EV switch installation- Check engine light

Did you accidentally start your car with the connector removed? This will cause the check engine light. To clear the problem you need to restart the car 3 times.

Try to hook the EV button back up just like the instructions say then start the car again.

 

I just finished installing my coastal ev mod.

After it was done I had a check engine light, I did start up and shut off a few times then it went away and EV mode is working.

Scan Gauge had a previous stored code of "UO293" a search found this:

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=13866&hl=u0293

I assume that I'm ok since it went away? I booted up to lower windows forgetting that I had a plug out (duh), so I think that is what happened to me.

 

No worries from my point of view either. Just power up and down three times. If it stays lit, are you due for an oil change? Because, that could cause the check engine light too.

 

Just remember all the programming is there. It was only the pin and switch to ground that were missing. It will be fine.

 

Just a word of caution. I have it on VERY GOOD AUTHORITY (Toyota Rep whom I do trust) the EV switch VOIDS the warranty on the HV battery. It was originally intended for use in European cities where emissions standards are very high due to ancient architecture among other reasons. It is not authorized by Toyoa for use in the US.

BTW Douglas001001 your U0293 code is a "loss of communication to the HV ECU" and providing it went away, should not reoccur.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bear68 @ May 3 2007, 12:31 PM) [snapback]434934[/snapback]</div>

This was hashed out at great length when the method for implementing the switch first became known among Prius owners. Toyota states on its web site that converting a Prius into a PHEV will void the warranty. It never states that the EV switch alone will do so. In fact, to deny warranty service on account of the EV switch, they would have to prove that the switch had caused the damage. Finally, it was the high emissions standards in the U.S., not in Europe, that accounts for the difference.

Further, many dealers have seen different people's EV switches, and have not reacted negatively, and some dealers have even been willing to do the installation.

If Toyota were to claim that the EV switch caused any component of the car to fail, they'd have to explain why this is apparently not the case in Europe and Japan.

HOWEVER, if you cause damage by installing it carelessly, that damage will not be covered under warranty.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daniel @ May 4 2007, 09:07 AM) [snapback]435393[/snapback]</div>

Does anyone know a good source to find out about Dealers that will install it? I have the Coastal switch, and am quite capable of doing it myself, but I really would like something concrete that proves my warranty won't be voided.

On one hand, I think it would be really good (and good advertising) to build a public list, but on the other hand, if the head Toyota office doesn't approve, we don't want them shutting down this practice and knowing exactly where to go.

I'm also wondering if it's possible to change the Coastal installation so that instead of using the two clamps which cut through the insulation on 2 wires, maybe we could just tie the wires together and insert them back into the plugs, so that the switch could be removed later before taking it into a dealership, and it would be undetectable. Thoughts?

What I'd really really prefer is a letter from Toyota Canada telling me that as long as I install this correctly, and it doesn't cause any wiring problems, my warranty is in no way harmed. Does anyone think it's possible to get this? The bad part is that if they say no, they would know who I am and be sure to investigate the car closely for any warranty claim down the road.

Thanks,
Danny

 

You are never going to get such an assurance from Toyota, because they really do not want you to make any mods. And dealers who will install it for you are few and far between. You could certainly install the Coastal switch the way you describe, but it would be a lot more work. The whole point of the method used by Coastal is that it is easy and does not require cutting any wires and is absolutely invisible unless someone opens up the compartment where those plugs are.

If you are that concerned about being able to remove the switch any time you take your car in for service, you might be better off installing an actual button, as Evan describes in his extremely detailed Knowledge Base article. But even that would be a lot of work to remove every time you take your car to the dealership.