While downhill, the ICE can start for a small period of time(1-2 seconds) and then shut downs. This ca happens 1, 2 or 3 times while downhill. Can anybody tell if this is a normal process or not? And if yes, can anyone explains why?
Above the MG1/MG2 maximum RPM speed (around 46mph in the v), the ICE kicks in and takes the load off the MGs.
No, I'm not using cruise control. While ICE is working, it use fuel also, despite the fact that the car goes downhill. It is not about keeping the system warmed up because it is warmed up already and I don't use any heater(s) or aditional power. I don't understand what is the reason to start the ICE for small period of time to "take the load off the MGs". By taking the load of MGs I understand to run ICE permanently.
The MG units have a maximum RPM, above which bad things can happen. "Rotation speeds of MG1, MG2, and ICE are inter-dependent, and the speed of MG1 will always change when you vary the speed of either of the other 2. MG1 has a maximum rate of 10,000rpm in either direction (positive or negative) with a software limit of 6500 RPM if ICE is off." See: Toyota Prius - Power Split Device
Probably there is a pattern when and how this happens. What I've observed so far when downhill is that the ICE kicks in for ~1sec in the following situations: 1. when the speed decreases at ~46mph(74kmh) 2. when the speed increases at ~49mph(79kmh). This is repeating whenever the speed crosses these numbers.
I don't use any special tool. I use only the dashboard and my feeling of the car(I always feel when the ICE kicks in and off because there is a little feedback which a good driver feels it). And yes, I missed out that the Prius+(XW40) has 2 of PSD(vs 1 of Prius XW20), this is why maybe there is a reason why this is happening.
Battery is over charged starting the engine will knock down some charge or your pressing the pedal or ac going. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
