Coastal EV Mode trouble...

Actually, when it does not go into EV, a message comes accross the top of the MFD to warn you.

The only time I get beeps is going out of EV mode, or when it can not engage.

When engaged the only change is that the MFD switches to the energy screen (unless it is already there). No beeps at all. So make sure to switch your MFD to something else before you test...and then hold the stalk (you are pulling it in, right?). If it switches after 2 seconds to the energy screen, you are good to go. If not, you either have a bad module, or a bad connection.

It almost sounds like something is backwards, and when you are starting you are already in EV mode, and pulling the stalk is taking you back out. If you do not pull the stalk and start driving, does the ICE kick on?

 

I have to say that putting that pin in is a non trivial task! I had to do it 3 times and each time I thought it was in. It is a total pain in the proverbial posterior! Trust me. Take it apart and leave it apart and drive the car. The car does not need all those plastic dash thingies to work. Fool with it then drive again till done.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hdrygas @ May 15 2006, 11:58 PM) [snapback]256112[/snapback]</div>

but make sure you plug any cords back into the computer first! lol

I would agree with others... it *sounds* like it's backwards, and you're actually turning off the EV mod instead of turning it on. Check and make sure you didn't get the wires crossed (ie the two wire taps).

 

QUOTE(mssmith95 @ May 15 2006, 10:48 PM)
Actually, when it does not go into EV, a message comes accross the top of the MFD to warn you.
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What?! What message? Is this something other '06 owners can confirm? There is no message what ever given for the '04/05 MY.


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I don't know about any of the other stuff, but my 06 gives me a message across the top of the MFD that says that the EV mode cannot be engauged.

 

please post PIX of that MFD stuff.
.
_H*

 

someone somewhere had posted a pic on the boards a while back...
edit: found it. pics

i agree with evan- if it's beeping in response you did it right. it took us a while to really understand how/when we could activate the mod and it sounds like that's the stage you're at right now. give it some time and you'll figure out the ins and outs

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ May 16 2006, 05:48 AM) [snapback]256184[/snapback]</div>

I have a base model '06 with an EV switch and I do not see that message. But then, I have the older style screens. It might be something that is included with the higher packages with the 'new' MFD screens.

Jim

 

Yes, that is the exact screen I get. No beeps when switching from screen to screen.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ May 16 2006, 04:48 AM) [snapback]256171[/snapback]</div>

I remember when it was first posted. IIRC it comes up when EV can't be engaged, but not when it is.

 

Just finished my install (didn't use costal, but method by Evan F. (Sorry, no linky)) and had the same thing happen. 05 Prius, BTW.

When on the Energy screen, there is no indication, audible or visual, that EV has engaged. Best bet is to start the Prius, hit the info screen, then engage the EV. Then, you'll get a beep and the screen will switch to Energy.

I was getting the three beeps too until I tried the screen change method and realized I was engaging hearing / seeing nothing, then trying again only to get the three beeps meaning disengaged.

BTW, I ran in EV in my subdivision until batt reached half way down. Then, exiting division took it up to 55. Interesting how the Prius will still utilize battery (and somtimes battery only) while so depleted. I expected it to immediatly charge up to full once ICE kicked in, but it didn't.

When I could "force" Prius to charge off ICE for a duration, was getting only 50MPG tops on flat stretch on road.

But this is just the first run (HAD to try it out of course). My plan is to utilize it leaving office which is miserably stop and go for about a mile getting out of the office park and onto expressway. Hoping that elimnating ICE on this stretch will increase overall milage. Will see!!!

Interested to hear others experiences with EV.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JEBster @ May 18 2006, 08:58 PM) [snapback]257806[/snapback]</div>

I installed the Radio Shack EV button a few weeks ago , in my 2006, per Evan Fusco's instructions.
http://priuschat.com/forums/files/prius-evbutton-install.pdf
A tip of the hat to Evan for very accurate and detailed instructions. The photos made the difference and gave me the courage to try it on my own. At first I was a bit apprehensive about removing the vent (fearing I'd snap off a tab), but as you can see from the photo below, the retaining tabs are designed to snap in and out without damage. Also shown in the photo is the backside of the small piece below the vent, which is also removed, so you can see the tab type and orientation.
[attachmentid=3551]
Snaking the wire took only a few minutes, and was completed without removing the driver side vent. Also, after checking for good ground with a multimeter, I grounded to the small bolt on the lower right corner of the air filter housing. It can be seen in the lower left quadrant of the photo below.
[attachmentid=3552]
The only problems I had were:
1) Removing the extra pins from the steering column - I didn't realize you have to depress the end of the pin to release it and then slide them out.
2) Getting the HV ECU plug retainer clip to press down flush after the new pin was inserted into hole #27. - The retainer clip only moves about a 1/16"! I checked the pin orientation (not intuitive) and even pushed the new pin out of the plug once with a needle and reinserted it, but to no avail. I still couldn't get that retainer flush again. Fortunately the plug fit easily back into the HV ECU, so I just plugged it back in. Hopefully, none of those little wires will wiggle loose over time.

The good news is the EV mode button works like a champ! Like Evan, I use it judiciously, and enjoy it tremendously. I love driving in and out of my neighborhood, and around parking lots in EV mode. It's a serious giggle silently cruising past the Base guards at 0530 too.

Even though the EV button seems to work most of the time, sometimes it just won't engage! Like other posters, I get the 3 beeps, and text message "Can't engage EV mode now". This happened just last night. Got out of the movie theater, pressed Power button, and 1-2 seconds later, pressed EV button. 3 beeps. I let the ICE complete its warm up, and as I approached home, at low speed tried EV, Again 3 beeps! I tried coming to a complete stop, I even powered off and restarted - no EV mode!

Now it may be that I simply didn't press in the momentary switch long enough, or that I double pressed the button, or some other operator error, but once the ICE is warmed up, and speed below 32 mph, shouldn't EV engage? Why am I still getting three beeps?

Adding to the mystery, I went back down to the car a few hours after getting home, powered up, and engaged EV mode without any problem. What's going on?

My thanks to the entire PC community for such a wonderful and educational forum.
By the way, did I say I love my car

 

Oops. (deleted duplicate post).

 

Is Coastal still in business? They don't seem to reply to several Emails asking about '06 mods.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jmccord @ May 21 2006, 02:24 AM) [snapback]258766[/snapback]</div>

Have you check the SOC of the battery? EV won't engage when SOC is less than three bars.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Quadling @ May 24 2006, 09:42 AM) [snapback]260281[/snapback]</div>

They are, but just slow in replying emails. I emailed them too before I ordered EV mod from them. I never got the reply, but ordered anyways. I received their EV mod in 2 weeks.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ScottY @ May 24 2006, 08:54 AM) [snapback]260286[/snapback]</div>

Yes, SOC was 60% or better (i.e. at least half of the bars illuminated). I use EV mode sparingly, and avoid running below 4 bars. I also try to power off with at least 6 bars showing.
Thanks.
P.S. It's been working great since.