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REVIEW: ccdisce's ECT Spoofer or Automatic Coolant Temp Hack

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by TheForce, Jun 26, 2011.

  1. TheForce

    TheForce Stop War! Lets Rave! Make Love!

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    This is a short review of ccdisce's ECT spoofer.

    His original topic is here.
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/88694-prius-ect-spoofer-mcu-controlled.html


    I was only sent the ECT spoofer and wire connector by request. Instructions were included. I dont know what all he will include if you buy one so be sure to ask.


    [​IMG]

    The board looks very professional.
    [​IMG]

    I added connectors to the end of the wires so it was an easy hookup to my all ready wired Prius from my previous ACTH setups.
    [​IMG]

    I also mounted it in an SD card case. I had to cut an opening and used doubled sided padded tape to secure the ECT spoofer. I taped the case shut to keep the ECT spoofer in the case.
    [​IMG]


    This will be really short as there is not much to report on.

    Installation will be very easy depending on how you want to install it. I would suggest buying a DPDT switch so you can turn it on and off if needed. You will have to find a place to mount the switch if you use one. Using 3 wire taps you just connect them to the correct wires behind the glove box and the wire connector for the ECT spoofer. Thats pretty much it for installation.

    As far as the way it works it will start spoofing the temp at about 112F and the spoofing temp will be about 170F +-2F. When the real temp reaches above 170F the spoofer will stop spoofing and let the car see the real temp. On the way back down in temp it will start spoofing at 170F and continue until the actual temp reaches about 106F then it will let the car see the real temp. Then when the engine warms up to 112F it will start spoofing again.

    So it has both hot and cold protection. I have tested both and it works great. Well I could not test the cold protection very well since its hot out but it did work. I will report back in the winter to confirm it still works well.

    I would suggest anyone with a PHEV Prius get one of these as it should help getting the most out of your system. As for regular Prius owners it can help improve your MPG but you still have to take advantage of the way the hybrid system works. Like pulse and glide.

    I dont know what price ccdisce will be selling them for but they should be very affordable. Please contact ccdisce for ordering information. Hopefully he will create a new post with purchase information.
     
    #1 TheForce, Jun 26, 2011
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  2. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    I assume there is very little heat generated by the electronics so the small plastic enclosure (SD card case) is OK?
     
    #2 2009Prius, Jun 27, 2011
  3. ccdisce

    ccdisce Active Member

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    Should be low enough as the estimated power dissipation on the card is 50 milliwatts.

    A fast acting low current SMD fuse is in the +5V feed on the board identified by the 'D' marking just in case a component fails.

    As I have a few more built I will measure to see what the typical power dissipation is.

    The LEDs could be removed to save power and cost.
     
    #3 ccdisce, Jun 27, 2011
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  4. ccdisce

    ccdisce Active Member

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    Ray,

    The board has been re-spun to move the MTA connector to the TOP edge so that the latch for the SD case does not need to be removed.

    I recieved PCBs and SD Cases 2 wks ago and built up 1.
     
    #4 ccdisce, Jun 27, 2011
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  5. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    So if the coolant temp is above 112F at start up then the car will be in S4 right after the initial warm up (leaving the car in park), right? That will be great (avoiding the S4 ceremony)!
     
    #5 2009Prius, Jun 27, 2011
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  6. Flaninacupboard

    Flaninacupboard Senior Member

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    Is Gen3 on the way? getting bumped out of 30mph EV mode is really annoying!
     
    #6 Flaninacupboard, Jun 27, 2011
  7. ccdisce

    ccdisce Active Member

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    I measured the current consumed @ 5V:

    1. Stanley LED 4x 12.5mA on start for 3 secs, 8.26mA thereafter
    2.. Rohm Pico LED 4x 6.82mA on start for 3 secs, 4.8mA thereafter
    3..... Rohm Pico LED 2x 3.36mAon start for 3 secs, 3.1mA thereafter
    4...... Optrex LCD 3 Digit 2.63 mA constantly for CUT version.
    5....... Avago Sidewinder LED for Console Knock out ... not yet made
     
    #7 ccdisce, Jun 28, 2011
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  8. ccdisce

    ccdisce Active Member

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    #8 ccdisce, Jun 28, 2011
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  9. Flaninacupboard

    Flaninacupboard Senior Member

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    thanks for the link. i don't have a scanguage (and don't want to have to watch one while driving) so this automated hack would be brilliant.
     
    #9 Flaninacupboard, Jun 28, 2011
  10. ccdisce

    ccdisce Active Member

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    The Link indicates where the sensor and ground are located, do you know where +5V is located on the Gen3 ECU?
     
    #10 ccdisce, Jun 28, 2011
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  11. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    Thanks! Does it consume power when the car is off?
     
    #11 2009Prius, Jun 28, 2011
  12. ccdisce

    ccdisce Active Member

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    When the Gen2 goes OFF, it switches OFF the +5V supplied on the pin the ECT_Spoofer uses for power.
     
    #12 ccdisce, Jun 28, 2011
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  13. JeffreyDV

    JeffreyDV New Member

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    I have a ACTH that I purchased from The Force. Will this one avoid the check engine light I sometimes get? Other than that, I am very happy with the performance of the ACTH.
     
    #13 JeffreyDV, Jun 30, 2011
  14. TheForce

    TheForce Stop War! Lets Rave! Make Love!

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    Well I have not seen any check engine lights with this installed and always active. So I think yes this one will work just fine without throwing any codes if left on all the time. My ACTH was great at the time but like you said it had some issues. I would recommend upgrading to ccdisce's ECT spoofer if you want a set it and forget it device.
     
    #14 TheForce, Jun 30, 2011
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  15. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    #15 2009Prius, Sep 7, 2011
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  16. bartonramos

    bartonramos Junior Member

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    I'm still interested in getting the ccdisce spoofer. I'll be sending another PM.
     
    #16 bartonramos, Dec 22, 2011
  17. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    It's professionally built with all necessary parts to ease the installation process. I have been using it in every drive since late August without any issues. Very happy with it. :)
     
    #17 2009Prius, Dec 23, 2011
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