One reason for backup alarm

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(qbee42 @ Oct 31 2006, 10:18 PM) [snapback]341720[/snapback]</div>

No, no, no!!! C'mon, get some imagination. Remember, even a lot of fairly sophisticated folks are intimidated (secretly) by this car, because they just don't know it's dark secrets. When you have some neophyte in the car, put it in reverse, act frightened and shocked, and announce that the "beep" is the warning for
a critical radiation leak. . .

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Stev0 @ Nov 3 2006, 05:05 PM) [snapback]343557[/snapback]</div>

well that be easy. because this hybrid is a near-perfect, no compromise driving solution that does not require any change of driving habits.

i can just get in and drive it and still get at least 50% better gas mileage than any other 5 seat car on the road today. i did not buy if for the inane beep it makes while in reverse although, i understand why toyota did it and im sure some here will be thankful for it. i am simply not one of those people.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DavidTO @ Oct 31 2006, 09:34 AM) [snapback]341208[/snapback]</div>

I agree - I never spend long enough time in reverse for it to really be an issue. Just a simple reminder.

However, I do recall a thread a while back debating whether the layout of the shifter is logical or "backwards" (i.e. suggesting D should be up and R should be down), which may make more sense for drivers with mostly manual transmission experience. I personally do not agree, but it is interesting to consider some people may feel that way.

That said, considering the shifter is a little unorthodox, it is not unreasonable at all that Toyota built-in a reminder beep for drivers getting used to the car. At least they gave us an easy way to turn it off for those who choose to do so!

 

I had my alarm disabled - until one day I stepped out of the car with the tranny still in reverse. I was exhausted and scrambling to get my wife’s car parked after she came home sick from work. My wonderful black Prius rolled across the street in to a stand of small trees. When I walked out of the garage to move the Prius… IT WAS GONE!

Luckily no one was hurt, However, the $1,000 deductible was a though pill to swallow. The entire repair bill was over 5K.

I quickly returned the beeper to it’s original setting.

My 15 YO kid suggested that Toyota change the design of the Smart Key by letting the system to remain on, but not let the car go in to gear or stay in gear if the smart key is removed from the car.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusRos @ Oct 31 2006, 01:44 PM) [snapback]341492[/snapback]</div>

I agree completely! I would use it if were not so loud. In addition to the ability to turn off the beep, Toyota should have given me some volume control - for the reverse beep and all the other beeps!

 

So, where do I find the instructions for disabling the alarm? Mine is not audible outside the car, and I don't need reassurance that I am in reverse. Haven't in 35 years, anyway.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nvteecy @ Nov 10 2006, 04:23 PM) [snapback]347155[/snapback]</div>

Here's a copy of the instructions I downloaded from this site a while back.

1. Power on the car to IG-ON or READY. IG-ON will do for this purpose.
2. Using the Trip/ODO button, set the Trip/ODO display to ODO (not Trip A or Trip B)
3. Power off the car.
4. Now power the car to READY (brake on). This is required so that step 6 works correctly.
5. Within 6 seconds of powering on, press and hold the Trip/ODO button for 10 seconds or more.
6. WHILE STILL HOLDING ODO *after* the 10 seconds, shift the "gear" selector from P to R, then back to P. Now release the Trip/ODO button.
7. If the last step was successful, "b on" or "b off" should be displayed in the location where the Trip Odometer or Odometer is normally displayed. "b on" is beep on, and "b off" is beep off.
8. Press Trip/ODO to toggle the mode.
9. Now power the car off to exit the toggle mode.
10. Power the car on to READY and confirm the reverse beep status by shifting to R. The beep should not be audible if "b off" was selected, and should be audible if "b on" was selected..

Do note that the reverse beep cancel ONLY works on North American Prius, and not UK/Europe or Australian Prius.

You do have to cycle to ODO, you cannot be already sitting on it.

It may take you a few tries to get it to work, or you may just get the sequence right the first time. <shrug>
Some of these posts are mine, some aren't. Thanks to all of the people who posted these bits of information. I hope it is of some value to you.

 

Oct 31, I promised to post a .pdf file with instructions for installation of a RadioShack intermittend piezo buzzer which can be heard both inside and outside the Prius. Found it... Here it is:

http://priuschat.com/index.php?act=Attach&...ost&id=5635

This is a .pdf file containing explanatory text and some good installation photos. I plan to do this modification soon as my 2007 Touring is delivered.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nvteecy @ Nov 10 2006, 01:23 PM) [snapback]347155[/snapback]</div>

There is nobody so deaf as he who will not hear.