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Prius immediately shifts into 2nd gear at takeoff

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Nelflez, Sep 19, 2023.

  1. Nelflez

    Nelflez New Member

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    2006 Prius
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    Base
    After driving my 2006 Prius for around 50k miles I've learned a lot about it. I'm a fast driver and love to get up to speed quick and in doing so I've learned how to get my car up to speed as fast as it possibly can. The fastest I've gotten on a 0-60mph is 6.5 seconds in 60° degree weather (AKA what I've found to be the perfect temp for performance). Hot weather kills its performance if that hasn't been noted before. But not bad for a stock Prius.

    But I've learned that flooring it from takeoff immediately causes it to shift into second gear and have an unbearably slow acceleration. So I've learned to quickly hit the pedal half way down and once you hit 27mph-35mph then you stomp it, and I'll tell you, if you want to have at least some fun with it, this is most definitely the way to go.

    But I'm here to ask, why does it go into second gear from takeoff? And is there a way to "fix" that? Or is it just how the car is?

    And just to clarify, I know it's dumb to floor is around all the time. But honestly I've had more than a lot of fun with it and have had people ask me if it's modded hahaha. A lot of people are respectful to me on the roads or if they're behind me at a stoplight if they recognize me cause they know I don't drive slow. I also got a sticker that says "Fight For Prius Equality" on the back and people seemed to actually get a laugh out of that. I love my little Prius, I will be more than sad once it dies. As of now I'm pushing 250k miles.
     
    #1 Nelflez, Sep 19, 2023
    SFO likes this.
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    You do realize the transmission is of the CVT design and you know what that kind of means? There's always that second gear takeoffs absolutely. Sounds like you've mastered the Prius with your quick wonderful takeoffs what is your gas mileage averaging now I'm sure that doesn't matter to you probably. Just imagine what a Corolla would do or a 1JZ car at 250k you are just at the halfway mark of your car's usable life.
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Sep 19, 2023
  3. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Two
    There is no second gear in a Prius. Or first, or third. Take a look.
     
    #3 jerrymildred, Sep 19, 2023
    Louis19, ANDRAS RIMELY and Data Daedalus like this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Probably a loose vacuum hose on the tranny
     
    #4 bisco, Sep 20, 2023
  5. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    If you haven't already, best to balance the HV battery with gridcharger / dischager, either DIY or from a known retailer.
    Finally something that may help my prius find the "privilege" it deserves :ROFLMAO:
     
    #5 SFO, Sep 21, 2023
  6. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    I think the system design "logic" might be causing it to run on the ICE alone with little to no
    help from the battery when flooring the pedal from a standing start.
    Just a guess.
     
    #6 sam spade 2, Sep 21, 2023
  7. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

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    If the pack is acting up I believe it can dial down the electric assist to nothing, but you should be seeing codes at that point.
     
    #7 pasadena_commut, Sep 21, 2023
  8. Nelflez

    Nelflez New Member

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    My average mpg is a beautiful 37.1mpg. If I drive it kindly I can get 42mpg lol
     
    #8 Nelflez, Sep 22, 2023
  9. Nelflez

    Nelflez New Member

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    I'm glad you like the sticker hahaha, you can order custom ones off amazon for like $10. But also what would charging the battery manually do?
     
    #9 Nelflez, Sep 22, 2023
  10. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

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    Puttering around in ours in suburban traffic we see around 45, and it does a solid 49-50 on the open highway. But the OP is in Colorado, and might be seeing substantial elevation changes, or running at a much higher elevation, both of which can reduce efficiency. So maybe beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
     
    #10 pasadena_commut, Sep 23, 2023
  11. netsplit

    netsplit Junior Member

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    It reconditions it and re balances it
     
    #11 netsplit, Sep 24, 2023
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