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I was embarrassed to ask...

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by DeanFL, Jun 25, 2009.

  1. DeanFL

    DeanFL 2010 owner - 1st Prius

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    ...input and specific advice about 'B' shift mode.

    I looked through the manual and recall some posts on this topic from Gurus, but still wasn't crystal clear. Clear about the optimal times to use the "B" shift position, and when to not.

    So I googled, lots of info but this link seems to be quite good. It is for G2, but the basics probably apply. I was using B when gliding to a long stop for a light. NOW I know better. Appears to be some beneficial info here - possibly TMI for most of us.

    I'd guess the best info for regular Prius drivers is:
    "Above all, it's important to understand that a casual Prius driver needs to understand NONE of the tricks described below.
    Just drive it.
    Just as you would shift into "2" when coasting down a long, steep hill, shift into "B" when doing so on a Prius. "Shifting" is all electronic, so the system won't let you shift in a harmful way. (Even if you try to shift into reverse when moving quickly forward, you'll just end up in neutral.)"

    In closing, driving the 2010 Prius is a "Thriller". :music:


    Toyota Prius/Driving tricks - Wikibooks, collection of open-content textbooks
     
    #1 DeanFL, Jun 25, 2009
    2 people like this.
  2. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    If you drive in Florida, you will never need B mode.

    Tom
     
    #2 qbee42, Jun 25, 2009
  3. greylar

    greylar New Member

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    No worries on "B" mode you are in good company. I have a relative that did the exact same thing thinking he was saving gas but finally figured it out.

    For those that don't know, "B" is used for engine braking (instead of regeneration) on long steep hills when your battery gets full. Think wasting energy because there is no where to put it.

    Living in Montana there is one pass that I go over (7500 feet I think) that fills the battery on the downhill side. It is really obvious when it happens because all of the sudden it feels like the car goes into neutral and I start picking up speed like crazy. The B mode is handy so I don't have to ride the brakes as hard. But most of the time I am near the bottom and just ride it out without B mode and let the car go up to about 80 and let the built up speed and full battery take me for about 10 miles at 100mpg.

    If you aren't filling your battery on long steep hills you don't need B

    G
     
    #3 greylar, Jun 26, 2009
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