On my previous Gen 3, pushing the brake pedal far enough to the floor locked the brakes for 1-2 seconds and the traction icon displayed. On my Prime, I can push the brake pedal all the way to the floor and hill-start never activates. What am I missing? Is this a malfunction? Thanks.
The hill-start assist on the Gen 4 Prius (not Prime) is automatic, no more deep depressing of the brake pedal as was on the Gen 3. I am going to assume it is similar for the Prime, as well. Check your owner's manual... On page 406 of the 2017 Prius (not Prime) owner's manual:
If it is automatic, doesn't that mean almost every time the brake pedal is released while the car is stopped, it takes 2 seconds for the brakes to release? Seems like my Prime releases the brakes immediately. It would be a 'drag' to wait 2 seconds every time the brakes are released. And I also noticed the Hill-start icon never lights up on the dash even though it is documented in the manual.
I'm guessing there's a sensor determining degree of incline that activates the system. If you're on relatively level ground it doesn't come into play. In any case, if the system kicks in, there's absolutely no reason to wait the 2 seconds - Just hit the gas pedal. The icon doesn't light up on the Gen 4 like it did on the Gen 3 (and it's not a "Hill-Start" icon.)
The post above yours, third to last bullet says depressing the accelerator cancels the assist. I think it would be nice if it worked on downhill inclines too, but it is uphill only in my Gen 4.
I'll have to find a hill with no traffic to experiment with this. Sounds like another nice feature and that my Prime must be doing what it should. I was thinking it must be a malfunction. Thanks for the clarifications!
Unfortunately, all your responses have been from Gen 4 users, not Prime. Your user manual should confirm, though.
living in the foothills, i can vouch it works as post #2 states. also had a 2014 kia soul; it had hill start and worked the same way.
Put the energy flow display up and then come to a stop on a hill. For a couple of seconds, the car remains stationary. Then 'the creep' comes on and you can see the energy flow. The hill hold mode is a brake action and uses no appreciable energy. Bob Wilson
