it to look original. It -will- make Toyota want to void your battery warranty, so be warned!

    The salesman may have been trying to sell you the Coastal Technologies switch, which does include a circuit board (the "chip"?). It uses an existing switch on the car. It is NOT Japanese.
     
    #9 David Beale, Sep 1, 2008
  10. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    There are threads regarding the wiring schematics of various systems and sub-systems of the Prius. There are extensive modification threads. There are members who have literally dismantled sections of their Prius to study the electronics.

    I truly believe there is a reason that an extensive amount of searching and reading has revealed no information about this Japanese chip. On the other hand, there are many threads discussing dealers: from those who don't know what they're talking about to those who simply misspeak.
     
    #10 TonyPSchaefer, Sep 1, 2008
  11. metagrey

    metagrey New Member

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    I am interested in this as well...saw it on juicedhybrid.com It is not available in cars shipped to North America. Supposedly it is for driving up to 34 mph? I think juicedhybrid.com even provides a video on how to install.
     
    #11 metagrey, Sep 1, 2008
  12. bac

    bac Active Member

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    Okay, now I see why this thread was started. It also explains why the OP (who I'm guessing is also "metagrey") had never posted until today. :rolleyes:

    ... Brad
     
    #12 bac, Sep 1, 2008
  13. JHSmith

    JHSmith 2020 Avalon Hybrid Owner

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    You found the site quicker than I could. :first: I was searching for the originating thread. :typing:

    Back in June ('08), JuicedHybrid was pushing this type of product (thread link: http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-modifications/48344-juicedhybrid-electric-only-option.html ).


    As has already been covered in THIS thread, cheaper alternatives are available. No matter which path is taken, the end result is the same: Put a momentary ground on a pin of an ECU.
     
    #13 JHSmith, Sep 1, 2008
  14. isibrigade

    isibrigade Junior Member

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    I appreciate those of you who have given me the advice of watching out for what the salespeople are pushing at the dealership. I will probably go over there this week and ask some more questions about the item. You are probably right, synonomous with the EV button. I'll report more as I get more. Thanks again for those of you who have contributed your knowledge rather than criticism.:)
     
    #14 isibrigade, Sep 1, 2008
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