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Energy monitor question

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by roxaynk, Apr 1, 2008.

  1. roxaynk

    roxaynk New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2008
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    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    I have had my 2008 Prius for just over two weeks and I love it.

    But...when I first started driving it, when braking, the energoy monitor should the MPG to be 99 MPG. Now, it seems to be as I drive it for the first 5 minutes after turning it on, the MPG is all over the place and doesn't seem to be very accurate. When I brake, it shows random numbers between 0-99. When it's in the yellow zone it's all over the place. But in general the MPG seems to be all over the place for the first couple minutes of driving. After driving for a little while, it does eventually get back to "normal" (Like it was when I first purchased it)

    Is this normal?
     
    #1 roxaynk, Apr 1, 2008
  2. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2007
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    Location:
    Carmichael, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Yes, it is normal. What is happening is that the ICE (engine) must run to warm up so that the catalytic converter will begin to operate. So your mpg will be much lower during the warmup period (about the first 5 min).

    Once the engine is warm, the car will allow the engine to shut down when not needed (like when you are braking or stopped). Also, the engine will operate more efficiently even when running once it is warmed up.
     
    #2 dogfriend, Apr 1, 2008
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