Maybe this sounds like a silly thing to ponder, but I've been thinking about the fact that the Prius C 1&2 levels vs. the 3&4 don't have Push Button Start ignition. In an ideal world, I'd have limitless money to go buy all the Prii I want. However, if I ever get a C, it'll probably be a lower level model. And I'd been assuming for months that if I got a Prius...Toyota would have included the very identifiable Prius-standard push button. So my question to any one who has been lucky enough to test drive a C (or has seen a review that includes this) is - how do the lower models start up? Is it a deal where you turn the key and, like the push button, the only indication the car is on are panel lights? Or will the ICE start up as well, do you think? The latter seems wasteful in my mind and against the idea of a Prius, but, as they say, beggars can't be choosers. Any thoughts? Thanks for indulging my imagination.
IIRC - it's like the bigger ones - just goes on and is ready. No ICE startup. Of course I've only driven the regular Prius and one C and I was kinda overwhelmed - older than dirt meets new technology - so I don't remember exactly. YMMV
The key and push button are both just an electric switch. The motion to make the connection is different, but that is all. I haven't performed a survey, but the key ignition in ICE cars have been shifting to electronic switches. Do to learned behavior and not reading the manual, most people are probably still holding the key to start until the engine catches when it isn't necessary. My 2006 GM econobox has an electronic key ignition. Turn it to start, let go, and the computer handles turning over the engine.
I may have an issue with my key ignition switch. After 5 or so starts today, the ignition switch felt different then it has over the past year. When turning the switch to on, it did not feel smooth, but rough, gritty. Turning the key to off, and it is smooth. The car starts fine. Has anyone else had this issue?
nd maybe The C turns the car on when I turn the key o; release the brake, move the gear to D or R, as needed, and drive aaay. It can be that your key doesn't have to be in the ignition to start driving so then you have to use the pb to drive
I just picked up a Prius C last Friday. I'm in Minnesota so it's been quite cold. If it's cold outside and you have the climate control turned on (i.e. blower running), then the car starts basically when you turn the key. It's not really that much like turning the key to energize the starter on an older style car, but it is similar. Just like on a Prius, the Prius C has no separate starter motor that has to engage and then turn things long enough to "catch". When it's time to start the gas powered engine the huge generator switches function and acts like a starter and it cranks to life with a quiet hum.
