changing driving modes question

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by dawint, Jun 21, 2011.

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  1. dawint

    dawint Former AudiWorld Member

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    So after figuring out that my 08 is in power mode and will not automatically go back to econo mode ... how can I manually change modes on a GEN II? I know there is a way as I got it in that mode and can't get it out!!!

    thanks
     
    #1 dawint, Jun 21, 2011
  2. mikewithaprius

    mikewithaprius New Member

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    There is no power nor eco mode in the 2008, those started in model year 2010. Sounds like there's no problem with your car *whew!*
     
    #2 mikewithaprius, Jun 21, 2011
  3. dawint

    dawint Former AudiWorld Member

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    ahhh yes but there is a problem .... my MPG has dropped by 1/5th and my ICE runs almost constantly ... even at 10 mph thru parking lots ... I called the stealer earlier today and the tech indicated that the car was in "power mode" ...... he said he's seen it before and was going to find out how to disable it.
     
    #3 dawint, Jun 21, 2011
  4. Eoin

    Eoin Active Member

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    Sounds like maybe you should go to "find another technician mode".
     
    #4 Eoin, Jun 21, 2011
    2 people like this.
  5. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    I've never heard of this "power mode" on the Gen2 Prius and I suspect it was just a line they told you to make it sound like they were "on the case".

    Quick question. When the engine is "running all the time", does it eventually cut out (say after about 10 seconds) if you come to a complete stop with you foot held firmly on the brake (and the car remaining in drive)?
     
    #5 uart, Jun 21, 2011
  6. dawint

    dawint Former AudiWorld Member

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    Mostly it will shut off ... but not after 10 sec ... it can be up to a minute or more ... even with the brake pedal depressed
     
    #6 dawint, Jun 21, 2011
  7. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    How is your 12v battery? I weak 12v battery will cause the symptoms you are seeing.
     
    #7 firepa63, Jun 21, 2011
  8. dawint

    dawint Former AudiWorld Member

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    I think that might be the problem as I'm reading other posts about bad gas mileage ....... I can throw a meter on it later
     
    #8 dawint, Jun 21, 2011
  9. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    Ok that's interesting. I know that if the traction battery is too hot (usually due to dust clogged rear vent fan) then it will use the engine all the time and hardly use the electric motors. But I think it should still cut the engine when stopped. Do you hear the rear vent fan running harder than usual?

    BTW. Is the behavior the same with A/C off?
     
    #9 uart, Jun 21, 2011
  10. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    #10 uart, Jun 21, 2011
  11. dawint

    dawint Former AudiWorld Member

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    "Rear vent fan?" never knew there was one ... and if its running??? I honestly don't know .. !!!!

    AC on or off ... its the same
     
    #11 dawint, Jun 22, 2011
  12. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    The rear vent for cooling is on the right side of the rear passenger back rest. Make sure it is not covered or the battery pack may over heat. Hal
     
    #12 Hal W, Jun 22, 2011
  13. dawint

    dawint Former AudiWorld Member

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    Car is at the Stealer this morning ...... I'll post when I get the verdict .....:eek:
     
    #13 dawint, Jun 23, 2011
  14. dawint

    dawint Former AudiWorld Member

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    Dealer found nothing ...... as I expected

    ....... just parked it after a short drive back to work .. went into DIAG mode on the screen and checked the 12VDC read out .... dropped to 11.7 with the pedal depressed and headlights on in ACC mode!

    So looks like I'll be getting a new 12V Battery ... Optima yellow top?
     
    #14 dawint, Jun 23, 2011
  15. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    Good plan! Hal
     
    #15 Hal W, Jun 23, 2011
  16. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    Yep that's what we've seen here in the past. There's been quite a few people post in here about loss of MPG's and so far I don't recall a single case of where the dealer was able to find anything. :(

    Personally I'm not sure that the new battery will change the situation much, but it's got to be worth a try.
     
    #16 uart, Jun 23, 2011
  17. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Yeah you need a new battery. Its best to check it using the Diag mode first thing in the am before starting the car (before putting it in "ready") as its had its stay alive load on it all night removing surface charge. It will show you the it's real ability to hold a charge
    short of a load test.

    Little background plz. How many miles on car and how many times have you had to jumpstart the battery since you owned the car?

    BTW, my local BatteriesPlus carries the D51 YT Optima for $159.
     
    #17 edthefox5, Jun 26, 2011
  18. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Stupid question: you don't have it shifted into "B", right?
     
    #18 richard schumacher, Jun 26, 2011
  19. dawint

    dawint Former AudiWorld Member

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    nope .......
     
    #19 dawint, Sep 13, 2011
  20. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Almost three months for an answer. Were you caught in a time warp?

    Tom
     
    #20 qbee42, Sep 13, 2011
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