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Car Shutting Off

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Hybrid Hobo, Jan 15, 2022.

  1. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

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    This is my first Prius (2008), which I just got 2 weeks ago. It's not titled or insured yet, and it's sitting in a friend's yard as it cannot legally be street parked until all the paperwork is done at DMV. So, I've only sat in it twice in the past week, and started the car up for a few minutes each time, as it's been very cold here in NJ, and I know it's not good to let Prius' sit for long stretches without being started.

    On both occasions that I started the vehicle in READY mode, I was letting it idle while in PARK, and both times the car shut off after maybe 3 minutes or so.

    I've read through the owner's manual a couple of times, and unless I missed it, didn't see anything pertaining to this. Million dollar question is...

    Normal operating behavior, or unusual, and sign of a problem?

    P.S. - After the car shut on both occasions, I simply started it again and it came on 1-2-3. As for the battery level, it was indicated on the display screen as being one bar short of full.
     
    #1 Hybrid Hobo, Jan 15, 2022
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    it is normal for the engine to stop. As long as the READY light is still illuminated, the car has not shut off
     
    #2 JC91006, Jan 15, 2022
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  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    It's a hybrid design, so the engine only runs when needed, or to run to warm up when it's first started. One thing people love about their Prius is if they're sitting in traffic or waiting for the light to turn green they sit in peaceful silence without the engine running because it's not needed when you got a battery and electric motor handling much of the work.
     
    #3 PriusCamper, Jan 15, 2022
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  4. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Nothing unusual about having the engine shut off when it's not needed. If you turned the heater on, then the engine would remain on longer.

    In general, you want to run things longer than a few minutes- or at the least put the 12V battery on a trickle charger or maintainer.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #4 mr_guy_mann, Jan 15, 2022
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  5. Fred_H

    Fred_H Misoversimplifier

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    That is normal operation.

    The hybrid control system automatically turns off the gasoline engine as often as possible, unless it needs to run for emissions, durability, safety, comfort, or technical reasons. The following conditions must be met for the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) to turn off automatically:
    • ICE coolant temperature is sufficiently high.
    • Catalytic converter temperature is sufficiently high.
    • Battery temperature is sufficiently high, but not too high.
    • Battery state of charge is sufficiently high, but not too high.
    • No major battery malfunction is detected.
    • Temperature difference between ICE coolant and heater setting is not to high. (Lowering the heater temperature setting allows the ICE to shut off sooner during warm up.)
    • At the end of the warm up cycle, at speeds below around 35(?) mph, the ICE must have idled for a few second while the car was stopped or driving very slowly. (warm idle calibration?)
    • The "transmission" is not in N. (Don't shift into N for more than a minute or two unless absolutely necessary, because that will drain the HV battery even if the ICE is running.)
    • Maybe some more parameters that I have forgotten or don't know about.
     
    #5 Fred_H, Jan 17, 2022
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  6. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

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    Thanks a bunch for the speedy replies! Glad to know the car is fine. As I previously noted, this is my first Prius, and I obviously have a LOT to learn about its operation. I'll definitely be reading the manual a few more times so that (hopefully) I can retain some of the information better. Follow-up question...

    As I'll be using the car for extended camping trips, the climate control system is of great importance for my needs. When I'd like to run the heater or a/c at night, I've seen others recommend starting the vehicle in READY mode, leaving it in park, and then set the climate control to AUTO at the preferred temperature setting. Is this the correct procedure?

    P.S. - Do you guys usually set the climate control to recirculate, or the other option...which I can't remember at this moment!
     
    #6 Hybrid Hobo, Jan 17, 2022
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that is correct. i prefer fresh air mode, except when trying to heat or cool the car initially. especially cooling.

    next time you start it, put it in gear after the engine shuts down, and you will see that you can move it. the engine will come on again as you accelerate in normal driving, and continuously turn on and off as needed for power/heat/hybrid battery charging
     
    #7 bisco, Jan 17, 2022
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  8. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Fresh air mode will usually work better for camping. Recirculate will also recirculate all the water you exhale, and you will wake up with it soaking your bedding and dripping off your windows (or freezing to them, depending on the temperature).
     
    #8 ChapmanF, Jan 17, 2022
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  9. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Do some googling on "pulse and glide driving" a Prius...
     
    #9 PriusCamper, Jan 17, 2022
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  10. Fred_H

    Fred_H Misoversimplifier

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    Also, when conditions allow, even in fresh air auto mode, the Prius climate control system will automatically recirculate part of the warm cabin air to the lower vents to conserve heat, while sending dryer fresh air to the upper vents to prevent condensation.
     
    #10 Fred_H, Jan 18, 2022
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  11. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    #11 jerrymildred, Jan 18, 2022
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  12. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    I wish there was a way to modify recirculation mode during wildfire season so zero outside air is allowed in. Seems like Tesla is the only car that does this and all the other car makers pretend like it's an impossible request.
     
    #12 PriusCamper, Jan 18, 2022
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  13. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    Change cabin air filter with new one that also has activated charcoal component
     
    #13 Another, Jan 19, 2022
  14. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

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    Thanks to all, really appreciate your help (y)
     
    #14 Hybrid Hobo, Jan 19, 2022
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