1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

What display screen does everyone use most of the time??

Discussion in 'Prius c Fuel Economy' started by Kmullin80, Sep 30, 2012.

  1. RocMills

    RocMills Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 2, 2012
    789
    276
    0
    Location:
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    I've barely figured out how to get pictures posted here, don't be asking for video! :)

    I start slow and gentle. Ideally, I never pass the middle mark where it says Eco; but it doesn't seem to hurt the stats if I have to go beyond that mark, as long as I don't get into the red/power area. For cruise, I think it just wants you to maintain a steady speed or not change speeds drastically (sudden acceleration or deceleration). For stopping, I try to let off the gas a good block from the red light and coast until I'm within a few car lengths of the stopping point and then gently bring the car to a full and complete stop. If I find I've let off the gas too soon, I can EV a little towards the end of the stop.
     
  2. Rob.au

    Rob.au Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2012
    960
    441
    0
    Location:
    Sydney, Australia
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    i-Tech
    Funny... it's cruise I just can't get. For starting I find it very forgiving... even if I touch the PWR part of the HSI I can still get a good rating as long as it was it was a consistant start. For stopping what it seems to be after is a long steady stop, preferably with the same level of brake pedal input the whole way, right through to and including the stop.

    Cruise just eludes me.
     
  3. Archaeo

    Archaeo New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2012
    140
    46
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Four
    Definitely keep the eco score screen up most of the time and use the gauge to improve mpgs (out of the red and in the ev area when possible. Tried the other and kept changing back to the eco.
     
  4. Lionsfan

    Lionsfan Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2012
    26
    18
    0
    Location:
    Montrose, MI
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    I'm eco score all the way. Probably my competitive nature and wanting to beat my score every time I drive.
    I will use the power screen to show new people how the engine works with the battery, but other than that...it's Eco score. I just wish it always showed the outside temp. In Michigan it can fluctuate 30 degrees in two hours.
     
    coyote303 likes this.
  5. ChicagoPC2

    ChicagoPC2 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2012
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Engine Monitor, helps me manage my glide.
     
  6. WD0AFQ

    WD0AFQ Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2012
    619
    152
    20
    Location:
    Dexter, Mo.
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    I too wished I could always see the outside temperature. So, I have that as one of my readouts on the Ultra Gauge.
    Dan
     
  7. born_again

    born_again Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2012
    103
    47
    0
    Location:
    Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    I was on Eco score and Eco saving screens. But I recently switched to the 5 min consumption screen and I'm able to cruise at a more effective speed.

    I think the fuel efficiency of the Prius comes from effective use of electric and ICE motors together.

    The Eco score and saving screens don't tell me the instant MPG. And I find myself driving real slowly to be in EV.

    But in 5 min screen, I get better feedback and am able to cruise at higher speed and get good mileage.
     
  8. Hyper_PriusC

    Hyper_PriusC Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2012
    83
    55
    0
    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    Eco score screen for me. It's like watching the vacuum gauge in my previous cars. being able to monitor the engine load and control the amount I push down on the pedal really helps reduce my fuel consumption.
     
  9. ufourya

    ufourya We the People

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2008
    1,258
    336
    42
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    The windscreen display most of the time, with glances at the rear view mirrors, eco screen and scangauge for other information. :sneaky:
     
    coyote303 likes this.
  10. WD0AFQ

    WD0AFQ Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2012
    619
    152
    20
    Location:
    Dexter, Mo.
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Yep, good old vacuum gauge. I hear ya there.
    Dan
     
  11. JQB

    JQB New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2012
    14
    2
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    I had an 84 bmw 318i and it had a mpg instant meter that I loved, now I like the 5 min consumption for the instant-ish gauge but it's just average due to the delay and lack of flexibility from 5min consumption. I do switch between that and the eco score, plus I look at the $ consumption while i drive, so I can see certain costs. Drive information for temp.

    I would prefer a customizable screen or two (to select available content) because I hate fiddling while I drive.
     
  12. RocMills

    RocMills Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 2, 2012
    789
    276
    0
    Location:
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    You can get "instant" MPG using one of the trip screens and setting the fuel comparison to zero (i think that's the procedure).
     
  13. WD0AFQ

    WD0AFQ Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2012
    619
    152
    20
    Location:
    Dexter, Mo.
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Grab a ScanGauge or Ulta Gauge. You can program them to read what you want. I watch the average on the dash and instant on my aftermarket gauge, along with a host of other information not available otherwise.
    Dan
     
  14. JQB

    JQB New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2012
    14
    2
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    RocMills, sorry but I don't know what you mean about setting the fuel comparison, because all I know how to do on the trip is to reset to 0 - is that what you mean? I looked briefly this morning before work but didn't see other options.

