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Is my Prius Okay?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by MB in Brooklyn, Jul 19, 2005.

  1. MB in Brooklyn

    MB in Brooklyn New Member

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    I'd appreciate anyone's expert opinion on this. I've noticed that the hybrid engine of my Prius doesn't like to turn on at certain times. Mainly, when the a/c is on, this happens: high speeds, low speeds, in between, stop and go, and cruising. If the a/c is on, the ICU seems to be doing most of the work. (FYI, it's 95 and humid out right now in NYC.)

    Also, even in more temperate weather with no a/c, windows down, I've experienced some drives, for as long as 40 minutes, where the hybrid engine will barely come on (for the entire drive) and I average under 25 mpg, even in city traffic. This doesn't usually happen in these ideal conditions, but it has occasionally.

    Info on car. It's an '05, has slightly more than 3000 miles, hasn't been tuned up or oil changed yet. Tire pressure, last I checked, was 1 psi above recommended on all four. And the oil is about overfilled by about 1 cm on the dipstick (I opted to leave this alone until the first oil change).

    Car is averaging about 48 mpg per tank when weather doesn't force me to use the a/c. (I wish this would be higher!) And the current tank (so far about 320 miles) is averaging about 45 mpg.

    Any advice, calming words, or suggestions will be much appreciated!

    Thanks!

    MB in Brooklyn
     
    #1 MB in Brooklyn, Jul 19, 2005
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    By "hybrid engine" I assume you mean the battery powering the electric motor? (i.e. EV mode?)

    If you have the A/C blasted at max temp or max fan, the engine will continue to run to help maintain your request.

    If the battery charge is low, stop and go traffic will have the engine turn on when you move and off when you stop (my dad just burned my mileage from 4.4 to 4.5L/100km when he ran the battery down to 2 bars and had the engine cycling on/off for 15mins. 3 bars worth of <25mpg)

    Your average of 45-48mpg is reasonable given that your car is new and that summer heat is taking a toll towards your fuel economy.

    Has any MILs come on? Perhaps at your next oil change, ask if you could take the dealer's demo Prius for a test run.
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Jul 19, 2005
  3. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    [font=Comic Sans MS:65cf77facd]Hey, MB! Sounds pretty normal to me. The transition between electric and ICE is usually so smooth you can't notice it, so unless you have your eyes on the Info screen and not the road, you might not be aware of how frequently your hybrid engine cycles. Your new-car, summertime milage seems about right.

    The Prius is the smartest car on the road, designed to take care of you and itself. Just drive and enjoy.[/font:65cf77facd]
     
    #3 Bill Merchant, Jul 19, 2005
  4. MB in Brooklyn

    MB in Brooklyn New Member

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    Yes, by "hybrid engine," I do mean EV mode. (Sorry, I'm not familiar with all of the acronyms.)

    A/C is set to a low temperature but also a low fan (either low, 1, or 2). I'll try raising the temp setting to 72 or 73 to see if that makes a difference.

    The performance I have described has occurred regardless of the battery charge.

    Forgive me, but what are "MILs?"

    Thanks for replying.

    MB
     
    #4 MB in Brooklyn, Jul 19, 2005
  5. alsgameroom

    alsgameroom Member

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    I just have a little over 300 miles on my prius (used up 1/2 a tank so far). I'm in NJ so am enjoying the lovely weather too! :)

    Anyway I do mainly highway driving and am getting 54 MPG (per MFD).

    When I start the car I switch the AC to AUTO, since the ICE runs more frequently at this time, I feel its also replacing the AC's drain on the battery.

    Once cool usually 5 mins, I crank down the AC as much as possible as still remain relatively cool.

    Other than coasting, downhills and breaking, I can only keep her in EV mode by lightly pressing the pedal when maintaing speed on a flat road or slight down hill after backing off the pedal.

    I try to let her do what she wants to...this morning I was crusing a long downhill on RT 287 I was in cruise control at 60 mph (5:30 am you can go this slow :) plus I dont want to take her higher 'till 600+ miles). Anyway the energy monitor showed noe ICE just the motor going on and off every 5 to 10 seconds... just giving her little pushes as she needed to maintain speed. that was cool!

    have fun ! sounds like you're ok...

    Al
     
    #5 alsgameroom, Jul 19, 2005
  6. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Why do you think it isn't 'coming on'? I suspect you car is operating totally normally if your mileage is 48 with AC use at 25mph for an average speed.
     
    #6 efusco, Jul 19, 2005
  7. MB in Brooklyn

    MB in Brooklyn New Member

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    Milage is 48 without AC use. It's avg for current tank (with AC use) is now at 45. While the AC is on I'm averaging 25 mpG.
     
    #7 MB in Brooklyn, Jul 19, 2005
  8. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    that's normal. AC drops tank averages by 2-3 mpg.
    we're also down to about 45 mpg from 48-49.
     
    #8 galaxee, Jul 19, 2005
  9. popoff

    popoff New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MB in Brooklyn\";p=\"108615)</div>
    I get the impression you are running the AC in manual mode rather than Auto mode. Is it possible the AC compressor is having to work harder to maintain your desired temperature, thereby putting a heavier load on the system since the fan speed is too low to properly circulate the cooled air?

    Try running the AC on the Auto setting and see if that make a discernible difference.
     
    #9 popoff, Jul 19, 2005
  10. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    [font=Comic Sans MS:337db3a0c4]Also, you can't really rely on the instantaneous MPG shown on the Energy screen. I usually get under 12 MPG in the morning going up a steep hill from my house, but my average MPG is at least four times that. [/font:337db3a0c4]
     
    #10 Bill Merchant, Jul 19, 2005
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