True glide above 42 MPH Is it possible?

The issue 42 MPH glide limit:

One of the things that bothers me the most about the current generation is the 42 MPH glide limit. Several times while my speed is above 42 MPH I would like to glide. I feel that the limit should be 62 MPH. This is confirmed by the new software on the experimental plug-in's that Toyota is testing. The glide limit on these new plug-in's is 62 MPH. So why can't we glide up to 62 MPH. I've been told "that's just the way it is".

Possible solution:

I have read the threads by bwilson4web and ken1764 about hacking and thus fooling the temperature sensor to avoid the warm-up phases. The thread can be found here. They are sending a different signal to the ECU that the temperature is already warm, thus bypassing the warm-up phases.

My question is this. Can the same type of hack be done on the speed sensor?

If we could "trick" the ECU into thinking the car was below 42 MPH when it is actually above 42 MPH, then glide becomes available above 42 MPH.

I know there is are all kinds of implication to this mod. My point here is to get a discussion going on this subject. Maybe some good ideas will come out of it.

I ask all the nay sayers and safety freaks to give us a break on this question. Nobody is implementing anything at this time. I know there are all kinds of safety and mechanical implications. The purpose is to get people thinking about how this could be possible and if it is possible and learn something more about the car in the process.

Maybe I am on to something here maybe not. Maybe it is a stupid idea. I don’t know. I am sure to find out in the next few days.

Thanks

 

One of the questions that I don't have the answer to is: How is the speed determined. Also is the speed tied into the odometer. Is it also tied into the fuel comsumption calculation.

 

OK, Can you explain why and how this is a problem. Why would it matter what other system is getting the wrong speed.

I can think of a few, Stability control, antilock brakes etc.

But that is my point. Do you know how the system actually works. Or is there anyone else that has manuals that does.

 

If you put it in neutral above 42 MPH then the ICE runs at idle, burning fuel. The goal would be to have the ICE cut off between 42 and 62. You can warp-stealth now, but it is not as good as ICE off. There is warp neutral, but you must select "N" below 42 MPH then coast to speeds above 42 MPH.

The point is that I want to be able to enter glide above 42 MPH like I do below 42 MPH.

 

By "tuner guys" do you mean the people who sell performance chips? That is interesting. Maybe that is worth a call.

Yes.

In my area there is one bridge that crosses the Lincking River. It is I-275 and is an interstate. It is the only way across for miles. At the top of the hill if there is no traffic, I slow to 41, enter glide with the ICE off and select N. If I do this then the 5 minute MPG readout is a least 5 MPG higher than if I use warp stealth on that segment. The segment is about 2 miles long.

Can you explain what you did a little more? Did you slelect "N" below 42 or above 42, and what do you mean "touched" 50 MPH?

 

Hi Bob,

I was hoping you would chime in. Great explanation. That makes sense to me. I understand that the speed is probably tied into the magnet sensors.

I thought that in "N", all controls to MG1 and MG2 are disabled. If this is the case, then MG1 cannot try to spin up the ICE unless you switch to D. Is that right, in "N" MG1 cannot spin the ICE?

By the way, I really enjoyed the Georgetown plant tour and thank you for setting it up. Please put me on the list for this years tour wherever it is.

 

This got me thinking (I know a scary thought). There are plenty of performance chips out there that go for more horsepower. I wonder how they do this. I googled performance chip and came up with jetchip.com. I called the number and asked for technical support. After fumbling through what several people with "what product I was having trouble with". I finally got to talk to someone who seems knowledgeable.

I just laid it out to him that I was looking for a Prius chip to optimize fuel economy. This kind of was the opposite of what they do (add horsepower), but when I explained to him that I may want to change some of the setting in the "chip" he started talking.

The gist is, Toyota doesn’t have "chips", they flash the ECU with their new settings. They are very familiar with other Toyota vehicles and have several products for them. I asked if he thought that you could change the "glide" number(speed of onset) and he seemed to think that you could program a fuel shutoff fairly easily. This was a short conversation and I didn't get into specifics, but he said I should get my specs of what I wanted and email the specs to the sales as a request for flash programming. They would get back to me if they can do it and at what cost.

So. What should I ask for?

Maybe someone with a little more technical knowledge will help me out here.