Need for RPM and engine coolant temperature display on a Prius

I drive w/hybrid assistant app on most of the time, at least it has rpm and engine temp. My first mile of driving from cold soak is in a 25 mph zone so I keep an eye on the temp, when it’s warm enough I’ll push over 2k rpm on the engine.

 

Prius isn't traditional. It has a battery-pack and traction-motor to protect the gas-engine during the warming process. Prius has a specially adapted engine to reduce wear too.

So, there is no need to monitor RPM.

 

adapted like what?

 

Rapid, low-stress warmup... The lighter pistons, the offset camshaft, the ultra-thin synthetic oil, the powerful starter/assist motor, the path for fluids & exhaust... They are all improvements upon the traditional approach.

 

Not everything I do is based on need. I like to see RPM.

 

I've seen people here recommend a 2009 gen 2 over a 2010 gen 3 more than often because of the knock start up (low-stress warm up) and clogging EGR (fluids & exhaust), it doesn't show improvement because of the recommendation to go with a previous generation.

 

That has nothing to do with my comparison to the traditional approach. I was not comparing generations.

 

So that you don't think it is just Toyota propaganda, here is Yamaha propaganda:
Powertrains Offset Cylinder An Engine Design Enabling Reduced Loss and Compact Size - Yamaha Motor's Waza and Sube | YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.
They are interested in more compact engines with reduced friction, Toyota is just reducing friction.

 

What camshaft is not offset? Or did you mean cylinders offset relative to crankshaft? That is common nowadays.
Funny isn't it, that all the supposed improvements you listed reside in a notoriously short-lived, high-maintenance engine?

 

Yes, that's true within reason, but the engine protection isn't absolute. Flooring a cold engine is still a bad idea.

A cold engine should be driven gently. A warm engine should be driven gently for mileage (unless high rpm is required for safety).

Yes, the Prius can be driven quite well without a tachometer or coolant gauge, but I personally like more engine information.

 

My ScanGauge II can read stock:

CLSD LP OPEN LP Fuel System Loop Status
MAP Manifold Absolute Pressure*
BST Boost*
MPG KPG MPL LHK KPL Miles Per Gallon Kilometers Per Gallon Miles Per Liter Liters Per 100Km Kilomteres Per Liter
MPH KPH Miles Per Hour Kilometers Per Hour
RPM Revolutions Per Minute^
TPS Throttle Position Sensor
FWT CWT Water Temperature^
AVG Average Fuel Economy
TFC Trip Fuel Cost
CPM Cost Per Mile
VLT Battery Voltage^
FIA CIA Intake Air Temperature^
FPR Fuel Pressure*
GPH LPH Gallons Per Hour Liters Per Hour
IGN Ignition Timing
LOD Engine Loading
HPR Horsepower*

* I am not sure Toyota has this sensor, the Scangauge is only reporting sensors Toyota has.
^ I use these in my v.

Gauges you can program the Scangauge II to know in a Gen 4:

• Hybrid Battery State of Charge (%)
• Inverter Coolant Water Temperature (°F)
• Hybrid Battery Voltage (Volts)
• Generator Inverter Temperature (°F)
• Boosting Converter Temperature (Lower) (°F)
• Boosting Converter Temperature (Upper) (°F)

 

...or maybe the engine protection is absolute, but I'm scared to test it out on a cold engine.

 

There are many others available, at least in Generation 3. Ones I usually or often watch are:
Coolant temperature,
Battery temperature,
Engine speed,
Battery current (erratic readings, 'tho),
Voltage.of 12-v system.

Others occasionally. I would like to delete some of the useless items.

 

Battery temp is an XGuage (requires you to program it in in), but yeah, very interesting to watch. Also battery fan speed: also an XGauge.

Sadly, my constant ScanGuage hook up seemed to be causing Check Hybrid System issues (flakey OBD connector?), so I discontinued about 4 years back. So yeah: please Toyota, add an effing coolant temp gauge.

 

Here's a photo of my using the "basic" (aka free) Torque App on my aftermarket 9.0 Android HU . . . other monitoring gauges are available. I chose to keep it simple avoiding information overload.

 

Nice.

What data is "Load" based on?

 

I've mounted chinese meter from Aliexpress. Price is about 25$.
It shows coolant temp, speed, revs and voltage. All at once.
You can select what you want to display.

I'm satisfied with this. Price is low, device is very useful

 

I find hybrid assistant to be most comprehensive with it's readings. It might not look "pretty" but if what you want are reading, it is readings you get.



Another important feature that hybrid assistant and dr.prius provide is the HV fan speed control. I set it to 35c when I am driving because it will increase the fan speed for better cooling. In a climate that is always freaking hot here, it is an important feature because keeping the HV batteries temp low is important in preserving longer lifespan.

Oh, BTW you do get to see the coolant temps if that's what you are after.

 

Nothing is displayed for FPR on my SGII on my 2020 Prius Prime.