If I am driving under 35 mph and keep steady pressure on the gas, the electric motor will not kick in. If i let up on the gas peddle the engine will shut off and run totally on electric until I accelerate. Does anyone have a similar situation or suggestions. I took it to the Toyota dealer and he said no adjustment all computer controlled and I am on the current software release.
what they are trying to say Joker is that you're in the pocket, your experiencing the beginning exercises of PULSE & GLIDE a technique by which you can get excellent MPG! Carry on! But in the meantime you probably should read EFusco's treatise on driving the Prius. I believe this is the link, click here
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(joker @ Jul 28 2007, 07:37 AM) [snapback]486391[/snapback]</div> The best strategy is Not using the battery . Ken@Japan
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(joker @ Jul 27 2007, 06:37 PM) [snapback]486391[/snapback]</div> Congratulations, you just discoved one of the most important features and driving techniques associated with you Prius. Exploiting that feature below 41MPH, whenever possible/feasable is what leads to high MPG. Used to maintain momentum on flat or slightly declined roadway. Or even tooling around parking lots. It's called 'stealth mode' around here. (Actually, you can do the same thing at Hwy. speeds, it's called Warp Stealth) Now, lets go for a PHd in Prius driving at lower speeds.........Lift pedal pressure ever so slightly from that state, making no arrows, and you are gliding. The basis of Pulse and Glide. The Nirvana, gravity (kinetic energy) takes over and it's infinite MPG>IE, no battery. And to think you questioned this awesome feature that the genius engineers had the foresight to progam into the car.....
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ken1784 @ Jul 27 2007, 10:23 PM) [snapback]486488[/snapback]</div> Let me second this. New users miss this concept, but it is at the very core of driving efficiency. Tom