Hey everyone, I'm planning on selling my 2007 Prius (pkg 5?) and am a little nervous about the EV switch that I installed three years ago. I've had ZERO problems, but I'm thinking that it could make buyers nervous as I've long lost the literature that came with it. (this was two computers ago so I've also lost the link!) It's the EV switch that has to be activated by holding down the cruise control for 3 seconds. Does anyone have an idea of what model this might be, or better yet, instructions for uninstall? I bought it in mid 2007, I think it might have been the "Costal Tech" model. (again, it's worked great but the website doesn't exactly inspire confidence in their product!) Any tips for uninstalling this baby? Any comments appreciated!
uninstalling is a piece of cake...snip the wires and it's gone. Prius Accessories is where you bought it, but good luck getting them to send you copies of the instructions.
Not so fast, you need to take the switch out and put a blank back in. The potential buyer will ask for an answer what that switch is for.
The OP has the Coastal EV mod which does not involve any switches, it uses the cruise control stalk and simply involves tapping 3wires. Snip the wires b/w the EV module/adapter and the original wires and it comes out and you're done.
How about just not mentioning the device? I'm sure any buyer would be far more concerned about regular oil changes, tire condition, and if there is any crash damage. The presence of an invisible option that hasn't caused any problems seems very low on most people's priority list. If someone asks, tell the truth. But no need to highlight what you think could be viewed as a negative.
And I know that there is no plug/blank needed but for those that care in the future, you can buy them from toyota for about $5. They are special order parts, but it only takes a couple days. I actually ordered 2 extra ones before I did the mod. I always have spare new OEM pieces for anything that I modify on any car just for this reason.
The problem is that it leaves the seller open to litigation later. If there is a battery issue and the dealer voids the warranty because they discover the switch which they will, the buyer will turn around and sue the seller and the buyer would have a slam dunk case.
The probability of there being a battery problem is vanishingly low. If using an EV switch actually caused problems, it would already be a scandal. The issue as it stands now is that there was a single battery failure with an aftermarket EV switch installed, and Toyota tried to weasel out of covering it. They could certainly do that again, but the bad publicity would be more expensive than eating the replacement cost. Given that the EV switch is normally installed on all Gen2 Prius outside of North America, and all Gen3 Prius worldwide, I think you can feel comfortable just leaving the switch installed.
I would want to let the buyer know about it so they could USE it. But we live in a sadly litigious society.Might be safest to disable it. What a waste.
If you need instructions email me and I can send you a copy. I've installed this switch in several Prii now. However, if you still want to take it out: simply pull firmly and carefully on the red added plugs - then carefully lifting the white bar simply pull out the orange wire. I had to do this on one of my Prii --- This saves the $40-50 device and you can resell it on eBay or sell it to the new owner for $40-50. The two red plugs have to remain in place - if you remove those you risk the wires having future problems. So even with device removed - if you are afraid of being sued - IF (big IF) the battery has issues later and they find two slits on the wires you're still going to get blamed. I have never heard of anyone being sued for OEM parts on a vehicle - have a lawyer write up a sellers agreement - like a house - that frees you from being responsible that they know they are purchasing a car that has what every car in Europe and Japan had and most intelligent Americans have 'put back in.' Just snipping the wires and throwing that away is like tossing a working PS2 to the curb. That would just be dumb - it is a machine/computer and works fine. In fact, I have the red plugs if you need them - I'll sell those for $8.00 plus shipping. Let me know.
