Just wondering how you switch from driving in "B" back to "D"? The manual doesn't tell you. I would assume you just move the joy stick back to "D" while driving. But in doing so you move it through the "N" position -- is this OK? Probably a silly question but I don't want to do something "strange" to the hybird system that causes problems? Thanks! moshe
You got it, just a quick flick down to D and let it spring back to the default position. You'd have to "hold" it in N for a few seconds, for the change to Neutral to take effect.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ChristoB @ Jul 3 2007, 10:19 AM) [snapback]472237[/snapback]</div> Thanks! That's what I thought but needed confirmation! moshe
Or push it to N and let it spring back; if I recall correctly, that takes you to N faster than holding it in the N position and waiting. But you can't do it too fast.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(KMO @ Jul 3 2007, 11:19 AM) [snapback]472272[/snapback]</div> What's the purpose of putting the HS into Neutral? I don't see any point to it. Any ideas on this? moshe
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(moshe @ Jul 3 2007, 08:21 AM) [snapback]472273[/snapback]</div> Well, the only time I put it into neutral is for going through a car wash. Dave M.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dmckinstry @ Jul 3 2007, 12:24 PM) [snapback]472309[/snapback]</div> Hey yeh! That's a great use of it -- thanks!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(moshe @ Jul 3 2007, 11:21 AM) [snapback]472273[/snapback]</div> If your battery has a high SOC and you want to coast down a hill without the use of the ICE then go to N. For that period of time you are maxed out on the MPG's on the display. I can coast up to a mile from a stop light to my driveway every time I go home. It depends on how you feel about your SOC on your battery. D Rock
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(D Rock @ Jul 3 2007, 11:33 AM) [snapback]472315[/snapback]</div> Don't do this if your starting speed is <42mph and your top speed on the hill will be >60mph. At around 64mph if the ICE isn't spinning MG1 will exceed it's maximum rated rpm of 10,000 and could be damaged. Thus, if you're in stealth (ICE rpm= ZERO) when you go into neutral at the top of a steep hill you might hit 64mph and destroy your MG1. If you're definately not in stealth when you go into neutral the ICE will already be spinning and will continue to spin protecting you from over reving MG1.
I recall from Driver's Ed class that coasting in Neutral is a Bad Thing to do. However, there are times when you maybe should do a little Neutral coasting... if you live in an area where rust buildup can be an issue, AND you drive in such a way that your mechanical brakes don't get alot of usage, once in awhile it's good to coast down a slope in Neutral, and ride the brakes a bit, to polish the rotors. It's not something that you have to do daily, I'm sure, and it isn't required for everyone, but if your brakes tend to get grabby (mine did on my Malibu, actually, due to rusting in our climate), it's something to consider. I strongly suggest NOT coasting in Neutral if there is any sort of traffic! I have a perfect, lonely, side road with a slope that works for me.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(D Rock @ Jul 3 2007, 12:33 PM) [snapback]472315[/snapback]</div> I was taught that coating in neutral is bad idea too. From what I remember from "driver's ed" 50 years ago was you didn't have complete control over your vehicle in neutral?!? So, from what we've seen here so far by coasting is the possibility of damaging the MG1 from over revving. Why take the chance on that? I think Dave M's idea is the best -- no possiblity of hurting anything in a car wash, except your car's finish! moshe
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(moshe @ Jul 3 2007, 09:54 AM) [snapback]472219[/snapback]</div> By moving the shift lever to D from B, you don't cause the HSD to phisically go through neutral. If fact there is no neutral in the traditional sense. The (ICE)engine is always conected to the PSD(transmission). When I first got my prius it was confusing to me as I tried to relate the different drive modes to traditional transmission terminology. It doesn't quite correlate that way exactly. What I did was read up on the technical disscussions and alticles here on PC. This helped me understand the hybrid system. A good article to start with is Sticky: Introduction to Prius Power Flow in Forums > Prius Technical Discussion.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bestmapman @ Jul 3 2007, 01:44 PM) [snapback]472357[/snapback]</div> Thanks for the info. I've already been into the "Prius Techincal Discussion" of the "chat" but haven't read that part -- I'll check it out -- thanks. moshe
