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What's this missing switch

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by bigblockcutlass, Dec 9, 2012.

  1. bigblockcutlass

    bigblockcutlass Junior Member

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    Read something on this forum about a missing EV switch. What is it? Were can I get it? Does effect the life of the Traction battery?
     
    #1 bigblockcutlass, Dec 9, 2012
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    In some markets, the Gen 2 had a EV mode switch, but not in North America, perhaps due to being unable to last though the 150,00 mile / 10 year CARB warranty.
    Forcing the Prius into EV mode does not let the computers choose the 'best' mode, however you define best.
    http://www.calcars.org/prius-evbutton-install.pdf
     
    #2 JimboPalmer, Dec 9, 2012
  3. bigblockcutlass

    bigblockcutlass Junior Member

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    Will this work on the 2009? I see he used a different year 2004. Do you still have to gound terminal 27 in H-14 plug on the 2009's.
     
    #3 bigblockcutlass, Dec 9, 2012
  4. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    Works fine on my 2009. Good luck!
     
    #4 2009Prius, Dec 9, 2012
  5. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    The EV switch I have came from Canada. It's an official Toyota part that's just not sold directly in the United States. When installed, no one would know that it didn't come with the car; they would have to break open the dash and look at the non-factory wiring connections.

    It looks like the image below. And yes, when the headlights are turned on, the button illuminates.
    [​IMG]

    Image (c) Darell's Electric Vehicle Page (aka Darelldd)
     
    #5 TonyPSchaefer, Dec 9, 2012
    KK6PD likes this.
  6. bigblockcutlass

    bigblockcutlass Junior Member

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    Just wired it up to the head light flash. Works good. Thanks for the help. Now when I'm wonder "why is that engine running" I can just shut if off.
     
    #6 bigblockcutlass, Dec 9, 2012
  7. RikM

    RikM Junior Member

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    If it works like the stock EV switch, it won't do that. It suppresses starting, rather than turning off the engine.
    If the engine is running, you just get a message along the lines of "can't do that at this time"...
     
    #7 RikM, Dec 9, 2012
  8. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    You can use it to turn off the engine, but only under certain conditions.

    Be warned that overuse of the EV button and inappropriate use of the EV button will, in fact, LOWER your overall mpg average.
    - a charged pack is a happy pack.
    - the EV switch will allow you to drain the pack. (Down to two bars)
    - the engine will run more and you will realize reduced power as the pack is recharged.
    - your mpg average will drop.
     
    #8 TonyPSchaefer, Dec 10, 2012
  9. bigblockcutlass

    bigblockcutlass Junior Member

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    Don't think this function is going to be used much. too hard on the battery I'd say. It works good to kill the engine when its calling for heat.
     
    #9 bigblockcutlass, Dec 15, 2012
  10. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    Hi bigblock,

    It sounds like you are trying to maximize MPG on your Prius due to your interest in the EV switch. If you really want to get maximum mileage, try pumping up the tires to max sidewall pressures. Keep the front's two lbs. more than the rear. Also practice what is known as Pulse & Glide. If you do those two things along with the basic maintenance, you should have no problems achieving very close to EPA estimates or more. Remember "Your Mileage May Vary". Also, if you use the A/C, try to keep the compressor turned off during the cooler parts of the year. If you have the climate control set on "Auto", the compressor will run which will siphon power from the traction battery. To turn off the compressor simply hit the A/C button on the MFD, the little line underneath it will go out, which signifies the compressor is off. All the other functions will stay on Auto until you override one of them by hitting the buttons on the MFD. When you hit "Auto", everything is controlled by the computer and it is not always the most efficient as far as MPG is concerned.

    I hope this info helps and "Welcome to Prius Chat"!

    Ron
     
    #10 dorunron, Dec 15, 2012
  11. R-P

    R-P Active Member

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    I mainly use it for manouvering around the parkinglot outside our house (e.g. when the rear is parked in the bushes and I need to get at it). No need for the engine to start if I will be turning OFF the car 10 seconds later...
    Or when I'm almost home, my run home has a downhill slope, so I can almost do this coasting. Gives the turbo time to spool down :ROFLMAO:


    My buttons (LHD 2009 Prius II) are placed differently. And they cannot be swapped around (I tried, as the most right one is the blank one and will hold my subwoofer-volume control that I would rather have more to the left...)
     
    #11 R-P, Dec 19, 2012
  12. jpadc

    jpadc Type before I think too often

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    Tony, Do you have a part number and a supplier for the switch. I've never been really interested in doing the mod for this until I saw that switch... That's just too sweet not to do.
     
    #12 jpadc, Jan 13, 2013
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