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Gen3 Inverter Coolant Temp?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by JimN, Dec 28, 2011.

  1. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    The XGauges for Inverter MG1 Temp (I1C), Inverter MG2 Temp (I2C) & MG1 Temp (BTA) read the same value. On battery power only the value is usually 655. When using the ICE the values will fluctuate down to single digits: 1.xx, 5.xx, 6.xx... and change in quantum steps.

    Which XGauge should I use to monitor inverter coolant temp or should I be looking at something else? What is the normal operating temp? Are my strange readings an indication that I need a firmware upgrade?

    OAT has been in the 30's--40's F with max coolant temp in the low 180's F and the grill fully blocked.

    My ScanGauge II is at least 3 years old. Thanks for the advice.

    Jim.
     
  2. tedjohnson

    tedjohnson Member

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    Inverter coolant temp generally runs 20 degrees F higher than outside temp.
     
  3. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    I think I would first check the configuration parameters you are using against the Adrian Black spreadsheet to make sure you are using the correct parameters for the Gen III. I have these same XGauges configured and I am not having the problems that you indicate.

    If these parameters are correct, then I would agree that your ScanGauge needs an firmware upgrade.
     
  4. ngc4565

    ngc4565 Member

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    If you cannot manipulate this temperature then there is no point in monitoring or worrying about it, right?
     
  5. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    If you block the grill it is important to monitor both the engine and inverter coolant temperatures to make sure you do not cause overheating.
     
  6. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    jd, what is your firmware's version? My version is 3.15 so the unit is being returned for an upgrade.

    I downloaded the Black spreadsheet & it appears to be the abridged one posted on the Scangauge site.

    Thanks to all for the help.
     
  7. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    Mine is rev 4.05. So, your issue could very well be with the rev level of your ScanGauge.
     
  8. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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    My Scan Gauge has ver 3.15 and the inverter coolant temp x gauge works fine.
     
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  9. Den49

    Den49 Member

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    I purchased a Scangauge II last month and am using the "ICF-Inverter Coolant Temp" XGauge to monitor inverter coolant temperature. I wanted to check the inverter coolant temperature after closing off two holes in the engine undercover below the inverter. On a 45 degree day, the inverter temperature was 50 to 55 degrees.

    More eye opening was the range in engine coolant temperature (FWT). When the engine was running the maximum temperature was 190 to 198. When the engine was not running it was as low as 170. 170 to 198 is a wide range and a fairly cool operating temperature for an ICF which may explain why Toyota recommends 0W-20 engine oil.
     
  10. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    I also see the Inverter Coolant temp in the 10-20 degree range above ambient, depending on ambient temp.

    As for the engine coolant, the thermostat is set for 195F so the reason for the upper range. As for the lower range, the ICE can turn off as low as 115F depending on conditions. So much wider than what you indicate above.
     
  11. Den49

    Den49 Member

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  12. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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  13. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Thanks all for the guidance. My unit is off to the factory. I miss my gauges & it's only been 1 day. This is going to be a rough week.

    I run fully blocked most of the year & have seen coolant temp above 195 very few times. I'd say the best chance of it happening is in stop & go city traffic in the summer.
     
  14. Den49

    Den49 Member

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  15. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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  16. Den49

    Den49 Member

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  17. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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  18. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    My updated ScanGauge was delivered sans manual so I poked around enough to get it to work. I printed the manual & the XGauges from their website.

    The increased functionality is like night & day. Some of it looks like it will be fun to play with while I hope I never use other parts.

    I set up ICF tonight after dinner & was rewarded with a stable reasonable figure just sitting in the driveway withe ICE not running. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens on tomorrow's commute.

    For those with 3.x firmware I believe the upgrade is worth the price of admission. Look through the new manual on line & decide for yourself.

    Jim.
     
  19. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Today's commute showed inverter coolant temp rose to OAT + 40F. I'm figuring that this is not a problem right now as it is freezing. I'm starting to unblock the grill to bring the temp down closer to OAT + 20F.
     
  20. Kb2lzh

    Kb2lzh Junior Member

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    My Mg1 after traveling 70 miles at speeds of 65 MPH was at 204 F. I have tried to search to find out what the operating temp should be, but this site is tedious to search.