EV MODE MOD

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mountain_Prius @ Oct 4 2007, 05:13 PM) [snapback]521429[/snapback]</div>

The cheapest is DIY. Get a switch fron Radio Shack and do the wiring your self. They are all easy after you get the dash torn apart.
I have both Coastal Tech and lighted factory switch installed and use the Factory Switch the most.

 

I did mine for no cost... some wire, a switch from a dead computer, and using the PDF instructions from >THIS THREAD<

My initial EV button install:
[attachmentid=11841]

 

Sigma Automotive sells the OEM EV button.

The Coastal uses the Cruise Control stalk. When you pull the stalk (the Cancel direction) for more than two seconds the EV mode will activate (assuming conditions are right). This is so you'll still have your Cancel working. It's probably the easiest to install as you don't have to open the dash up that much. The DIY button would be next as you can decide where the button is to go.

Even cheaper is to disconnect the "Flash to Pass" wire and run it (extending the wire of course) to the block on the far right side (you'll have to do a search on that). All EV mods activate the same way, by causing a short to ground on pin #27.

 

Do you think if you had some kind of problem with your prius (knock on wood) and it's still under warranty, when you take it to the dealer do you think you would uninstall the EV mode or would you just take it on in and see if they try to blame it on EV mod or worse void warranty?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Alabama @ Oct 4 2007, 07:52 PM) [snapback]521459[/snapback]</div>

I believe there has already been one member hassled about this mod when he needed a new HV battery under warranty. You should be able to find it in the archive. Impression from that thread is that Toyota knows about it, and knows to tell the dealer to look for it on a big claim. This was a factory EV button or similar as I recall. Not sure if they know to check cruise stalk, headlight stalk etc. Moral of the story is like any modification to your vehicle its at your own risk. If I were going in for service with a big problem, I think I would disconnect it though

rob

 

:lol: Just called my dealer and asked the service manager about installing EV mode. He thought it was a standard feature at first then I refreshed his memory about the japan models... He said we never installed one but it shouldn't be a problem because he has 3 Hybrid techs and I could set up an appointment and they would figure it out for me to install it. He mentioned they would have to do some research on it to make sure they plugged it in the correct place so I told him I have step by step tutorial with pictures and he said great that will make it easier. How bout that crap.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Alabama @ Oct 5 2007, 11:54 AM) [snapback]521827[/snapback]</div>

Thats pretty funny :lol:

If they agree to do it, heck why not!
Rob

 

I also called the Service Manager about the EV mode.

He was quite serious - not to do it - as people don't know how to use it properly and over drain the battery, then it's a costly battery replacement OUT of warranty.

So he scared me out of it....for now.

 

If your battery drains too much, the computer shuts off EV mode automatically. However, I think it's still a valid risk that over-use will result in more "wear" on the battery in a shorter period of time.

A judicious use of EV mode poses little or no increased risk to your battery though. I use mine when I know the car will stay in stealth on its own anyway and I want to avoid "accidentally" starting the ICE, for example on the last 300 yards of a downhill stretch to my house, where the last 100 feet are slightly uphill and make it hard to stealth all the way in without losing too much speed.

 

No matter you buy a OEM button, coastal mod, or a simple push button, you have to insert a pin to the wonderful "Hole 27". I followed the instruction written by Evan Fusco, found here with the following shortcuts:

1. On page 2, last paragraph, I choose to purchase some pins from Radio Shack... 12 for less than $2.

2. Since I bought pins, I don't need to follow Step 1-4 on page 3 to 6.

3. (not really a shortcut but...) Step 7 on page 11 to 13 is the toughest. Too much solder will make the pin too big to be inserted into Hole 27, and when you find out it has too much solder, it's quite hard to pull it back out. Anyway, this is the step we all need to do, no matter which switch you use.

4. I attached one of the wires to a metal screw instead of cutting a ground wire on Step 8. The big metal screw near the air filter works quite well.

5. I chose to route the wire under the center console rather than fish it from behind the stereo. Faster that way but required 2 more feet of wire.

With all these shortcuts I get it done it 30 minutes for the price of $6 (switch + wire + pins). I've never done any car work myself, so I think Evan's instruction is easy enough to follow.

Just my 2 cents.

 

Only bad thing is that service manager said it would cost about $72 for one hour labor. I am figuring though the $72 is a small price to pay to not have to worry with uninstalling it should I have a warranty claim, cause after all my EV button will not only be a Toyota part but will have been installed by a Certified Toyota Tech with the Service manager's blessing.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Alabama @ Oct 5 2007, 02:40 PM) [snapback]521952[/snapback]</div>

My Mods were Dealer installed at about the same rate and I considered it a bargain.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(seasalsa @ Oct 6 2007, 05:49 PM) [snapback]522262[/snapback]</div>

Right on brother. Even though it's fairly simple with these great tutorial's its peace of mind.

 

I have looked for the OEM EV Button on Sigma 3 times and can't find it... I have avoided asking via post mainly because my first post question will likely be answered with "just click HERE". Nevertheless, can ya help a brotha out?!?

 

Just click HERE.
Toyota Prius 2004 ~ 2009 NHW20 Interior Accessories :: Sigma Automotive

Scroll down until you see EV switch kit.

 

ask him why they put it in the gen III then.

 

And there ya have it...

thanks!!!

 

Just got an 07 am having a blast with it! Already performed some of the low level / easy mods. Plan to do the EV MOD, DIY style, tomorrow morning BUT does the attached .pdf have ANY adjustments for an 07? I've already opened up the dash to look around and everything "looks" the same...but is it?

Looking forward to learning lots more and hopefully hooking up with some of you in the DFW area!