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Is it really necessary to use the park button?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by pri_tex, Aug 2, 2008.

  1. pri_tex

    pri_tex New Member

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    I just picked up my Prius yesterday and was wondering if I need to use
    the Park button when I shut off the car. What I have been doing is
    just applying the brake and then hit the Power button.
    When I start the car I apply the brake and hit the Power button.
    Am I missing something?:confused:
     
  2. apcpa2000

    apcpa2000 Junior Member

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    The park button is not necessary when turning off the car. The power button takes care of everything.
     
  3. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    Nup. Power off and park brake then get out. No need to turn the lights off either.
     
  4. pri_tex

    pri_tex New Member

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    Thanks guys, that's what I figured...the owners manual is kinda confusing
    about that.
     
  5. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    In fact, if you watch the dashboard, you will see the square move to the [P] when you press the (POWER) button. That is, the car automatically shifts into [P] when you shut down.
     
  6. Sufferin' Prius Envy

    Sufferin' Prius Envy Platinum Member

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    The only time I use the park button is when stopping somewhere for a few minutes.

    If I know I will only be gone from the car for the next five or so minutes, will leave the car on - that way the car doesn't have to go through another warm-up cycle. This is better for gas mileage, especially if you have several short stops to make over a short distance.
     
  7. Tchou

    Tchou Member

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    Not on all priuses, if I don't turn the lights off, they stay on, and the 12V battery drains...
     
  8. SparrowHawk60

    SparrowHawk60 Happy to be green!

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    We use ours, after all that's what it's there for!
     
  9. [H]ackerK

    [H]ackerK Geek

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    now a dumb question... Is there anyway I can "power up" the radio etc w/o actually "starting" the car?

    e.g. able to listen to the radio/CD w/o full system on (A/C, healights etc)
     
  10. TravelBliss

    TravelBliss It's worth the wait !!!

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    I still use the "park" button, just to get in the habit of using it....
     
  11. turnbowm

    turnbowm Junior Member

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    Just press the Power button without putting your foot on the brake.
     
  12. Tchou

    Tchou Member

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    just push power button without stepping on the brakes...
    once, you get some of the equipment on,
    twice you get everything except AC (but fans on) and Hybrid system
     
  13. Whiteyprius

    Whiteyprius Active Member

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    Don't put your foot on the brake pedal and press the power buttom twice. That puts it in what I call "full accessory." You can listen to the radio, roll the windows up & down etc. Happy driving! :)
     
  14. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    *Note carefully* that this can drain the 12V battery a lot faster than in other cars, because the Prius 12V battery is a lot smaller than most. Unless you're parked someplace where the engine must not be allowed to run you can turn the car ON to avoid the problem.
     
  15. derh2o

    derh2o Junior Member

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    As far as listening to the radio with the car off, just press the power button with your foot off the brake.
     
  16. [H]ackerK

    [H]ackerK Geek

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    Great... Thanks..

    I am still trying to get use to w/o using my keys, power button, Park button and the R/D/N/B shift knob.. ;)
     
  17. kjconrad

    kjconrad Junior Member

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    I use the park button when I get out of my car to check the mail box... most other times I just hit the Power Button though.

    I love not having to ever take my keys out of my pocket!
     
  18. [H]ackerK

    [H]ackerK Geek

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    Now another dumb question, how do I switch from "full power" mode (i.e. drivable) mode back to just "radio" mode, w/o first power off my car then hit power again w/o stepping on the break?
     
  19. hschuck

    hschuck Member

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    You can't without passing thru off.
     
  20. [H]ackerK

    [H]ackerK Geek

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    Oh... thx anyways... :rolleyes: