I have a 2007 prius with 100,000 miles on it. My wife and I are going to a drive in theater this weekend where the audio will be provided from each car's radio (by tuning into a certain station). I'm just wondering if leaving the car on for two hours or leaving the car on "Ready" mode would be better for the car? Im just a little worried that if I leave the prius on "Ready" mode, it will drain the battery. Some advice would be nice, thanks!
If you have any concern about the condition of the 12V battery, you should always leave the Prius READY, and make sure you have sufficient fuel in the fuel tank. If you believe that your 12V battery is in great shape and fully-charged, then you can leave your car in the ACC-ON position, where the instrument panel lights are off, the MFD screen is on, and you can play the radio. Do not leave the car in IG-ON position, where all instrument panel warning lights remain on. That will very quickly drain the 12V battery. If you are wondering how to cycle between these modes, press the POWER button repeatedly while leaving the brake pedal alone. That will cycle the car between IG-OFF, ACC-ON, and IG-ON modes. Then press the brake pedal while pressing the POWER button if you want to make the car READY.
Yes, it should be in drive. But, after 1/2 hour or so the engine will start. Or take a portable radio and use it instead.
It would be best to have the Prius in "Ready Mode". I would suggest P rather than drive as suggested above. The ICE will run on occasion to recharge the traction battery. It is not recommended to try to listen to the radio off of the battery only for a long period of time. The battery is a low amp/hr battery and could discharge if you were to do that. Best of luck to you and enjoy the show.
Ready is ok. It can stay for days in this mode. Just turn off the AC/Heater - press "OFF" button on the climate control menu. This way the car will start very rare. Car have to be on "P"
We used to do the drive in all the time, as suggested above. Best to leave in Ready mode, turn off the climate control and turn the screen off and leave windows slightly cracked. If its a bit hot or too cold its also ok to leave the Climate control on, but the engine will kick on more frequently.
During the show, don't be alarmed if you notice the SOC drop down towards the bottom and turn pink or red. That is normal for a Prius in ready mode sitting for an extended time. The engine will kick on from time to time to recharge the traction battery as needed. As stated above, it will run more often if you have the climate control on. When you leave the show, the traction battery will recharge back up to it's normal range of blue and or green depending on your usage. Enjoy the show and don't worry.
