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What is happening when MFD shows engine off but engine is on

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Prius248, Dec 8, 2017.

  1. Prius248

    Prius248 New Member

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    Another newbie question.

    What is happening when the MFD is showing the engine off but I can hear / feel the engine on. This usually happens in the morning (e.g. 30 F).

    Is the HV battery turning the engine?
    Is the engine actually burning gas?

    Thanks
     
    #1 Prius248, Dec 8, 2017
  2. Prius248

    Prius248 New Member

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    Bump ... to increase my post count so I can create my signature
     
    #2 Prius248, Dec 8, 2017
  3. Tech Tips

    Tech Tips Member

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    welcome to PriusChat! The MFD is just showing the energy flow, and even if the ICE (internal combustion engine) is running it may not show any energy flow because it is not charging the HV battery. So no the HV battery is not turning the ICE, and the engine is using gas. The reason why the engine is running is it is completing the four stage warmup procedure.
     
    #3 Tech Tips, Dec 8, 2017
  4. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    I've noticed that as well. One of the reasons is to warm up the catalytic converter. These days with the colder weather my MFD shows green for the first few miles. Apparently the engine runs more during cold weather, at least until everything heats up.
     
    #4 RobH, Dec 8, 2017
  5. Prius248

    Prius248 New Member

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    Thanks. Good to know MFD shows energy flow and not engine on/off status
     
    #5 Prius248, Dec 8, 2017
  6. Tech Tips

    Tech Tips Member

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    If you want to know whether the engine is on your can look at the instantaneous mpg bar on the MFD.
     
    #6 Tech Tips, Dec 8, 2017
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