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New owner of used 2013 :-)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Troy Heagy, May 12, 2014.

  1. Troy Heagy

    Troy Heagy Member

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    Sea glass (light green). Naturally I have a lot of questions and random thoughts:

    - The car feels "heavier" than what I'm used to. Maybe I should have bought a "c" instead. (shrug). I might even say "squishy". I'm used to a firm suspension that feels the road.
    - It's very difficult to see the radio screen. I adjusted it to max contrast which helps.
    - I like that the speedometer is to the left, so it's in my line of sight.
    - I was surprised to see the car switch to EV mode for several miles. Down a hill (regen) and up a hill (electric) then down again (regen) and so on. That was cool.
    Questions:
    - Does running the air conditioner put a drag on the engine (like my civic)?
    - Does running a/c lower MPG or is there no impact?
    - Where's the temperature gauge for the engine?
    - Is it possible to add an RPM gauge or read the rpm?

    thanks :-D
     
    #1 Troy Heagy, May 12, 2014
  2. hybridbear

    hybridbear Member

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    No RPM & no coolant temp gauge unless you use a ScanGauge or a Bluetooth/Wifi ELM 327 scanner & a phone app.

    A/C will lower MPG. The A/C is electric and pulls current from the HVB. The ICE will then have to run more to recharge the HVB. Eco mode will reduce the A/C power draw. With any of the devices mentioned above you can also see exactly how much power the A/C is drawing.
     
    #2 hybridbear, May 12, 2014
  3. Troy Heagy

    Troy Heagy Member

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    So even though the A/C is not tied directly to the engine, it can still create a drag on the engine, and lower the MPG score. Got it. No more air conditioning except as last resort.
     
    #3 Troy Heagy, May 12, 2014
  4. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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    Not really a "drag" on the engine. Just engine use more often or longer. It isn't like you can feel the A/C kick on like in a traditional car.

    Mike
     
    #4 3PriusMike, May 12, 2014
  5. FrankB

    FrankB Member

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    Keep in mind that a hotter battery will wear out faster, and the battery is cooled by the cabin air.

    Frank
     
    #5 FrankB, May 13, 2014
    xpcman, WE0H, MSA14 and 1 other person like this.
  6. DrPepperholik

    DrPepperholik Active Member

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    You can run the A/C. In Eco mode the A/C is governed by the computer so it won't blast out the coldest air at high fan speed all the time. It basically sets the A/C for optimal energy conservation.
     
    #6 DrPepperholik, May 14, 2014
  7. MSA14

    MSA14 Junior Member

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    This is one of the reasons I'm always running the A/C......and I prefer it cold.

    Keep in mind the inlet for the battery fan is on the passenger side back seat - on the edge. Make sure this inlet remains unobstructed.

    I set my A/C on auto (70° F), manually set it on recirculate, and then forget it. I've tried no A/C for half a tank and I was only able to get 1mpg better. My commute is 30 miles on interstate - morning is constant 70mph, afternoon return trip is stop and go traffic. My average so far is around 51mpg calculated. I'd rather be comfortable than get the extra mile per gallon in my case.
     
    #7 MSA14, May 14, 2014
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  8. DrPepperholik

    DrPepperholik Active Member

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    That's what that vent is! I was wondering and haven't looked in my manual yet. Also, this is another reason I got the solar panel option, keeps it cool in the car.
     
    #8 DrPepperholik, May 14, 2014
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  9. Troy Heagy

    Troy Heagy Member

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    Pepperholjc is pretty... young. ;-) I think any temperature hot enough to damage the battery would kill the driver first. :)

    In my Honda hybrids I never use auto button. Instead I leave the A/C off in the morning (no engine drag) and then set to 77-to-80 in the afternoon-to-evening. With "Econ" mode turned on and fan at max/recirculate.

    I'll try the same approach with the Prius.
     
    #9 Troy Heagy, May 15, 2014
  10. DrPepperholik

    DrPepperholik Active Member

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    Thanks, I look deceptively young but I am probably not as young as you think.


    I think it's more of a longevity thing rather than out right melting it.

    There is no engine drag with the Prius, the A/C is powered by the hybrid battery. I have mine set to auto and change the temp depending on how hot it is outside. I haven't been driving in ECO mode as I like my cold air blasting at first until I get cooled enough then I'll turn it down. I really like the auto feature of the A/C. I also set my A/C to between 68 and 74 depending on how hot it is and how fast I want cold air.
     
    #10 DrPepperholik, May 15, 2014
  11. Troy Heagy

    Troy Heagy Member

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    You look like a bride. I find auto doesn't keep me cool enough so that's why I set the fan higher speed (which also allows higher temp to save energy).
     
    #11 Troy Heagy, May 16, 2014
  12. DrPepperholik

    DrPepperholik Active Member

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    Actually I was a bride then. How cold do you want it? I have mine set to auto at 72 and the fan is full blast. Of course that's when it's like 91 out or when it was 88 outside I had it up to 75 was cold with fan at full blast.
     
    #12 DrPepperholik, May 16, 2014
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