Most Obscure Prius Facts (Way out there)

The speedometer display is actually a reflected projection. Cover the projector on top of the dash (look through the windshield from outside the car) and the speedometer, gas gauge, gear indicator... will not be seen.

Sorry if this was already posted. I didn't want to look thru all 22 pages of posts!

vfib

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(usbseawolf2000 @ Jun 22 2007, 04:49 PM) [snapback]466307[/snapback]</div>

The design of the PSD ("transmission") causes some of the mechanical power generated by the ICE to go to the wheels, always. With the ICE running, you have to overcome this forward force if you want to reverse. In reverse, Prius is like a series hybrid, but with an inherent inefficiency because of this.

Here's another obscure fact: you can't turn off the radio while the MFD is booting (when you see the Toyota splash screen), at least not in my car (nav + bluetooth).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(skuke @ Jun 25 2007, 07:45 AM) [snapback]467327[/snapback]</div>

A very fun fact!

Yup, it is projected through a colimating lens which makes the light from it appear as though it originates from a distant source (waves arrive at the eye sort of in parallel) rather than from a nearby source. The result of this is that the eye's focus (called accommodation) is maintained at near infinity rather than close up and doesn't need to re-accommodate when you move your gaze from inside the car to outside the car and vice versa. The same principle is used in head-up displays (HUDs).

PS -- the displays on the Lexus used to use a colimating lens also, but I've been told they no longer do so.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(samiam @ Jun 24 2007, 02:03 PM) [snapback]467342[/snapback]</div>

Interesting. I noticed this "projection" almost immediately because of my height in the seat. I clear the roof okay but the top of the speedometer readout is cutoff sometimes depending on whether I'm slouching or not. It would have been so simple to engineer in an adjustment to lower the projection in its screen but so far not a sole to my knowledge at Toyota or anywhere else is aware of any way. Toyota even sounds oblivious to the "problem".

A NEW POINT:
There has been some discussion of the drive train. I've noticed several times when I start up from stop quickly (too quickly?) the sort of lurches/jerks up to speed as if the computer and/or transaxle can't respond fast enough or accurately enough to what is being demanded. I have only done this a couple of times. I wonder if it causes undo stress anywhare in the drive train?

 

This is probably common knowledge, but, I just found it.

A fuse puller is in the relay/fuse box in the engine compartment.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Susan4ET @ Jun 24 2007, 05:00 PM) [snapback]467362[/snapback]</div>

It sounds like your traction control is kicking in. The yellow skidding-car icon will flash on the dashboard. Accellerating slower and/or getting better tires should help.

 

Well, phew.... I figured that if I was going to post an "obscure" fact I had damn well better read all 23 pages first..

The miles/kilometer button on the dash controls only one thing - the speedometer. It will not change any of the consumption displays or the odometer - they will always read in miles.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mad Hatter @ Jun 21 2007, 08:22 PM) [snapback]466113[/snapback]</div>

You unscrew it and take it off prior to turning it over. (For that kayak rack.)

My trivia. The antennas between an '01 and '07 are interchangable.

 

The Prius has the lowest aerodynamic drag of any automobile on the American market. The design is called a Kammback, a better drag-reducing tail end design for a car is one that tapers and is then cut off abruptly.
Source: Wikipedia

 

How many electric motors are there in a Prius?


Think carefully before answering.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Doc Willie @ Jul 8 2007, 02:24 AM) [snapback]474976[/snapback]</div>

Here's my guess: I count 9:

2 drive motors
4 windows
2 wiper motors (are there 2 in front?)
1 fuel pump

What did I miss?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Doc Willie @ Jul 7 2007, 11:26 PM) [snapback]474976[/snapback]</div>

I think there is a bunch more that you didn't think of.

First, there is only one front wiper motor that moves both wipers using a linkage to connect the two. And one motor for the rear wiper.

However, there is a front washer motor (pump) and a rear washer motor. So, four motors in the wiper/washer system.

You didn't mention the brake accumulator pump which uses a motor to build pressure in the brake system. Or the electric motor for the steering power assist. Or the coolant pump that pumps hot coolant into the thermos every time you shut down. Or the A/C compressor that runs off 201 V.

You also didn't mention the cooling fan motor (for the radiator) or the one for the HV battery.



How about the one that moves the CD's in the CD changer?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dogfriend @ Jul 7 2007, 11:42 PM) [snapback]474979[/snapback]</div>

How about the motor that spins the CD in the player. And the A/C heater defroster air mover fan.

I thought there was only one drive motor that functions as a motor/generator actually and couples into the transaxle along with the gas engine? Then the transaxle has drive shafts out to the front wheels?

So there is one window washer tank that feeds two motors to pumps for the front and rear windows--or is there a separate washer tank mounted in the rear?

Are there any Prius systems schematics that clearly show the hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical systems and the central computer that manages and monitors all of it? Or do we have to purchase the $1K set of maintenance manuals?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Susan4ET @ Jul 8 2007, 12:31 AM) [snapback]474982[/snapback]</div>

Yep, there are probably others too.

There are two motor/generators MG1 and MG2. MG1 is used to start the engine and generate electricity. MG2 is used to drive the wheels and regenerate when braking. But sometimes MG1 is also used to power the car (heretical or overdrive mode).

The schematic shows a separate washer motor (pump) in the rear. There is only one washer tank under the hood.

[attachmentid=9513]

Yes.

Not unless you really want to.

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=33071&hl=Ebay

 

Reviewing that above, that makes 19, by my count.

Obscure fact: the Prius has 19 electric motors.

More or less.

 

Here's one: the Prius comes with an owner's manual.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Doc Willie @ Jul 8 2007, 05:03 AM) [snapback]475000[/snapback]</div>

More. There is a motor to move the electric mirror on both sides of the car.

 

And lets not forget the motors which adjust the HID headlights to a level condition to compensate for changes in load balance due to weight being added or removed from the car.

Not sure, but the High/Low beam adjustment may also be a motor . . . but I'm not sure. [it could be a selinoid.]

There are also motors in the vent system to adjust valves for fresh or recirculated air and probably also heat/cold. Again, not sure how many.