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From Park to Drive, ICE come on

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by charleslo, Jul 25, 2010.

  1. charleslo

    charleslo Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2010
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    Location:
    Santa Clara, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III


    I've got my used 2010 Prius 2 weeks a go. I have the following strange observation.

    1 - Parked my car with parking brakes
    2 - Some time after, I get back into the car, release the parking brake and drives off. I notice that ICE come on IN THE PARKING LOT, when I have my battery one bar from full. My understanding is the ICE should never come on to charge the battery. it is such a waste of gas. I'm in ECO mode, BTW.

    3 - I press the gas more when I get out of the parking lot. When I hit the red light and stopped shortly after, I see the ICE is shut, which is normal.

    I cannot explain what I see in 2), and this keeps happening every time. Is this a cause of concern?

    thanks,
    -Charles
     
    #1 charleslo, Jul 25, 2010
  2. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2004
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    Location:
    Far-North Chicagoland
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    1) The catalytic converter of a modern vehicle is designed to reduce smog-forming emissions but only do this when it is warm.
    2) A warm engine runs considerably more efficiently than a cold engine.

    Therefore) The Prius engages in a warm-up cycle upon start-up. It does this to heat the engine and the catalytic converter. By doing this, both devices will be at optimal temperature when needed. Otherwise, when you really do need them, they would both be cold and coughing out much worse smog-forming pollutants.

    No cause for alarm. Enjoy your Prius.
     
    #2 TonyPSchaefer, Jul 25, 2010
    2 people like this.
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