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Who has done their recall?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by cary1952, Feb 15, 2014.

  1. PearlBlizzard

    PearlBlizzard Member

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    Because I rely heavily on the most uphill power possible in my daily commute, and will prolong the update indefinitely if it reduces the power. That is why I have turned to the forum for information.
     
  2. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    Unfortunately in California the state requires this update or the state will not allow you to renew your license plates :( Toyota is required by California law to provide them with a database of Prius VIN's that have and have not had the update. I understand the other 49 states do not do this so owners in those states are free to do what they like with their Prius :)

    Mike
     
  3. Hybrid Dave

    Hybrid Dave Member

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    As much as I'd like to say I have a choice, I would be more worried about my 53k mile Prius burning out an inverter that Toyota refuses to replace under my extended warranty than having a "possibly" slower Prius.
     
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  4. mediahound

    mediahound Active Member

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    I hadn't heard this before however the dealership provided me with a 'certificate' after they performed the recall and said "Show this to DMV if they ask".
     
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  5. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    Hear YA there Dave. Damned if we do, damned if we don't :( My car is still in winter storage until at least June.

    Mike
     
  6. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Well some of us couldn't care less about peak power. If we did we would be driving very different vehicles! Pearl S accelerates just fine to the posted limit and is able to maintain that speed on any grade found on public roads. That is all I require. Guess I'm just old. So -I- won't be doing any measurements.

    Oh, and it's not the "caps", it's the power transistors breaking the solder joint holding them to the board, increasing the thermal resistance, and then overheating.

    It's pretty clear Toyota engineers felt the change was not great enough to warrant a redesign and all the costs associated with that. Or to put it in "naysayers" parlance, they felt they could forgo the expense because the change was not great enough to be challengeable in any legal proceeding.
     
  7. mediahound

    mediahound Active Member

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    Apparently, if the inverter fails and the recall has not been done, it will be covered under the recall.
     
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  8. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    That is what I understand also :)

    Mike
     
  9. Hybrid Dave

    Hybrid Dave Member

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    It's harder to tell for me, since Florida is so flat. The other day I punched it on the on ramp to I95 and was pushing 90 mph before I even merged with oncoming traffic. I suppose if I can hit 20 over the legal highway speed limit without any drama, I should be happy with post-update performance.
     
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  10. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    There are some good hills around Mt Dora and Sorento if I remember right :) A bit of a drive from your town though :(

    Mike
     
  11. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    Please do so. I have no means of doing that myself in any safe way.
    But, your numbers clearly show where the problem is. Your Prius is way too fast. They will bring it down to the specified 9.8 sec.
     
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  12. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    July!:D
     
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  13. PearlBlizzard

    PearlBlizzard Member

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    If that is the case, I hope through this forum we can determine if there are any performance reductions from the update. If there are, I will be vigilant in notifying auto magazines, consumer protection organizations and Toyota to have them assume proper responsibility to correct the issue without detuning the vehicle, or providing financial compensation for providing misleading performance information. The public should know of their behavior and adjust their purchasing accordingly.
     
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  14. PearlBlizzard

    PearlBlizzard Member

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    It's pretty clear Toyota engineers felt the change was not great enough to warrant a redesign and all the costs associated with that. Or to put it in "naysayers" parlance, they felt they could forgo the expense because the change was not great enough to be challengeable in any legal proceeding.[/quote]

    Then Toyota should not publish HP or 0-60 specs. Yes, the power is a VERY important aspect of the vehicle. And the public agrees for the Prius C sales are poor in part because of the smaller less powerful engine.
     
  15. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    Why is it any safer for me to do this than you? :) Find an empty street with no traffic and go for it !

    I disagree that my Prius is too fast. My feeling is that after the update the time is going to much higher than 9.8 secs. Also, my time is not exact as I am trying to drive, monitor SGII data, and keep up with time.

    Now the Boost Voltage is making a step change to 650V when you floor the accelerator giving you the kick in the pants. From trying to interpret those that have completed the update about loss of acceleration power, my guess is that the Boost Voltage will be ramped up to 650V if it even goes up to 650V.

    Also I am seeing HV battery amps in the range of 120-140 during this acceleration run. They will most likely be limiting the current or limiting the rate-of-rise of current.

    I am still amazed by all of the differences of opinions on here yet very few, if any, have taken the time to offer any facts with data.
     
  16. cary1952

    cary1952 Member

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    53 mpg is hardly normal in the winter where I live. LOL. Congrats!
     
  17. PearlBlizzard

    PearlBlizzard Member

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    53mpg is great! I wonder if this is from the display that overstates mileage or fill up checks. If the display, it is likely 48-50 range... still good.
     
  18. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    That's been my concern since the day one announcement of the recall. It's also what makes me very suspicious of Toyota's unwillingness to share EXACTLY what parameters are being changed with the update.

    I think they know if they announce or say, "We're reducing the acceleration capabilities of your vehicle" people will complain.

    That being said, it's too late for me I've had the update.

    And I have to say, outside of what appears to be a different calibration reading in regards to battery charge level, I don't notice a difference. The vehicle seems to be operating almost exactly as before, IMO.

    It is subjective though, I have no numbers.

    I tried Power Mode...on a highway entrance I often used Power Mode to merge with the other day. If there is a reduction in the mapping of the accelerator to the engine, or a reduction in RPM's allowed? It's so minor I don't notice it.

    But I will also admit this. I never bought The Prius with the intentions of driving it like a Sports Car. Or with the belief that it would behave in any manner as one. In other words, since getting the Prius...I more or less drive it for efficiency...not neck bending acceleration.

    What I've always wanted, and what I appreciate about Prius Ownership has always been the efficiency of HSD, plus the quiet smooth operation. Since the recall..and so far, I see no change in those parameters of operation.
     
  19. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    You are one tough customer, lol. Whatever's Toyota's done to performance, it's very subtle. I think they did a good balancing act.

    Post update, I was grasping at straws trying to find differences. I think the high end acceleration is slightly blunted, not sure, just a hunch. Other than that no complaints, and mileage even seems to be improving, the car a bit more eager to slip into stealth, more reluctant to leave?
     
  20. nedear88

    nedear88 My 1st Prius.

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    After 1 months + of software flashed, after 6 filled up, my actual calculated MPG is between 44-46 mpg, the display constant mpg is 47-48 mpg, this is San Francisco bay area freeway stop and go traffic, I have short trip (kids school drop off / pickup during the mid day) and hill climbing of 2-3 miles daily. This is the same mpg as before software flashed.

    In terms of driving feedback after the software flashed, the car is noticeable more on the ICE side, I can get in/out freeway entrance with no struggling like used to be, the way how I observed is now my Prius drive like a Corolla but it's the hybrid mpg, so the software update doesn't degrade performance and mpg, you just have to re-train your foot on the gas pedal, I am actually appreciate the software update!
     
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