Coastal EV Mod Install - Video

So after using this for a few weeks, I find it's handy in certain situation. That being said, I now understand why people should not use the EV mode button to drive more than a short distance. I can see where you could really kill the battery from overuse.

There was one guy on here (I don't remember who it was or I'd state his name) who said that the EV button is primarily a cold weather tool and I'd have to agree almost 100%. I find I use it when:

1. I'm decelerating knowing that I am going to stop and it's cold outside.
2. Moving the car a short distance.
3. If I know the terrain is flat for a very short distance, I'm under 30 MPH and it does not require much acceleration.

But in all, if the engine is warm, the EV button is typically not needed.

 

CoastalTech instructions, see post
Very easy to install, easy to use.
YouTube - Thunder's Prius EV mod install guide and commentary

New post, Thunder video has returned!

 

If there is anyone in the Richmond VA area that can perform this install on a 2007 Prius (I have the Coastal kit) please contact me rmek at hotmail dot com. I am elderly and do not have the flexible fingers anymore. I am willing to compensate.

 

I'm seriously thinking about getting this kit, but I'm concerned about if it will do what I want. Aside from the usual showing off aspect, my main requirement is to be able to reverse out of my garage and get up my steep driveway onto the horizontal road surface in the dead freezing cold of winter before the engine kicks in. At present the engine turns on shortly after reversing out and the first thing my poor engine sees in such weather is the load of that steep driveway. This kit only REQUESTS EV mode, but can't always get it if the conditions aren't right, and I believe one of those conditions is that the engine is already warmed up. Is there anybody out there who lives in freezing climates who could comment on this?

 

This is sweet. I'm such a chicken, I'd have to pay someone to do it.

 

You should go into EV mode if you make sure the engine is off at the time you send the signal to the computer. Once the ICE is running it will not work. On the side - in cold weather the battery also suffers. It is not at it's peak. Also if it is a steep hill the ICE may cut in anyway. The computer is programmed that at certain load request the ICE will come on.
The bottom line? I have the mod on my 2008 for a couple of years now. I can tell you it is cool to have but don't expect any big things happening.

 

Got my EV Mod kit for Christmas, but was such a chicken about installing it. The video was a huge help! Watched it a couple of times, and then went after it. Took me less than 15 minutes from start to tools picked up. Thanks Thunder!

Now I have a question about a way to charge the Prius battery so that when I start out in the morning in EV mode, I will have a full battery charge, and will be able to drive the mile or so in EV mode before I hit the main road where I will be expecting the ICE to be running. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

Hey Thunder, I know this is an old post but I just installed EV mode from coastaltech and I really find your video a big help for a visual instructions on how easily it can be installed. Gotta give credit to whom it is due and that is you and coastal tech for their innovation on this thing. Thank you to you and coastal tech

Scratches from installing the ev mod on my hands are still healing but it was all worth it..

God bless ya'll

 

UGC wrote:

FirstFlight wrote:

Plug-it-in wrote:

FirstFlight wrote:

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[/FONT]My situation: I don't want to pay $45 plus whatever for the 'module'. I have just installed a connector with wire in pin 27 of H14 of the ECU.

Sidebar: temporarily disconnecting the other three connectors to the ECU makes life a whole lot easier working on connector H14

It sounds like "connect pin 27 (of H14 of the ECU) to chassis ground = 'enable EV mode'"

Is this "the correct big picture" view, electrically speaking?

Simply push and hold a momentary switch that is placed in series in the above stipulated wire (from pin 27 of H14 of ECU to ground) for the two seconds?

This is the technique I'm leaning towards.

Module technique:

White with Black stripe wire in cavity 1 of H14 goes to chassis ground (thru a junction connector).

The purple wire, pin 13 to connector H14 is the master power to the cruise control system (I would expect hot when engine running).

Without engaging the cruise control switch, holding the cruise control stalk in the 'cancel cruise control' position seems to complete a circuit from purple wire (hot) thru to ground......

The above is the only unknown I have about the 'module' method.....

Is it a relay with a diode?

Thanks

Cheers

Mike

 

I installed it on my 08 Touring in about 40 minutes....works great and is perfect for my driving habits and conditions. Boosted my average by about 4.5mpg.

 

Are you sure about this?

 

Yes, I'm sure.....was averaging 38-39 before, not very good, but I mostly drive short trips. After installing the EV mod and practicing using it at the right time and place....I'm up to 42.3.

 

I think you're the first person ever to gain 4+ miles per gallon by installing the EV mod.

 

Ive added the EV MOD to my 07 with the help of this site...Thanks! Just thought i would share this. If you want a clean factory look to this mod you can use a 2012 Hybrid Camry EV Switch (84720-06040) Clips right into the dash (no modding needed), The connector needed is a 90980-12876 and the 4 pins needed are (82998-24290). 2 pins are for the EV activation and 2 pins are for the light so it lights up and dims with the rheostat. Pin 1 of the EV switch goes to a good ground. Pin 2 of the EV switch goes to the GRAY wire (pin 2) of the dimmer switch that it is right next to it in the dash. Pin 3 of the EV switch goes to the RED wire (pin 5) of the dimmer. Pin 4 of the EV switch goes to the HV ECU. Works like a champ.

 

i suppose if you were only getting 38-39, anythings possible.

 

Simply put... can anyone confirm that this method of using a "momentary switch" connecting ground to pin 27 triggers "EV mode"?

 

Yes. Try to use a good quality switch or use something to debounce it. When I first installed the switch, the switch would activate and then deactivate EV mode within a few milliseconds. Adding a 10uF ceramic capacitor helped. You may not need that as the momentary switch I used isn't a high quality one.

 

The original coastal install utilizes the cruise control activation switch. Once the ICE is up to running temp, simply pull back on cruise control lever for 2-3 seconds to activate. As some of the posts indicate, this is a fun add on, and if used properly and in a limited fashion you can save on fuel, but your battery will not last for long driving periods. I use it when I know I have a remaining short distance to drive (a few blocks) and will park soon, or when I am restarting a trip, coming out of a parking lot with intentions of getting to higher speeds soon to recharge battery.

 

I like the idea of using this Camry EV Switch but the last connection mentioned "Pin 4 of the EV switch goes to the HV ECU" I'm not sure where it goes??? When you say HV ECU, do you mean pin 27 of H14 mention throughout this thread? Just looking to clarify for me and others that are going with the Switch vs. the Costal EV Mode..

Now if I can find where I can swipe the unused pin for the 27 of H14 connection . . .

 

Yes.