Can you please tell me the difference between the ACC Mode and the IG mode? (Pls see manual extract of their definitions). In ACC Mode, one can turn on the audio or TV while the car is off. But what is the IG Mode and its use? Thanks.
Ig-on powers up most the the Prius systems, so it places a much larger load on the 12V battery. You don't want to use it to listen to the radio for example. I think Ig-on mode is mostly just used for testing and diagnostic purposes. It allows systems to power up so that you can test them, without having to go all the way to "Ready" where the engine can start. For example, I usually use ig-on mode to test that the inverter coolant pump is running each time I check the oil and coolant levels.
IG mode turns on the Prius instrumentation so that you can read the ODO, See all the indicator lights; I use it only for short intervals (e.g. after filling up the tank to record mileage). JeffD
For normal use (listen to the radio, etc.) I recommend staying in Ready. All of your batteries are pampered in Ready. I would only use Acc or Ig-On when it was vital that the engine not start.
Fairly often I ride a 2-3 hour ferry. I leave it on Ready the whole time listening to the stereo and providing heat to the cabin. Of course the ICE runs as needed to keep the coolant warm and to keep the batteries charged. I wouldn't attempt that in any other mode. BTW, the hit over that time is only a few MPG.
Thanks all for the nice information. The difference between the three operation modes is now very clear, which was really quite confusing reading form the manual. A word about my new car; its really lovely to look at, is very comfy, full of systems, and a pleasure to drive, besides being very 'green' in the eco sense, and saving gallons on the mileage. I am eager to learn more about it, so I will be hanging around asking questions often. Thanks for bearing up with me...
Your English is good. A note on the term "bearing": "Thanks for bearing with me" or "I'm bearing up well" (doing well despite difficulties). Not certain as to why one phrase uses "up" and the other does not. I speak no other language, by the way, so we acknowledge who speaks two languages and who knows only one here. Congrats on your new car. They can be a true delight.
