Chip/install kit: Electric Only Mode Option for (Prius 2004-2009)

there is a kit that many have used which apparently works fine. there is no down side that i know of. but i would make sure i bought the same kit that is in the sticky thread about ev mode. not all companies can be trusted.

 

sticky's are in yellow highlite at the top of the gen II forum.

 

yup. the very 1st thread is coastal ev mod, or something like that

 

as far as whether it's a good thing or not, i hardly ever used mine after the initial excitement wore off. it's great for moving your car without the ice starting, or showing someone how an electric car would work, things like that. but if you want touse it to drive electric a lot, you'll find it doesn't go very far and will reduce your mpg's because the ice will have to recharge the battery and that is less efficient than powering the car. with few exceptions, you get your best mileage using the ice to accellerate and glide without regen and let the battery take care of itself.

 

Bought this: Electric Only Mode - $45 Helps for City Driving which I do less of now and more Highway...doesn't help with that at all. All in all - easy to install and could assist in city driving.

Modding My 2008 Touring...."JustDidIt" | Page 3 | PriusChat

 

i have a new one still in the package, that my daughter gave me for Christmas a few years ago. since i hardly used the one on my 04, i never bothered to install it. now she has my 08 and isn't interested either. if anyone wants it, they can have it no charge. pm me your address and i will mail it out to you.

 

Do you still have it? Would like to give it a try.

 

I was not sure if you still had it, I am trying to increase my MPG. Is it inconvienent to use, or annoying? Why not just install it?

 

sorry guys, i gave it to ricomada.

1) it won't increase your mileage, it will decrease it.

2) it is not inconvenient or annoying.

3) i had one on my 04, after the thrill wore off, inever used it again. just wasn't worth the time or trouble to install it. it's not hard, but you do have to pull the glovebox apart.

 

If you're comfortable with some simple wiring work, you can get this mod done for free. Basically, all the mod does is ground a single pin, momentarily, to activate EV mode.

 

does anyone have the wiring schematic of what wires need to be grounded to make it work?

 

http://www.calcars.org/prius-evbutton-install.pdf

you'll find what you're looking for on page 8.

 

Did the mod myself with a cheap momentary push button switch on my 2004. Times I use it: from the turn light just before pulling into work, usually have over 60% charge (scanguage I I ). Then I can cruise the parking lot without the engine coming on. Gone from one store to another when they are clustered together, again only if I'm over 60% charge. And use it to shut off the engine when it's still running, coasting down hill, warmed up, and with good charge.

Gerry

 

I use mine everyday on my commute to work. I have a half-mile coast on the freeway off-ramp, and when I hit the traffic signal my traction battery is in the "green". I switch to electric mode and drive the mile and a half to my parking spot at work with no ICE. Just have to stay under 35 MPH.

 

I'm guessing that the ICE will still start and power the car if it really needs to?

 

Yes - the ICE will come on if the battery goes "purple" or if you exceed the parameters. (34 mph speed limit, excessive acceleration, etc.)

 

Ok, good information. Thanks Kevin!