Stage 4

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(gazz @ Jun 14 2007, 04:50 AM) [snapback]461051[/snapback]</div>

On S3a, Prius requires complete or almost complete stop for 5 to 10 seconds during the idling check period.

I don't think so.
One of Japanese hypermilers does not move to S4 duriing his 20 miles commuting.
He keeps in S3a. He does EV switch-off during pulse and EV switch-on on gliding.

Ken@Japan

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(gazz @ Jun 13 2007, 12:50 PM) [snapback]461051[/snapback]</div>

As Ken suggests, the EV button can be used to emulate S4 operation while in S3. However, it is true that if your driving conditions do not permit a full stop for 5 to 10 seconds after the system is warm enough, the car may never go into S4. This was a great peeve of mine, and was one of the main reasons I installed the EV switch (which we in the U.S. do not get from the factory). I have never been able to understand the rationale for holding the car in S3 until the full stop. I can drive 30 miles on the freeway, exit onto city streets, and if I don't have that long stop the car will still be in S3. It makes no sense at all. As noted, I deal with it by using the EV switch. But I cannot comprehend Toyota's thinking on this.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daniel @ Jun 15 2007, 09:56 AM) [snapback]462283[/snapback]</div>

Funny. I just came to the PriusChat forum to ask if my 10 month old 2006 Prius was acting up precisely for the reason you cite above. My return work commute puts me on highway within 1/2m of company parking lot and sometimes I never come to a complete stop before leaving highway onto local roads in my home town. Then when I do get off, I find it very difficult to get car to operate in golf-cart mode unless/until I hit a red traffic light. Curiously, the frequency of this appears to have increased with warmer weather. During fall and winter, it seemed to enter stealth mode more easily once warmed up.

Steve_in_Jersey

 

If you happen to come to a stop with the engine off in stage 3, your at/above 70C and have a few seconds, keep one foot on the brake pedal firmly and then hit the accelerator until the ICE comes on, it will do the Stage 4 dance and your done.

Wayne

 

I'm still confused on what characterizes each stage. Is there a better article somewhere where you learned this?

 

http://techno-fandom.org/~hobbit/cars/five-stages.txt

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimboK @ Jul 18 2007, 06:38 AM) [snapback]480796[/snapback]</div>

any other articles or the original translated japanese one this talks about?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SureValla @ Jul 18 2007, 08:24 PM) [snapback]480800[/snapback]</div>

The best description in Japanese is at the bottom of following page...
http://priusbbs.jonasun.com/profile/profil...%94%92%82%CCEPV

Ken@Japan