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2008 Wouldn't shift into Drive

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by robnich, Apr 12, 2008.

  1. robnich

    robnich New Member

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    2008 Prius
    I had an unusual experience today with our 2008 Prius. I drove to an appointment and parked. When I returned to the car I pressed the Power button (with my foot on the brake), the Ready light came on, and then, with the Prius still in Park, I spent a moment looking something up. I then released the parking brake, shifted into Drive (I thought) and stepped on the accelerator, but was surprised to note that nothing happened -- the car didn't move. Repeated efforts to shift into Drive were unsuccessful and the indicator continued to show I was in "P". I then shifted into Reverse and the car was able to back up. I could then successfully shift into Drive and the problem was over.

    Anyone know what happened? I did a quick search here on Priuschat and Google but didn't find an answer.

    Bob N.
     
    #1 robnich, Apr 12, 2008
  2. AussieOwner

    AussieOwner Active Member

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    Bob,

    I have had a couple of "what the hell" type experiences like you describe, but each time I realised that I was only resting my foot on the brake when shifting to D rather than having the brake on. Like most automatics, you must have the brake "on", or at least the sensor must think that the brake is on to shift a car from park into either drive or reverse. Most likely, you pressed that little harder when you moved it into reverse, and, of course, had braked to a halt after moving and thus was able to successfully move to drive.
     
    #2 AussieOwner, Apr 12, 2008
  3. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    Been there, done that. Your foot wasn't firmly on the brake pedal.
     
    #3 firepa63, Apr 13, 2008
  4. robnich

    robnich New Member

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    2008 Prius
    Thanks to both who responded. I guess that's the only logical explanation, as the car remains completely normal in all ways. I shall pour some lead into my right shoe.

    Bob N.
     
    #4 robnich, Apr 13, 2008
  5. davidtm

    davidtm Member

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    NO! NO! That'll ruin your MPG!!

    :D
     
    #5 davidtm, Apr 13, 2008
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