    WD0AFQ, What is the install like for an aftermarket gauge?
     
  15. ufourya

    ufourya We the People

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2008
    1,258
    336
    42
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    You plug it into the OBDC (On Board Diagnostic Computer) - the outlet is under the dash to the left of the steering wheel. Then run the cord to a convenient mounting location. Easy peasy.
     
  16. apandabear

    apandabear Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2012
    38
    11
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    I use the ECO Score screen pretty much exclusively. I played around with energy monitor, but it wasn't really for me.

    Seems to be working.. Almost to 55mpg (indicated) this tank! 3 pips left (I'll probably use 2 and then fuel up).
     
  17. born_again

    born_again Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2012
    103
    47
    0
    Location:
    Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    I was hoping it would be like the vacuum gauge. but because of the continuous drive that the Prius has, I can't get a feel for the gas pedal. Plus, the car is so quiet, I don't have any feedback.

    I plan on leaving it on the energy monitor for a few days and use it as feedback while I drive.

    I used the 5-min screen today. Drove to LA from Torrance: 64.6 mpg. drove back to Torrance: 63.3 mpg. Then drove around Torrance all day, 62 mpg. If it wasn't for the hills in my neighborhood, I'd be 60+ mpg all the time. Maybe I should move to the flat lands. LOL
     
  18. Rob.au

    Rob.au Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2012
    960
    441
    0
    Location:
    Sydney, Australia
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    i-Tech
    The c has a number of configurable displays and a slightly confusing array of combinations and interactions that do and don't exist between them, so it is easy to get lost. Using the manual is useful but even it doesn't make it plain and the information is scattered around different parts of the manual.

    There is a screen called the "5min Consumption" screen, which is pictured on Page 39 of the US manual.

    priusc_5minconsumption.PNG

    This screen shows 5 minute averages on the left-hand side, which are only updated every five minutes. The column on the right is an Instant MPG display. By default, this screen is not shown in the menu carousel. To enable it, you need to press the "DISP" button on your steering wheel to cycle around to "Settings & Screen Off". Once this is showing, you have to press and hold the "DISP" button to get into the settings menu.

    priusc_enabling_5minconsumption.PNG
    On this screen you have to press DISP a couple of times to get to "Menu Screen Selection", where you should press and hold DISP to get to the second screen. On the second screen press DISP until there's a highlight around the "ON" side of the 5 min. consumption line, where once more you press and hold DISP to select it.

    Then cycle your way through until "Return" is highlighted, then press and hold DISP to get back to the previous screen, where you should do the same thing to get back to the main menu carousel.

    Once you've done this, the "5min consumption" screen will be a new option on this main menu that you can bring up at any time by cycling through to it.
     
    RocMills likes this.
  19. WD0AFQ

    WD0AFQ Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2012
    619
    152
    20
    Location:
    Dexter, Mo.
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    ScanGauge is simplest to set up. Both gauges just plug in under the dash on the left. Took me quite a while and a lot of reading to get my Ultra Gauge working. The ScanGauge is simple setup.
    That is a good explanantion of getting the 5 minute gauge on the readout, thanks.
    I have gotten used to the eco score page and rarely move it from there. Lets me see what I want and I can "coast" by setting the thing on the line with no accellerating or braking. I do not put this car into neutral.
    It is very hard to get a real feel of this engine the way the "transmission" works. The rpm's are all over the place. Different days different readings on the mpg also. I love the Ultra Gauge with all of the possible readouts, one being the instant mileage reading. Cheap and easily mounted.
    Dan
     
  20. Rob.au

    Rob.au Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2012
    960
    441
    0
    Location:
    Sydney, Australia
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    i-Tech
    To be honest, I'm not a fan of instant MPG. I also keep the ECO Score screen up and on my ScanGauge I do not use the instant fuel consumption. Everyone's different but I just don't find that it adds value over and above what the HSI on the ECO Score screen is telling me. Trying to stay within the ECO portion of the HSI is good enough for me.

    Because I have a short commute, my focus with the ScanGauge remains management of my warm-up cycles, so the data I've settled on for the time being is LOD, °CWT, AMP and SoC. I can't help feeling that instant MPG would be more useful for people who drive less in regular city driving as I do and more on the highway at steady speeds.