Since installing my Coastal EV switch I observed, as noted on Priuschat before, that the MFD will give you a message when it can not engage EV mode. Today, I noticed that when EV is activated the four simulated wheels/tires on the MFD briefly stop and turn backwards. It occurs when the car is at rest or moving (under 34MPH). I thought initially that it was my imagination, but I have since replicated it every time I activate EV mode. Has this been mentioned before? On the factory installed systems is this the MFD signal that EV mode has activated? It's really handy to have the confirmation that the EV mode is on. Thought I'd pass the info on.
I take back what I said. I paid more attention to it this time and the wheels do stop but they don't turn backwards. They just stop and then keep on going.
I just ordered my Coastal EV mod. Hope it gets here soon. Thanks for the tip. Does anyone have a copy of the instructions for installing the Coastal EV mod? Would be nice to read it over before getting it. Cheers
Good Question and I'm looking forward to a reply on the instructions for installing the Coastal EV mod on an 06. Also, can someone supply the website where I can order the 06 EV mod? I just bought my second Prius today. Regards -- Kevin
I have an '06 (without Nav) and have never had any displayed indication concerning the status of the Coastal EV mode. It will switch from the consumption screen to the energy screen when activated. Sometimes EV will change status without any beeps. I'll look for the wheel motion tomorrow.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Three60guy @ Jun 26 2006, 09:58 AM) [snapback]276852[/snapback]</div> I suggest you read through this thread Coastal EV It has some great insights and helpful tips. website is Coastal webpage <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(theforce @ Jun 26 2006, 09:14 AM) [snapback]276833[/snapback]</div> I think we are just seeing the screen refresh...hence the appearance of the wheel hesitating.
And the "moving backwards" is an illusion. Same thing happens if you stay for the credits at a movie, watching them scroll up the screen, and then final bit with the logos and copyrights stops. For a whiile, it actually appears to be moving down, even though it's stationary. So, if you MFD Energy screen wheels are rolling forward and then instantly stop, you might perceive them as backing up when they are really just stationary. ///d@
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mssmith95 @ Jul 8 2006, 01:51 AM) [snapback]282917[/snapback]</div> Thanks mssmith95 for the links..... I actually remember that thread now. I had asked a number of questions at the time. Guess I forgot about it. In anycase I finally did get the Coastal EV mod. It works great. The fears I had about the battery (which I had expressed in that thread) went away when I understood that the battery is never made to go out of a range of 40 to 80 state of charge. No way then can the battery loose battery life just by using the EV mode modification. I made the mod and now enjoy using it.
EV Switch and Warranty Has anyone had any Warranty issues with Toyota if you install the EV mode switch and then require warranty work done to your Prius? I heard that Toyota will void your warranty if it finds an EV Mode switch installed. Any Comments are welcome. Thanks
Re: EV Switch and Warranty There is at least one report here of Toyota initially denying a warranty claim. See this for more.
One of the advantages of the Coastal EV switch is that it is not immediately obvious that it's there. They'd have to be looking behind that cluster of pins, and then notice the do-hicky that's the Coastal mechanism, and then recognize that's what it is. Or else they'd have to suspect it and try the c/c stalk to see.
