- #30 of 39
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Re: Hybrid Test Drive [desertfox1]
by kdhspyder
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Aug 04, 2006 (9:00 pm)
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Replying to: desertfox1 (Aug 04, 2006 12:42 pm)
most basically when the speed is over 41 mph the ICE is always running, either full out driving the wheels or on idle just under 1000 rpms while 'coasting'. Under 41 mph or so the engine can shut off and this depends on your inputs. If you let off the pedal entirely under 41 mph and just coast, such as coming up to a stop light or traffic slowdown, then the ICE is off. Other wise no.
When driving normally such as at highway speeds the ICE is always on but it may be 'idling' under 1000 rpms. This is still a significant saving in fuel since most highway cruising rpms are in the 1600-1800 rpm range. 30-40% fuel savings.
Adjusting your driving skills. Drive more relaxededly. Tend to let up on the pedal and coast whenever you see that you might have to slow up ahead ( anticipation ). Try NOT driving on the highway if you dont have to if the traffic is in the 70-80 mph range. Let the technology do it's job, which it will.
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- #31 of 39
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Re: Hybrid Test Drive [desertfox1]
by newski3
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Aug 04, 2006 (10:09 pm)
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Replying to: desertfox1 (Aug 04, 2006 12:42 pm)
1. The "Cruise" light only indicates that the cruise control is powered "On." There is no additional light to indicate that it is "engaged." So, make sure you press the "set" switch to engage at what ever speed you desire after you press the power on switch. I have found both my Toyota autos to have quality cruise controls.
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- #32 of 39
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Re: Hybrid Test Drive [kdhspyder]
by cdptrap
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Aug 05, 2006 (4:27 pm)
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Replying to: kdhspyder (Aug 04, 2006 9:00 pm)
Thanks for the specific info. I have always wondered if the ICE stays ON at highway speed on a long downhill. The display shows charging from the regenerative system, not the ICE. It makes sense to keep the ICE ready at a low idle RPM.
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- #33 of 39
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Re: Hybrid Test Drive [desertfox1]
by upstateny5
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Aug 06, 2006 (2:30 am)
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Replying to: desertfox1 (Aug 04, 2006 12:42 pm)
#3 - you will not see the actual mpg - you can toggle to a screen which shows you a bar graph but it is only an approximation. I purchased an add on device called ScanGauge which allows me to see the precise mpg on a base model.
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- #34 of 39
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Re: Hybrid Test Drive [upstateny5]
by groovology
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Aug 06, 2006 (8:45 am)
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Replying to: upstateny5 (Aug 06, 2006 2:30 am)
ScanGauge? Can you provide more details? Sounds interesting. Links would be very much appreciated to this, I have a ltd with no nav screen, and would like more system info while driving...
Also, do you or does anyone out therehave any idea if you can change the climate control default to something OTHER than Recirculate on start up? This drives me crazy,having to switch it to fresh air every time I start the vehicle. Toyota says this is a default position for some reason, but if you drive around without the AC on, the vehicle gets hotter and hotter in the cabin because there is no fresh air coming in!
Thanks
groovology
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- #35 of 39
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Re: Hybrid Test Drive [groovology]
by wwest
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Aug 06, 2006 (9:47 am)
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Replying to: groovology (Aug 06, 2006 8:45 am)
Yes, there is a c-best option, at least for newer model years, you dealer can set to disable the auto reset.
The proper way to use the system is to use "fresh" initially to flush/remove the preheated cabin atmosphere, and perhaps cool the preheated interior surfaces a bit, and then switch to recirculate (but NOT/NEVER in cool/cold climates)to increase the A/C efficiency.
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- #36 of 39
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Re: Hybrid Test Drive [desertfox1]
by jdkahler
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Aug 06, 2006 (2:05 pm)
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Replying to: desertfox1 (Aug 04, 2006 12:42 pm)
1 & 3 have already been answered well. As for 2, at highway speeds on some roads in some conditions - using the cruise control - the display on the HH baseindeed will sometimes show the vehicle running only on battery (unusual), charging the battery (not so unusual, especially on downhills) and at times with no indication as the vehicle is coasting. The computer is constantly adjusting to conditions. We recently took our summer treck to the Adirondacks in upstate NY and on those big hills would especially see the charge, occasionally running only on battery. Most of the time it's the ICE at highway speed (which is the design after all, run the vehicle with the ICE when most efficient), especially in upstrokes in those hills with the motor cutting in and out to easily maintain speed on cruise. Oh yeah, we did about 29 mpg on the trip including some driving both directions in heavy rain. The HH performed flawlessly, steady and stable.
You can see this happening, though for short periods, even on the highways in the Philly area where we live. It's kinda cool to be going 60-65 on a suburban interstate and see you're just charging battery or "coasting" along.
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- #37 of 39
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Re: Hybrid Test Drive [jdkahler]
by newski3
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Aug 06, 2006 (5:31 pm)
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Replying to: jdkahler (Aug 06, 2006 2:05 pm)
"Most of the time it's the ICE at highway speed..." This seems to be the case. However, I have noticed that even when only the ice is delivering power at highway speeds as per the Energy Graphics on my Nav system, the "Power Needle" (left most gage on dash) is about 1/4" or so ABOVE the "0" kwh HATCHED AREA. Meaning, I assume, that the electrical system is none-the-less delivering power to the drive system???? I asked my local dealer about this and as happened on most of my HH technical questions, he gave me the old "Marine Salute."
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- #38 of 39
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Re: Hybrid Test Drive [newski3]
by discussion1
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Aug 06, 2006 (11:07 pm)
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Replying to: newski3 (Aug 06, 2006 5:31 pm)
The "Power Meter" shows combined power from ICE and batteries in KWh. So whenever there is power production, either by ICE only or batteries or both, the meter will show the power level. The drive system utilizes the ICE and batteries either individually or in combination depending on demands of driving conditions.
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- #39 of 39
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Re: Hybrid Test Drive [newski3]
by desertfox1
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Aug 07, 2006 (4:07 am)
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Replying to: newski3 (Aug 06, 2006 5:31 pm)
I assume the energy graphic would be the same between the HH Base and limited, but is it different on the NAV system?
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