Let me just clarify this, EV Mode:

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darkecho @ Aug 11 2006, 04:07 PM) [snapback]301779[/snapback]</div>

Yeah, the ICE will kick in if you accelerate too hard. I had that happen when I first installed the mod. I thought it had been installed wrong.

There's a bit of coolness about it. I've used it while leaving a gas station. I've also used it to drive home from a nearby store where I stopped on the way home from work. Others use it daily, I mainly use it when I'm driving to another store in a large parking lot.

 

Once the ICE cuts in, is that the same as cancelling EV mode? (pulling CC stalk and holding it for 2 secs)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Aug 11 2006, 04:40 PM) [snapback]301797[/snapback]</div>

To elaborate a bit, to activate (or deactivate) Coastal's you pull the CC stalk for 2 seconds. If you use the CC on a regular basis, you won't have any problems as you normally don't pull the stalk that long.

There are other (and even cheaper) ways to activate the EV mod than Coastal's, but it's very easy to install (aside from getting that pin in).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darkecho @ Aug 11 2006, 05:12 PM) [snapback]301809[/snapback]</div>

Right. Now I only use the CC on the freeway so I don't have any conflicts with the EV. I suppose if you had the CC and EV on and pulled the stalk (and held it for 2 seconds), first you'll lose CC and then the EV, but that's just a guess.

There is a DIY version. It's almost free, but you don't use the CC. You use the turn signal lever, specifically the "flash to pass" part. It involves removing one end of a wire a wire, cutting it, adding wire and plugging the end into pin #27 in a certain plug (all of the EV mods plug in to that place). You will lose the ability to "flash to pass" (a minor problem IMHO) in the daytime, but it'll activate quickly (ie no 2-second wait). It's more involved as you're running a wire all the way from the steering wheel to the far right side where the plug is. In the Coastal version all the work is done on the far right.

 

No not exactly a "flash" is pull and release, sort of like your rain coat. open, close. Starting the EV is open hold for 2 seconds close ( or release) different.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darkecho @ Aug 11 2006, 07:45 PM) [snapback]301906[/snapback]</div>

Actually it's a brief short from Pin #27 to ground. All EV mods do that. If you want to see the headlight version, you can take a look at http://priuschat.com/forums/kb.php?mode=article&k=5 to see the procedure, with pictures.

Sigma Automotive sells the OEM button, which gives you your regular controls.

The final method is to connect a pin to #27, run a wire from there to a push-button you select and run a wire from there to ground. You can put the button anywhere you choose.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darkecho @ Aug 13 2006, 09:42 AM) [snapback]302564[/snapback]</div>

Yes, but you'd use a momentary contact switch (like a push-button), not a switch that's on/off.

If you lived in Japan and Europe there'd be a wire there, but that's because you'd already have the EV mode. It's a open spot in North America.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darkecho @ Aug 13 2006, 12:42 PM) [snapback]302564[/snapback]</div>

Let me clarify a two things here. The "PIN" is on the computer side. The plug side is sort of a square "barrel" type connector. Female, so the paper clip is not the best idea. Second, there is a lot of talk about how difficult it is to insert the "PIN" into the #27 slot. Here's the trick (If you're daring) Once the (grey) plug is removed you'll see a white sort of insert on one side. If you remove it the "PIN" drops right in. If you screw up or sneeze all the wires could pop out then you f*#ked ! Be careful!! :mellow:

 

I use EV mode when coming to the end of my journey (I live on a hill), so that when I move off the next time, I know the battery will be charging.

I also use it when the battery is fully charged (green) in certain conditions, because if the battery is fully charged, you don't get the benefit of storing any additional charge if you have some steep declines. So it's best to burn off a little charge. You can only pulse and glide so much, but when it looks like you'll exceed the speed limit because of a decline, you're forced to either let the foot off the accelerator and let it coast, or brake gently.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darkecho @ Aug 11 2006, 02:38 PM) [snapback]301741[/snapback]</div>

As others have pointed out, the EV mode will allow you to do things that are impossible without the mod. AS you've stated below, in fact.

Correct! Mostly use mine when I need to move the cold car around the garage/driveway, and have no need for the ICE to start. There is no other way to keep the ICE off in this situation (unless you can move it in under seven seconds before the ICE automatically kicks on normally!)