Normal for engine to cycle on and off rapidly?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Bill Lumbergh, Apr 25, 2006.

  1. Bill Lumbergh

    Bill Lumbergh USAF Aircraft Maintainer

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    I was creeping forward this morning in the line of vehicles entering the base, cycling between full brakes applied and light coasting, when the engine began starting and stopping repeatedly. The car was fully warmed and I had been operating only on the battery for about 30 seconds prior to the event as I wated at stoplights. Heat was off, headlights on, radio on. No EV switch. I recall reading here that it may do this to dump excess charge, but my battery showed I was still "in the blue".

    I cycled the heat on in an attempt to encourage the engine to stay running, but no dice. Finally, after about 20 cycles, it shut off and stayed off and I cruised through the gate silently, as usual.

    Thoughts? I don't like visiting the dealer, ever, if that matters.
     
    #1 Bill Lumbergh, Apr 25, 2006
  2. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    I wouldn't worry about it. Are you getting the same drop in temps that we are? I have had the ICE cycle rapidly at times. I chalked it up to chilly engine trying to warm up but realizing that it wasn't needed for locomotion but still wanting to start up but being right on the cusp and shutting off but maybe it's a little cold so it starts up and since you're standing still it shuts off and so on and so forth. I might be way off, but that's they confused way I think of it.
     
    #2 TonyPSchaefer, Apr 25, 2006
  3. Bill Lumbergh

    Bill Lumbergh USAF Aircraft Maintainer

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TonyPSchaefer @ Apr 25 2006, 10:42 PM) [snapback]245283[/snapback]</div>
    You could be right....the temps here have been in the 30s every morning, although I park in underground heated parking, so my car is a balmy 55 degrees when I roll it outside. About halfway to work the snowflake light flashes on. I have no trouble operating in stealth, though, so the coolant and emissions stuff is plenty warm when I get in line at the base.

    More of an annoyance than anything, I suppose.
     
    #3 Bill Lumbergh, Apr 25, 2006
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