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The fuel gauge on a 2015 Prius Package TWO

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by GeorgePr1, Aug 5, 2015.

  1. GeorgePr1

    GeorgePr1 New Member

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    Purchased the car 7-31-2015. Driven about 100 miles. I have noticed that the battery fuel gauge for the electric engine never reads completely full. Do I have a problem with the car?
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    it's designed that way, it's normal

    If you ever get a chance to go downhill for about 5 miles, you might see the battery get fully charged.
     
  3. GeorgePr1

    GeorgePr1 New Member

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    Danke! I am very relieved to know that I didn't take in the car for something stupid.

    Thanks again..
     
  4. yothere

    yothere Junior Member

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    If the battery was fully charged, where would the braking regen go?

    Enjoy the new car! Best wishes :)
     
    #4 yothere, Aug 5, 2015
    Last edited: Aug 5, 2015
  5. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    If you're driving in hilly terrain, you might use B mode, since that will ensure you make best use of regenerative braking. One of my ScanGauge II displays is set for StateOfCharge (SoC), and I've noticed that when the bars are Blue (~4 to 7) the SoC is ~45-65%, above which they turn Green, up to all bars (9?) when the SoC is above 70%, at the other end, below ~40% the bars go down to 2 or 3 and they're Purple. So it's not exactly linear, however it is consistent! (I'm sure others will correct my (unintentional) mistakes, for which I apologise in advance - YMMV and hope this helps! - Wil ;)
    P.S. Welcome to PriusChat, and congratulations on your sensible choice! You'll love your new car!

    Heat, and the ICE will spin, but will be generating 0HP (…another SGII Display) :)
     
    #5 WilDavis, Aug 5, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 5, 2015
  6. yothere

    yothere Junior Member

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    Thank you but I was replying to OP, hoping to help him understand why the battery isn't kept full.
     
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  7. GeorgePr1

    GeorgePr1 New Member

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    On the instrument dash board a small red symbol keeps flashing after I have turned off the car. It looks like the symbol of a lock. Do you have any idea what that is?
    Attached is a picture of this symbol. Thanks in advance.
     

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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    theft deterrent.
     
  9. GeorgePr1

    GeorgePr1 New Member

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    Thanks very much.
     
  10. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    I say it's an essentially meaningless (although small) waste of battery power. All it tells you (or a potential thief) is that the Prius in its normal shut-down state (i.e., hybrid system not in "READY" mode, and 12V battery not dead).
     
  11. GeorgePr1

    GeorgePr1 New Member

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    Thanks for the info.
     
  12. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    It also means that the engine immobilizer has been activated, so thieves cannot hotwire the car. If they want to take it, they have to tow it.
     
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  13. GeorgePr1

    GeorgePr1 New Member

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    Thanks! That's great to know.
     
  14. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    The "immobilizer" is "activated" any time the hybrid system is shut down, and the thief already knows that, so the light doesn't make the car any more difficult to steal. At best, all it accomplishes is reassure the owner that, yep, the car is shut off and locked, in its electronic sort of way.