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drivetrain resistance (not coasting)

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Andrewlcox, Nov 25, 2016.

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  1. Andrewlcox

    Andrewlcox Junior Member

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    Yesterday while approaching my turn at an intersection I lifted my foot off the accelerator pedal and my car felt like it switched to regenerative braking without using the brake pedal. Now the car feels like it's stuck in regenerative brake mode. The only way to describe it is by the seat of my pants. The car doesn't seem like it's freely rolling like it's previous 43,000 miles. It feels heavy after that incident yesterday and doesn't seem to coast or glide, like a dragging brake or something.

    I am going to call the dealership from work today to see if they can scan it for any issues.

    I did a quick search but could not find a similar case. Has anyone here read about this or experienced it for yourselves?

    Thanks,
    Andy
     
    #1 Andrewlcox, Nov 25, 2016
  2. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Did you have the inverter TSB/recall done?

    2012 Toyota Prius v Recalls | Cars.com
     
    #2 Air_Boss, Nov 25, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2016
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    your car does enter regenerative mode when you lift your foot off the gas. coasting/gliding can only be obtained by holding the accelerator pedal slightly down, or putting it in neutral.
    since you feel that something has changed, can you provide more data? what is the regen bar showing on the hsi? have mpg's dropped? how are the tyres pressure?
     
    #3 bisco, Nov 25, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2016
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    That you notice a difference is significant. There's always a slightly drag due to regen happening when you lift off the gas, but you're saying there's a marked increase in drag now.

    You mention "dragging brake", but just for description. Maybe pursue that as well?
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Nov 25, 2016
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Make sure your not in Power mode or possibly "normal" (eco off, pwr off) mode. Power mode will feel like more engine braking than Eco. Try it several ways.
     
    #5 rjparker, Nov 25, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2016
  6. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Possibly driving in "B" mode?
     
    #6 Air_Boss, Nov 25, 2016
  7. Andrewlcox

    Andrewlcox Junior Member

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    I took it to the dealer expecting to have it scanned but they said since there are no codes (maintenance required dash light) they would test drive it and look at the brakes. They said my brakes are 85% all around and not dragging.

    The inverter TSB was done shortly after it came out. I pumped the brakes and parking brake and don't think its dragging brakes.

    The sensation I feel in the seat of my pants is ever so slight but my car feels different.

    If anything changes, I'll be sure to update this post but maybe it's just me and my 2012 Prius v 5 is fine. Time will tell.

    Thanks for the suggestions.

    Andy
     
    #7 Andrewlcox, Nov 26, 2016
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    thanks for the update!
     
    #8 bisco, Nov 26, 2016
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    @bisco asked (post #3) about tire pressures. Typically scenario where this comes into play is when you set tires at higher pressure, take the car in for service, and they set them back to specified pressures. Could something like this be happening?
     
    #9 Mendel Leisk, Nov 26, 2016
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  10. EZW1

    EZW1 Active Member

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    Forgive me for asking, but have you checked your tires? One low tire anywhere will greatly effect coasting range
     
    #10 EZW1, Dec 7, 2016
  11. Andrewlcox

    Andrewlcox Junior Member

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    So I'm back with an update. The problem was real. My mileage had dropped from 40 down to 34mpg according to the dash gauge.

    I was driving home one day and could feel the car dragging its feet. I could feel it in the seat of my pants that the car was artificially slowing down when I let off the gas and was heavy when pressing the gas.

    I jammed on the brake and floored the gas pedal. The engine tried to rev and the car tried to go but the brakes stopped the car and it felt like there was an override kicking in because the car didn't rev to the moon.

    That fixed it. It took a couple of minutes to feel the new sensation but the car was rolling freely again. I believe it was stuck in transition between regenerative braking and free rolling.

    I hope this helps anyone with the problem I was having. All is good now.

    Andy
     
    #11 Andrewlcox, May 18, 2017
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  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Interesting. How long has elapsed since you did that now, say a tank or two? And you're seeing mpg going back up, and continued easier rolling?
     
    #12 Mendel Leisk, May 18, 2017
  13. Andrewlcox

    Andrewlcox Junior Member

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    The problem lasted for at least a month when I jammed the brakes and fixed it. Yes the fix has lasted for a few months and my mileage shot back up to 40mpg. It coasts great again and doesn't nose dive when I let off the gas. It was a crazy stunt to fix it but I'm glad I tried it (out of frustration).
    Andy
     
    #13 Andrewlcox, May 18, 2017
    Raytheeagle and Mendel Leisk like this.
  14. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    I've heading of this happening. One guy bought another Prius to try switching it's engine, transmission, and swapping everything else you can imagine. I bet he didn't try your trick!

    Just double checking... you did this while sitting still and in drive?
     
    #14 Aaron Vitolins, May 18, 2017
  15. Andrewlcox

    Andrewlcox Junior Member

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    I was rolling about 5-10 mph when I floored it and jammed on the brakes with both pedals down. I alternated and the car lurched and bucked and detuned the throttle and that was it. It was risky but worth it.
     
    #15 Andrewlcox, May 18, 2017
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  16. Andrewlcox

    Andrewlcox Junior Member

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    It did it again this weekend! I could feel it in the seat of my pants again. The car would not pick up any speed coasting down a hill, in fact it slowed down coasting down hills. I did the same trick as I described above and the car is working again.

    I need to ask Toyota today about any TSBs concerning this problem. I wonder what kind of part handles the transition between regenerative braking and free coasting?

    Andy
     
    #16 Andrewlcox, May 22, 2017
  17. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Hard to believe that problem and 'workout' wouldn't set some codes.
     
    #17 Air_Boss, May 22, 2017
  18. Andrewlcox

    Andrewlcox Junior Member

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    I'm taking it to the local dealer tonight for an oil change and will have them scan for codes and report back.
     
    #18 Andrewlcox, May 22, 2017
  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    there's a thread here by a guy who claims that some V's are 'trailer cars'. iow, it feels like you're pulling a trailer. he dismantled the whole drive train and couldn't find anything wrong. is it possible you have a brake issue?
     
    #19 bisco, May 22, 2017
  20. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    I would have guessed sticking rear brake(s), especially seeing how easy it is to improperly install them, resulting in failure of the self-adjusters.
     
    #20 Air_Boss, May 22, 2017
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