Does anyone know if the gas pedal sensitivity can be adjusted in the 2004? My Prius seems to be VERY sensitive (more so now then new) when going between the stealth, EV and ICE combinations. Hence the engine likes to be on more, charging the battery when the bars are high, ICE running when taking off slow in parking lots and at speeds under 40 mph the ICE likes to keep running even on slight downhill runs. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
Most likely your HV battery is starting to show its age. As the battery loses capacity, the ICE will tend to run more often. Tom
That was my other thought. What case can I give the dealership to test the cells? Would I be in line to ask for the readings of each cell?
The battery ECU monitors 14 points in the battery stack, about 16 volts each. If any of the 14 are not working properly, you would get a DTC and the MIL would come on. Your battery probably has reduced capacity. Depending on your mileage, it may be covered under warranty. However, if not, you can purchase a used one from a low mileage newer Prius for under $500. They are not difficult to install. Just be sure to remove the orange service plug first, so there is no shock hazard.
If one suspects the HV battery aging (and like Tom, that is what I first thought of) then there are three scenarios: 1. Keep running until it is close to the end of the hybrid system warranty then sell/trade it. 2. Keep running until it is close to the end of the hybrid system warranty and see if it will fail before then or if the dealer will test it and condemn it...in which case you get a new factory battery for free. 3. If it is out of warranty already or if you don't want the hassle, consider selling it/trading up. There is no right answer, it is more about what works best for you or makes you the most comfortable. At this juncture you appear to have some time to get funds ready for whatever path makes the most sense.
Here's someting else to toss into the ring. In another thread here Solarman44 mention that he's changed his driving style (driving it easier) lately. http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-fuel-economy/69147-help-new-tires-lower-mpg-speedo-off.html Is it possible that the change in driving style could casue this?
Thanks everyone for your input. My Prius has 42,000 miles on it and I bought it new in 04. My driving style really hasn't changed, I've always driven smooth and smart with a light foot on the gas. I've always been getting good mileage but have noticed in the past two months that the ICE is running more than it used to and that the HV battery indicator seemed to be in the low blue and sometimes even in the purple which never happened before. I kept track of the HV bars when I parked the car in the garage and again when I used it, very little if any changes. Then I thought perhaps the gas pedal sensitivity was off, hence the question posted. We did take out the extended warranty on the car and I had to use it last month when the MFD went out. My deductable was $100, not too bad I thought. I'll call the dealership and see when I can bring it in. Any more hints from you all out there will be most welcome. Thanks, John
Hi solarman44. I find if I drive a little bit too easy then it makes it use more electric-only mode in regular driving (slow take off at lights or slow speed driving on the flats) and because of that the battery has more tendency to get used up. After a while of driving like that I find that the controller wants to adapt to the change by having the ICE cut in more often and by sometimes not cutting out on small down-hills where it otherwise would and so on. That's all I was talking about.
