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EV mode wont engage for first several miles

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Ping, Sep 14, 2014.

  1. Ping

    Ping New Member

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    Have a 2014 Prius III. Was getting 50-60 mpg until i took it in for the 5k mile service. Immediately afterwards the mpg dropped to 43-50 mpg. It seems when the car is cold, it will start in EV mode for a few seconds and then the engine will kick in and it will not enter EV mode for the first few miles even with the battery 80% charged, driving under 20 mph, a/c off and keeping the Hybrid system indicator in what should be the EV range.

    Took the car back to the dealer who said everything was working as it should be, but i know something is still not right.

    Anybody have any thoughts? Thanks
     

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  2. DaneH5

    DaneH5 Member

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    Maybe they did an update to the cars firmware? What does your service record say? I was told my 5K would be a check and top off of any fluids.
    What is your picture showing us?
     
  3. Ping

    Ping New Member

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    That was what i was thinking also. I did ask them to disable the beeping sound when in reverse, but they claim that would have nothing to do with the hybrid system.

    The pic show the driving conditions which normally would run in EV mode (less than 25mpg, almost full battery, feathering the gas peddle to keep the bar in the EV range), but does not.
     
  4. DaneH5

    DaneH5 Member

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    I will have to check mine on the way to work in the morning. Were you in EV mode before? Looks kinda high in the ECO to be pure EV. What about the other screens? Like on the Nav unit. Does it show the ICE on?
     
  5. Ping

    Ping New Member

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    yes, after 3-5 miles (and before i took the car into service), it runs normally. The car should be in EV mode (unless the battery is low or the car's speed is over 25-43 mph) until the bar reaches the mid point at which time it enters the Econ mode.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sometimes they accidentally discharge your 12v while servicing and the car doesn't do a great job of recharging. you may want to test it, and charge it up if necessary.
     
  7. drysider

    drysider Active Member

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    The system goes through a warm-up cycle each time you start the car. What you are describing sounds like the normal process. After a few seconds at start-up, you cannot enter EV until the car gets to a certain point in the cycle. It takes less time when the engine is warm.
     
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  8. Ping

    Ping New Member

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    is 3-5 miles reasonable (approx 10 min)? I remember it used to warm up quicker. i live in Southern California and the temperature outside has has been in the low 70s in the morning when i start up. it does the same when i leave work and it's in the mid 80s.

    Is it possible that something is causing the system to cycle excessively, possibly some sensor?

    I drove a friends prius and it warms up almost immediately.
    s
     
  9. zebekias

    zebekias Member

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    The first stage of warmup is finished after about a minute, at that point the ICE can shut off. To be fully warmed up it takes about 7-8 minutes, at that point the car can enter "super highway mode" and get some insane mpg on the highway when the HSI indicated load is at or below the midpoint (or slightly above).

    Availability of EV is erratic on mine, during the summer a lot of times it'd say "EV mode not currently available" for no good reason, I figured it was probably because of battery temperature. Usage of EV mode is detrimental on your FE anyway, so forget the button exists!
     
  10. Ping

    Ping New Member

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    HSI is Hybrid System Indicator, but what is ICE and FE? Apologies, but all this terminology is new to me.
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    infernal combustion engine, and fool efficiency.
     
  12. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I don't understand.
    The Prius is designed to maintain lower emissions.

    So my Prius when cold won't stay in EV mode. The engine kicks in rapidly. I've never thought it was anything wrong, just the nature of the beast.
    Once it is warmed up, given the other parameters are also met, it should be willing and able to go into EV.

    Did they change your oil at the 5k service? If so, check to make sure it isn't overfilled.

    Did they adjust your tire pressure? I'd check that too....

    But the EV and warm up cycle describe sounds normal to me.
     
  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    I particularly hate ICE. Pretentious nonsense.
     
  14. Sabby

    Sabby Active Member

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    Check your tire pressures and oil level. It is possible that they dropped your pressures too low on the service. An incorrect top off of the oil is also worth a check by you.
     
  15. DaneH5

    DaneH5 Member

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    I checked mine to and from work today. I was able to go in EV within five minutes or so from leaving home or work. I could stay in EV to mid 30s mph. Energy car mode on the nav screen confirmed running on battery too.
    I wonder what happened? Any easy way to see what firmware is loaded in vehicle? Hate to think I may have same problem when they do my service. What is your production date? BTW, dealership is saying no oil change at 5k because of synthetic oil being used.
     
  16. DaneH5

    DaneH5 Member

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    Double post
     
  17. CaliforniaBear

    CaliforniaBear Clearwater Blue Metallic

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    I believe this is the correct response. When I had a 2012 Prius Three for six months that is exactly how it worked. As for accessing the EV mode when starting out, there are many threads where encouraging EV operation is said to produce worse mileage because of the conversion efficiency of the ICE charging the battery then the battery running the car. Toyota designed the Prius to use EV when appropriate for good gas mileage and low emissions. Trying to out smart the car in this aspect is probably not worth the effort.
     
  18. Ping

    Ping New Member

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    OK, I will not try and over think it. Thanks everyone for all your input.
     
  19. tonyrenier

    tonyrenier I grew up, but it's still red!

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    I've used a Scangauge II for years. My ICE won't shut off at stop signs/lights till I reach 100 degrees F. I've never put my 2010 in EV mode in 5 1/2 years and 60K miles, I have read multiple posts about a loss of overall mileage using it. My overall mpg since puchasing the car new is 55.1 (calculated), winter is a killer with heater use and Blizzaks, upper 40s during those months.
     
  20. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I tend strongly to believe we over abbreviate our communication today.

    But I use ICE quite a bit. If you are dealing with a base that knows the abbreviations meaning ICE is much easier than typing out Internal Combustion Engine.

    Of course, I suppose in most cases I could just say "Engine".....so a savings of what? 3 key strokes?