I bought a 2008 last month and the slaesman has noticed many of my personal upgrades (tinted windows, leather seat covers, trailer hitch). He asked if I would be interested in a 'chip' that is usually exclusive to Japan. Supposedly, this chip places the car in EV mode automatically more often. I tried the search function with little time to look through ALL of them, still no luck. Has anyone heard of this? What are the benefits/negatives? Why aren't they available in CA? Price? Thanks. -Dustin
How about a button from RadioShack? That's all it takes. Just do a search on "EV Mode" or "EV Button". It can be as little as a $5 mod if you are comfortable with wiring, but it is not meant to be used to drive around. It is meant more as a "back the car out of the garage" button.
BRICK, I'm familiar with the EV installation, but I was looking at this to be more of a long-haul modification that, from what I am told, will increase significant MPG. I wonder if this chip bypasses the initial 'warm-up' stage that ultimately kills our efficiency. Or if not, is there a way to do this?
You REALLY need to search and read this forum. Some feel that this switch does help FE, and some say it does not. I am in the latter camp. Again, there is exhaustive information about the subject already written within these walls. Read those posts, and you shall have your answer. ... Brad
Brad, I understand there is extensive information on the subject of efficiency. I HAVE searched the forum (as stated above) and I cannot find info regarding this particular chip. I am an AVID reader of the forum and just asking for help finding some info. If you know of a thread on this subject, please place a link to it on this one, rather than telling me to search for myself. Once again, I am in need of information, not on the EV switch, but the chip I am refering to that suppossedly is only available in Japan. Thanks in advance for your help.
No one is familiar with a so-called "chip" from Japan. Everyone assumes it's the well documented, already noted , EV switch. Check with your source. I believe you will find your salesman is less informed than you may think.
Sorry for the confusion. However, I'm guessing that your dealer is referring to the AV switch as this "chip" from Japan. Since you are a self stated AVID reader of this forum, (only 3 posts, and all are in this thread?), you already know that the AV switch is standard in Japan. ... Brad
What hasn't been stated is the "code" is already in the Prius system. All you do to active it is install the switch. You can get the "stock" switch on-line if you want it to look original. It -will- make Toyota want to void your battery warranty, so be warned! The salesman may have been trying to sell you the Coastal Technologies switch, which does include a circuit board (the "chip"?). It uses an existing switch on the car. It is NOT Japanese.
There are threads regarding the wiring schematics of various systems and sub-systems of the Prius. There are extensive modification threads. There are members who have literally dismantled sections of their Prius to study the electronics. I truly believe there is a reason that an extensive amount of searching and reading has revealed no information about this Japanese chip. On the other hand, there are many threads discussing dealers: from those who don't know what they're talking about to those who simply misspeak.
I am interested in this as well...saw it on juicedhybrid.com It is not available in cars shipped to North America. Supposedly it is for driving up to 34 mph? I think juicedhybrid.com even provides a video on how to install.
Okay, now I see why this thread was started. It also explains why the OP (who I'm guessing is also "metagrey") had never posted until today. ... Brad
You found the site quicker than I could. :first: I was searching for the originating thread. :typing: Back in June ('08), JuicedHybrid was pushing this type of product (thread link: http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-modifications/48344-juicedhybrid-electric-only-option.html ). As has already been covered in THIS thread, cheaper alternatives are available. No matter which path is taken, the end result is the same: Put a momentary ground on a pin of an ECU.
I appreciate those of you who have given me the advice of watching out for what the salespeople are pushing at the dealership. I will probably go over there this week and ask some more questions about the item. You are probably right, synonomous with the EV button. I'll report more as I get more. Thanks again for those of you who have contributed your knowledge rather than criticism.
