Dealers and the EV Switch

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(gpb5200 @ Mar 3 2007, 12:38 PM) [snapback]399578[/snapback]</div>

One of the dealers who reported doing it was located near Seattle, Washington (Bellevue, I think). The other was not named by the PC member who said "my dealer installed mine".

Have you asked your dealer?

I installed mine in less than an hour using these instructions at a cost of less than $5.00.

http://www.calcars.org/prius-evbutton-install.pdf

It is not rocket science. It is important not to be sloppy and to follow the instructions.

There are several types. You need to pick one whether you do it or have it done.

There is the one from Coastal which is activated by the Cruise Control lever
There is the High Beam Flasher type which is a DIY job (see darelldd's site) (I think it is evnut.com)
There is the Momentary Switch type which is also DIY and involves no touching of the wiring of the car.
There is the OEM (factory) switch type which is available from Sigma which looks stock but is harder. This is also the most expensive

Do a search on the site. There is lots of information.

 

Hello gpb5200

There are several very helpful threads on the installation of block heaters. I had my dealer do mine because it is not easy to do. It is not impossible, but it is hard.

I understand your reluctence to install the EV switch. It isn't the installation which could hurt the traction battery, it is the the way it could be used later. Most likely the negative consequence (if any) would be poorer mpg. As has been pointed out, all electricity in the Prius is generated by the ICE. There is a loss of efficiency in the generation process. That is to say, power directly from the ICE is the most efficient for most circumstances. Torque at startup and when the ICE is cold are exceptions to that rule. So for the most part, the EV switch needs to be used sparingly. But used wisely, it helps.

There is an option other than a dealer. Sometimes a firm which does consumer electronic repair, especially for cars, will do such things. They may not have done this particular job before and so it would be good to print out the instructions which I referenced for them. It is not a complicated job if I could do it!

On the other hand, you might think about why you want to do it. Frankly, there is nothing magic about it. The most useful thing, in my view is that if I want to move my car a short distance (like out of the garage for washing) without startiing the cold engine, I can.

Others use the EV button lots, some in connection with "Hypermiling". They swear by it. But that requires quite a bit of skill. I am glad I have the EV switch, but I could live without it. I didn't come to this point of view until I had the switch, however.

I hope my comments are helpful.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(gpb5200 @ Mar 3 2007, 08:37 PM) [snapback]399682[/snapback]</div>

did you ever get around to this or no? i live in RI/MA and am getting ready to install my engine block heater, mud flaps and oem ev switch. i am waiting a 2-3 weeks while i figure out my can reader route so i can do that at the same time if i go with the can view v4 or similar. during discussions, someone recommended that i record the whole installation process and host it freely online so that people may better be able to understand what is involved and how to go about it (as well as give me critiques ).

long story short, i thought i would mention it to a fellow rhode islander.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(brandon n @ May 11 2007, 10:53 AM) [snapback]439909[/snapback]</div>

Where did you get the OEM EV switch? Do you have the part number?

Thanks

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bestmapman @ May 19 2007, 07:28 PM) [snapback]445875[/snapback]</div>

I got it off of Sigma Automotive. They were fast and helpful with that and a few other things.

 

I'm planning to do the EV mod too. If you in MA/RI/NH/ME (New England Area), I can help on the installation. If anyone interested, email me at chinalfr"at"comcast.net.