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EV Switch Problems?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Mt View, Jul 10, 2005.

  1. Mt View

    Mt View Member

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    I have a 2005 Tideland Pearl Package 4 with about 2000 miles on it now. I have added the Bumper applique, Cargo Net, GBS, Auto-dimming mirror, and XM Radio. Yesterday I added Coastal's EV switch. It worked yesterday morning and then later in the day I only got 3 beeps everytime I tried to engage. Battery had 5+ bars, ICE was hot, turned the AC off, was under 34 (usually stopped) but I never could engage it. I tried it a number of times from startup before the ICE came on. This morning I got up, and it worked fine I drove out of the neighborhood, about 2 miles until the battery went to 2 bars and it disengaged. Is there another parameter that keeps the EV from engaging? I live at 8600 ft and thought I had read about battery temps and wondered if that could be a problem at this altitude. BTW I drive 90 miles a day, 45 miles down about 3000 ft and then 45 miles climbing 3000 ft and I'm already getting from 46 to 49 MPG and I don't baby it, in fact I pass almost everything. What a great car.

    I should add that the switch is working fine as I get 3 beeps everytime it doesn't engage. Somehow the computer "rules" are deciding against EV mode and I don't know what those rules are.
     
    #1 Mt View, Jul 10, 2005
  2. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    I notice on occasion that happens to me with the factory switch too, although it's very rare.

    6 bars of battery, just started the car, trying to avoid warmup since I was only going 2 blocks... and it wouldn't kick in.

    Maybe someone out there has an answer.
     
    #2 galaxee, Jul 10, 2005
  3. finman2

    finman2 New Member

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    Many factors affect my EV switch (headlight flasher version).
    Seems if the temps are above 90 F, EV mode is a little harder to engage...until the cab is cooled with A/C, since this is where the cooling air comes from for the big battery.
    Specifically there's a vent on the right rear seat back that is the intake, down to cool the big battery.
    I've had issues with EV engaging when it's cold, too...until the cab heats up!
    So the car and all its sensors and computers is REALLY protective of the big battery. Conditions vary and the system seems to know what it's doing.

    Low battery charge, engine not up to temp (which is even harder to really control), too fast a speed, etc. all will not allow 'forced' EV mode.

    Mostly I use mine in the AM, before the engine starts it's warmup period. Then use it again in my work parking lot, or any parking lot for that matter.

    Love my Prius!
     
    #3 finman2, Jul 10, 2005
  4. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    There are a multitude of things that will give you the 3-beeps refusal of EV mode. But a you surmissed your switch is working as designed or you wouldn't get the 3 beeps at all.

    Battery temp is a factor and if too high or low EV won't engage. ICE being 'hot' is usually adequate, but depending upon conditions just preceeding it could be in a Cat Warming stage or something.

    You can be under 34mph but accelerating too fast and it will refuse to engage.

    And I'm sure there are other factors that we don't know about. Just rest assured that your HV ECU has decided that conditions are not ideal for EV mode and it's protecting your Prius from harm.
     
    #4 efusco, Jul 10, 2005
  5. matrum

    matrum New Member

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    I got my ev switch last week. It included the wire part with two disconnects on it and a sample wire that had been tapped with a disconnect connected to it. Isn't there supposed to be two additional tappins.? I have been trying to get a hold of Coastal for a week now. I looked at radio shack and home depot and found nothing. I think they have the part in the grainger catalog, but it comes in a pack of 50, at $18.

    Am I missing these parts?
    ]
    thanks matrum
     
    #5 matrum, Jul 12, 2005
  6. bruceha_2000

    bruceha_2000 Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(matrum\";p=\"106641)</div>
    I believe mine came with 2 spares in case I messed something up. The connectors are standard fare, you should be able to get them in any number of places. If you destroyed one, you might try a boating supply store, boaters tend to do a lot of their own wiring. :)
     
    #6 bruceha_2000, Jul 12, 2005
  7. bruceha_2000

    bruceha_2000 Senior Member

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    Generic EV switch thoughts:
     
    #7 bruceha_2000, Jul 12, 2005
  8. matrum

    matrum New Member

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    thanks, were your spares the maroon/rose red taps?
     
    #8 matrum, Jul 12, 2005
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    It should come with 3 wire taps and a sample wire tap. You need two, (purple and white/black wire). The third is the spare.
     
    #9 Tideland Prius, Jul 12, 2005
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